Comprehensive guide to regulations, restrictions, and logistics for safe participation in historic celebration
Street Closure Timeline
Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration required extensive street closures to accommodate over one million spectators. Seventh Avenue and Broadway closed to vehicular traffic from 38th to 59th streets at approximately 11 a.m. on December 31. By 4 p.m., Sixth and Eighth avenues within the event area closed to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, with designated pedestrian crossings at 41st, 44th, 47th, 50th, 54th, and 57th streets.
Prohibited Items and Security Screening
Event organizers prohibited numerous items including backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs, picnic blankets, coolers, alcohol, drones, and weapons. Security personnel conducted bag searches at checkpoints. Public alcohol consumption was illegal and subject to confiscation. These restrictions reflected security and safety protocols necessary for managing mass gatherings of this magnitude.
Access Points and Viewing Area Distribution
Pedestrian entry was permitted only via 6th or 8th avenues, with access checkpoints at 45th, 49th, 52nd, and 56th streets. Once streets closed, crossing Broadway or 7th Avenue was prohibited. Viewing areas opened at 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Streets filled pen by pen as capacity was reached.
Accessibility Accommodations
A designated viewing area was available for people with disabilities, with advance inquiries directed to info@timessquarenyc.org. While no portable toilets or licensed vendors operated within the event area, nearby Broadway shows, stores, and restaurants remained open, though leaving a viewing spot forfeited re-entry. Some Times Square hotels and restaurants offered views of the ball drop.
Real-Time Communication
Attendees could text NEWYEARSEVE to 692692 (NYCNYC) for real-time updates on closures, weather, and transit. Flash Alerts from the Times Square Alliance provided notifications about local conditions and security. For complete information on New Year’s Eve preparations and safety, see the Times Square Alliance official website. For MTA transit information, see the Metropolitan Transportation Authority website.
