Perhaps the most widely known and televised event that takes place throughout the course of the year in New York City is the New Year’s Eve bash in Times Square. Each year more than 4 million people squeeze into the square despite frigid temperatures and wait for hours on end until the final moment of the year. More than a billion people throughout the world watch as the humongous Waterford Crystal ball slowly drops as the final seconds of the year tick down and the New Year is welcomed.
Because this is quite literally the busiest holiday that New York City experiences throughout the year it is absolutely required that you book your accommodations before you make your trip to the city. Hotels book up solid weeks in advance and you don’t want to run the risk of financing a vacation, only to discover you need to drive or take a train an hour out of the city just to find somewhere to sleep.
The history of the New Year’s Even Ball dates back to 1907, when it made its inaugural voyage down the flagpole at the heart of Times Square; though these types of balls were used to tell time long before their use for celebrating the New Year. It all started at England’s Royal Observatory in Greenwich in the year 1833 when a ball would drop at precisely one o’clock each afternoon to allow ship captains that were in view of the ball to set their navigational instruments.
The technology was progressively improved and the current ball used in New York City’s Times Square is by far the most efficient and eco-conscious ball used to date. For any given hour it is lit the ball only uses the same amount of electricity as two household ovens. That isn’t much considering that you could literally see the ball clearly from miles away. The incorporation of new LED technologies has allowed for the ball to become much more energy efficient, and a switch from the traditional and heavy cast-iron ball which weighed nearly 1000 pounds has been replaced with lightweight aluminum which shaved off nearly 800 pounds of its bulky weight.
Spending the New Year’s holiday in New York is sure to be a memorable experience whether you are attending the festivities with your family or friends. There are loads of accommodations options close as well as a multitude of different venues that provide after-party entertainment. You are sure to find activities to suit any taste and budget, but be forewarned; since this is the busiest holiday of the year in New York City be prepared to wait on lines wherever you go. Bring plenty of spare cash to help grease the palms of Maître D’s and you will be able to cut through most lines, and of course don’t forget your camera to capture all of your experiences! You have to have some way to remember your trip and the memory can only be so reliable, especially when alcohol is everywhere! Enjoy yourself and be safe this holiday season!
