NYC Invites the World to Celebrate
It’s a New Year’s celebration like no other.
NYC & Company, New York City’s destination marketing organization, is inviting the world to ring in 2017 New York City-style as the city once again hosts one of the world’s premier New Year’s Eve celebrations.
With festive ways to welcome the New Year across all five boroughs – including the iconic ball drop in Times Square – officials say there’s not a more exciting time to be in New York City.
“Every year, millions of visitors and local residents experience the unique energy, diversity and excitement of New York as the City rings in a New Year,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company president and CEO. “With special hotel offerings, unique cultural celebrations around the City and fantastic dining options overlooking the Times Square ball drop, we encourage everyone to plan an unforgettable New Year’s Eve weekend getaway to New York City.”
More than 175 million television viewers in the US and more than a billion people worldwide are expected to join the estimated million revellers in New York City to watch a 110-year-old tradition – the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. A 12-foot-diametre geodesic sphere covered in 2,688 Waterford crystals, the ball weighs 11,875 pounds and is powered by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LED lights, capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colours. At 11:59 p.m., the ball begins its descent atop One Times Square as millions of people count down the final seconds of the year and celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Other New Year’s Eve events taking place in Times Square include:
- Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest: An annual tradition since 1972, the show will kick off New Year’s Eve celebrations live from Times Square with host Ryan Seacrest and comedian Jenny McCarthy. Pop star Fergie will also be co-hosting the Billboard Hollywood Party, featuring celebrity performances throughout the night.
- New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall: When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, thousands of confetti pieces will rain down upon revellers in Times Square, each containing a special wish from people across the globe.
- Madame Tussauds New York: Located within walking distance from the ball drop, families can hang out with more than 200 life-size wax figures of their favourite celebrities as Madame Tussauds celebrates the New Year. This year’s event includes appetizers, open bar for ages 21 and over and access to the attraction’s themed rooms, including the new Ghostbusters Experience that opened earlier this year.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square: With over 500 exhibits and 20 galleries, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square will once again be holding a New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in 2017. Ripley’s New Year’s Eve party will feature a live DJ, dancing, open bar and face painting for the kids, complete with a champagne toast at midnight.
Visitors looking to dance and dine the night away will find several restaurants and venues with New Year’s Eve offerings around Times Square. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar (two locations in Times Square), AMC Empire 25, Aureole New York by Charlie Palmer, Blue Fin, Chevys, Dallas BBQ, Dave & Buster’s Times Square, Dos Caminos, Fig & Olive, Glass House Tavern, Planet Hollywood Times Square, STK New York City Midtown, St. Andrews Restaurant & Bar and others will welcome 2017 in style. For further details, visit http://www.balldrop.com.
