I know it's nuts, but I may try to go to Times Square this New Year's Eve. I've never been, so the question is what time should I head over there? Go early and stake out a spot or go later and try to squeeze through? Any particular place anyone can recommend?

Thanks!

You have to be absolutely out of your mind to go to Times Square this New Year's Eve. But if you must, I would suggest you get there as early as possible (how's that for an answer). My understanding is that the festivities are going to begin at 7am since it is midnite somewhere in the South Pacific then. They plan on celebrating each stroke of midnite around the world, with of course the bi one at midnite New York time. Quite frankly I've had just about enough of the millenium and all that crap and can't wait until it's over.

I'm guessing no matter how early you arrive it's going to be positively mobbed with thousands jockeying for positions, along with throngs of passers-by. Be SURE to dress for the cold weather or you'll be very uncomfortable. And, this would be one of those times when carrying your valuables in an under your clothing security pouch would be prudent. I doubt this "millenium thing" will be over this year. The "experts" claim that this millenium really ends December 31, 2000, so my guess is that we'll be doing this all over again next year at the "real" turn of the century...

Times Square is always a zoo on New Year's Eve. This year, it promises to be an even larger zoo! Get there early, and plan on staying in that spot for a long time! You will not be able to move anywhere easily.
I concur with the advice already given.
You're nuts! But, what the hell...I went when I was 20!

Kim,

I agree with Howard...if you must, you must!

If only I had gone when I was 20...but I figure I have to try it once, and I don't have anything better to do this new year's eve, so might as well bite the bullet. As I have gotten older I keep thinking thatI am too old for certain things, like Mardi Gras (& no, I'm not really very old), so I guess I better do this before I get any older and grumpier. At least no one will expect me to flash them, right?

I'm one of the folks that this this in my "youth" because I just had to do it. It was bitter cold, mobbed, restrooms few and far between, no Starbuck's on every corner back then, and it was even a bit scary. But, it was also a huge thrill - one that I would not have missed! If you've got the urge to do it, you really should go for it!

Still looking for some info on New Year's Eve in Times Square. Can anybody recommend a good viewing spot? Any important info I should be aware of?

Kim: Perhaps you haven't been paying attention?

My goodness "God", I was just looking for some further information. I appreciate all of the previous posts comments and certainly didn't mean to offend by asking for more help...no one had recommended a particular place and times square is quite a large area. But since "God" has reprimanded me, I guess I am not allowed to ask for further help. Thank you to everyone who posted helpful information!

Kim, there will be such a mob, you probably won't be able to stay in one specific spot. If you want to watch the ball drop, you'll probably spend some time just jockeying through the crowd to get to a point where it is visible. Maybe you could plan on lunch at one of the hotels in the area (for example the Crowne Plaza)and figure out where you may want to be later in the evening while you are there. I really think it will be difficult to try to pick out a spot to head for ahead of time.

Kim,
My husband and I went to Times Square for New Year's Eve about four years ago on a lark. Rather we attempted to as we found ourselves in the vicinity of 53rd Street and Seventh Avenue since we got there about 11:15 p.m. And people were still arriving. We could still see the ball from where we were. The good thing about it was that we just had to turn around to get a good view of the fireworks that were set off in Central Park. Anywhere along Seventh Avenue up to maybe 55th Street and on Broadway up to 53rd should give you a view of the ball if that's all you want to see. But if you really want to be in the midst of it you should probably get yourself down to 44th or 45th streets. You will have to get there really early (maybe around 1:00 p.m.)and I don't know what people do about getting to the rest rooms if there are any around for that matter. But if you really want the experience, I say go for it.

Kim,

Don't listen to anybody that refers to themselves as God. Good questions that I'm looking for answers too. For those that have been before, I would like to know what to expect.

In addition to cold and a lot of people, what do people do (sit, stand and shiver, watch the stage, get drunk) while jockeying for position?

Stand and Shiver, watch the ball if you can see it, get drunk, and if you're really unlucky - have your wallet lifted.

Where are the restrooms? That would be my concern!

I had to buy a $5 Budweiser to use the Bar's "juan" 15 years ago. That's probably up to 20 now !!!!

All I can say is don't forget your crack pipe.......Well, I assume you smoke crack if you think being in Times Square on any New Year's Eve, let alone 1999, will be a fun/smart thing to do........P.S.: All the bars and restaurants in a 10 block radius are closed because of the maddness, and the hotels are kept locked, so forget about a bathroom...people are known to have "peed" in bottles (men and women!)

I can vouch for Michael's accuracy regarding hotels and restaurants being closed in the Times Square vicinity on NYs Eve. And for the first time ever, Broadway shows will be dark on 12/31.

Honestly Kim,
I think you're out of your mind....I was just in Times Square last night and it was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G!!! And I had 3 layers of clothing on top of that. Add to that a lack of open restaurants (which, unfortunately reduces the toilet count), a crowd of drunk, riotous people, and what do you get? A pickpocketers delight -- and a night you'll NOT want to remember. DON'T DO IT!!!!!

But that's just my advice...