The countdown to midnight on New Year’s Eve is on. The city said they expect tens of thousands of revelers to pack Times Square and see the iconic ball drop.

“It’s absolutely iconic,” said Anne Rigg, who is visiting New York from Manchester, United Kingdom with a group of friends. “Everybody in the world wants to come see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, and this year, we’re here!”

What You Need To Know

  • This year’s ball weighs around 12,000 pounds, is covered in nearly 2,700 crystals and features a bow tie pattern
  • The city said they expect tens of thousands of revelers to pack Times Square and see the iconic ball drop
  • Tourists, both those seeing the ball drop and others just enjoying New York City, said they feel safe ahead of New Year's Eve
  • Given global conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, law enforcement officials are expanding the security zone and using measures like drones

On Saturday, the organizers of the event, the Times Square Alliance, tested the famous ball drop ahead of the big event.

This year’s ball weighs around 12,000 pounds, is covered in nearly 2,700 crystals and features a bow tie pattern.

“We feel great. We feel like we’ve done a lot of preparation. We’ve been working with the city,” said Tom Harris, the president of the Times Square Alliance. “Mayor Adams’ team has been great, so are the police department and the fire department. Every city agency is involved in making this a safe, memorable event for all in Times Square tomorrow night.”

The NYPD has a security plan in place, as they do every year, to make sure revelers are safe. There will be uniformed and plain-clothed officers. Given global conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war, law enforcement officials are expanding the security zone and using measures like drones, though they made it clear there are currently no credible threats.

“We will be out here with our canines, our horsebacks, our drones, our helicopters, our boats,” said Mayor Eric Adams at a press conference Friday. “The full complement of our public safety apparatus will be on display.”

Tourists, both those seeing the ball drop and others just enjoying New York City, said they feel safe.

“Security really put our mind at ease,” said Joanne Doherty, who is part of Rigg’s group of friends. “The amount of police, and everybody is so friendly. We just love the atmosphere and we just can’t wait for the ball drop! Cannot wait!”

“I just love the city, it’s a pretty place to be,” said Ali Nasser, who said he’s visiting the city for New Year’s Eve, but will not be watching the ball drop in-person.