An estimated 1 million people will count down to 2024 at the Crossroads of the World this Sunday.

That number will include Margaret Murray, who is from Galway, Ireland.

What You Need To Know

  • An estimated 1 million people will count down to 2024 in Times Square

  • This year, there is a heightened level of security because of events going on around the world, as well as last year’s machete attack on police officers

  • The NYPD is anticipating protests related to the Israel-Hamas war near the New Year’s Eve celebrations

“We just want to see how you do it, because we heard you're the best to celebrate in New York. So we just want to see how you people do it,” she said.

This year, there is a heightened level of security because of events going on around the world, as well as last year’s machete attack on police officers.

At a news briefing Friday afternoon, however, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said there were “no specific credible threats to our New Year’s Eve festivities or to the city of New York in general.” 

“This is one of the most well-policed, best-protected events each year,” he said. “Planning for this year’s celebration began as soon as our partners from Sanitation cleaned up the last piece of confetti that fell here nearly a year ago.” 

Mayor Eric Adams, who attended the briefing, encouraged those planning to celebrate in Times Square to take public transit there. He also advised attendees to leave large backpacks, alcoholic beverages and other “strictly prohibited” items at home. 

“Please check before coming in so you won’t be turned away,” he said.

The NYPD is anticipating protests related to the Israel-Hamas war near the New Year’s Eve celebrations. On Christmas Day, several people were arrested near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree during demonstrations.

There is similar call to action on social media for a day of action on Sunday evening.

Asked about the possibility of protests, Adams on Friday said the NYPD would execute a "well-thought-out plan” to ensure peaceful demonstrations and a safe New Year’s Eve celebration. 

“People are going to come here, ring in the new year, enjoy themselves in a safe way, and those who want to peacefully protest, they have the right to do so," he said. "But you’re not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in a new year."

Beginning at 4 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, West 42nd to West 49th streets from Sixth to Eight avenues will be a frozen zone with no vehicle traffic. The zone will expand at 11 a.m. and stretch from West 38th Street up to Central Park South.

There will be just six security screening entry points to enter the zone for all revelers, who will be directed into viewing sections beginning at 3 p.m. Those celebrating in Times Square said they were confident the NYPD will take all the precautions.

“I have actually been out the last couple of days on my own and I have felt pretty safe,” said Susan McRoy, who is from Minnesota.

“I think it is one of the safest places. We are very happy to be here, and not a bit concerned,” Murray added.

In addition to the security preparations, there are also the fun preparations: The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball will take a test run on Saturday. There was also a practice confetti drop in Times Square late Friday morning.