As we approach the end of this year, with only a few days left before it concludes, the footsteps of 2025 are getting closer and closer. Just like in previous years, the traditional New Year celebration at Times Square is set to take place. For those who haven’t made their wishes at the wishing wall yet, there are still opportunities to participate in the “Good Riddance Day” event on December 28th and the midnight countdown to the crystal ball celebration on the night of the 31st.
Every year on December 28th, the organizers, Times Square Alliance, host the “Good Riddance Day” event at Times Square (located on Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets this year), symbolizing the shedding of the mistakes and misfortunes of the past year to bid farewell to despair and welcome a new beginning.
According to the official website, this event is inspired by a Latin American tradition where revelers stuff items representing bad memories into effigies and then set them on fire. However, the Times Square event does not involve setting real waste on fire; it’s a symbolic activity requiring participants to register online in advance, stating what they want to “bid farewell to.” Their message will be written on paper, then erased on-site on December 28th, symbolizing a fresh start.
This year’s Good Riddance Day event will take place from noon to 1 pm on December 28th; participants have a chance to win a $100 Times Square gift card if they attend in person.
Of course, one of the most grand events at Times Square during New Year’s is the annual celebration of the ball drop at midnight. Each year, approximately one million locals and international tourists flock to this area known as the “Crossroads of the World” to witness the spectacular descent of the crystal ball.
Weighing about 6 tons and made up of 2,688 crystals, the ball will drop from the Times Square Building owned by the Jamestonwn Real Estate Company. This tradition dates back to 1908, and this year marks the last year the event will use the current fifth crystal ball, as it will be replaced with a new one next year.
There are various locations to watch the ball drop ceremony, ranging from the Marriot Marquis hotel, Hyatt Centric, to Applebee’s storefront, and the many restaurants and theaters along 42nd to 50th Streets. Seat prices range from over $500 for regular seats to $8,500 for luxury couple tickets, with some people even stating they spent only $100 last year.
On December 27th, workers completed the final installation, signifying that the famous crystal ball will drop from high above Times Square right on time as the New Year arrives.