The crowd of New Year's Eve revelers will return to New York City's Times Square for the annual Ball Drop ceremony this year, but they will need proof of vaccinations and identification to enter.
Hundreds of thousands of party-goers gather in Times Square to watch a 12-foot ball made of 2,688 Crystal triangles drop at the stroke of midnight. The ball drop went ahead without spectators last year due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.
Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance, said organizers are thrilled to welcome a full house of revelers back to Times Square to celebrate the New Year.
"Now more than ever we need to come together to revive our favorite traditions with our loved ones, reflecting on a tough year behind us while looking forward to a new year with hope," Harris said.
Times Square is in New York.
In 1942 and 1943, the Ball Drop ceremony was paused as New York had a "dim out" of lights related to the war. According to the Times Square Alliance, even then, crowds gathered in the New Year, though they did so with a minute's silence followed by the sound of chimes that were broadcast from trucks positioned at the base of Times Tower.
Before you go to New York, you should know what to look for.
You will need a photo ID and proof of vaccination to enter the area where the festivities will take place. On a first-come, first-served basis, revelers are admitted. Crowds usually start gathering in Times Square in the early afternoon. The time is after 11 pm.
You have to be past the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the single dose of an approved single-dose COVID-19 vaccine by December 31, 2021.
There is no requirement for a booster.
Proof of vaccine is required for children who are five or over. If you have a child who is under five years old but not eligible for vaccine yet, the child must be accompanied by an adult.
No. You must be protected from diseases. There is an exception for people who can prove they are unable to get vaccine due to a disability.
Those people will need to.
Provide proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours before the event.
Wear a mask for the entire event.
If you're looking for a climate-controlled environment, there are many nearby hotels and restaurants with views of the festivities.
The Knickerbocker hotels and the Renaissance New York have views of the ball drop. The Olive Garden, R Lounge, and the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company are all located at the Renaissance.
The schedule of events has not been released. There will be announcements around those plans in early December.
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