Times Square will once again be filled with revelers this New Year's Eve. While the celebration did take place last year, it was a virtual party for most as the public wasn't allowed in the midst of the pandemic. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last week that crowds will be welcomed back to ring in 2022, though safety measures will be in place. Typically, the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square is a free event open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no public viewing spaces available for sale, but to get the best view revelers are encouraged to arrive early in the afternoon. The ball drop started in 1907 with a 5-foot iron and wood sphere that was lit with one hundred 25-watt lightbulbs, totaling 700 pounds. The tradition has since grown — the ball that rang in 2021 was 12 feet in diameter, weighing 11,875 pounds with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles illuminated by 32,256 LEDs. Most years, approximately a million people pack into the area for the celebration. This year, however, it's expected there may be limited capacity and proof of vaccination required. The festivities will, however, be broadcast on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
