How Much It Costs To Go To a Party in Times Square for New Year’s Eve

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For some, being in NYC’s Times Square in New York City is something of a bucket list thing. You’re part of upwards of a million people participating in an iconic celebration that’s been going on annually (except for 1942 and 1943) for 120 years. And you can do it for FREE! It sounds exciting and SO MUCH FUN, right?

I have to say that, speaking as a native New Yorker, there are hardly any native New Yorkers who would want to be within 10 miles of Times Square during New Year’s Eve. Not to be in those crowds outside, anyway. It’s typically freezing cold. You’re squashed in like sardines for six full hours (6pm to midnight), and you can’t leave your spot to get food or drink, go to the bathroom, etc. Not recommended.

Alternative Options for a Comfortable Ball Drop Experience

That said, there are plenty of restaurants and hotels in Times Square where you can watch the ball drop. Oh sure, it’ll still be quite crowded, but at least you’ll be able to move. Being indoors means it’s warm. You have food, drink and the all-important access to facilities.

But if you’re going to go for the more comfortable route, it’s going to cost you.

BallDrop.com is a site where you can buy tickets to have an indoor seat and watch the ball drop in Times Square in relative comfort. If you’ve ever visited the area, the names will be familiar. Here are the locations that are the closest:

Applebee’s 42nd Street

The party at Applebee’s Times Square is located 1/2 block from the ball drop. Prices for the party start at $729 per person. That gets you:

• Chef’s Selection Buffet & Passed Hors D’oeuvres
• Premium Top-Shelf Open Bar
• Assorted Desserts Table
• NYE Party Favors
• House DJ/Live Entertainment
• Dance Floor
• Champagne Toast and escort to the street for a live view of the Ball Drop at Midnight

Olive Garden

This event affords you a direct view of the ball drop. Prices start at $799 per person. This gets you:

• Guaranteed View of the Live Ball Drop from the Sidewalk in Front of Olive Garden Times Square
• Reserved Indoor Seating for [2] Guests at a Shared Table in the 3rd Floor Main Room
• (5) Hour OPEN BAR from 8 PM – 1 AM
• Buffet Dinner
• Complimentary Toast at Midnight

Marriott Marquis

This formal attire/black tie optional event offers a direct view of the ball drop from the 8th floor of the famed hotel. Tickets for the party at the Marriott Marquis starts at $1250 per person. That gets you:

• (5) Hour Premium Open Bar from 8pm – 1am
• (3) Hour Dinner Buffet Stations from 8pm – 11pm
• (2) Hour Dessert Bar from 11pm – 1am
• Access to two Outdoor Terraces Overlooking Times Square until 11:15PM

Note: Only guests with “Ball Drop Terrace Access” tickets will have access to the Ball Drop Viewing Terrace from 11:15 PM to 12:15 AM. (If you want Ball Drop Viewing Access, that starts at $3,750 per person.)

Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square

The party at Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square takes place at the tallest rooftop lounge in Manhattan. Prices start at $1,399 per person. That gets you:

• Watch the Ball Drop Live
• The Tallest Rooftop Lounge in NYC
• Extensive Views that Stretch Across Manhattan
• Premium 5 Hour Open Bar
• 3 Hours of Passed Appetizers
• Black Tie Attire Optional
• The live viewing area to watch the Ball Drop is on the outdoor terrace

So there ya go. There are other locations near Times Square that don’t necessarily offer a stellar view of the ball drop, but still offer parties.

Those prices are…kind of a lot. But if being in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, in relative comfort, is on your bucket list, at least you know you have options.

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