People from all over the world began filing into Times Square on New Year’s Eve Tuesday afternoon to hunker down and make the long wait for the famous ball drop.
Times Square is often referred to as the Crossroads of World, a term that could not have been more apt on Dec. 31, as thousands from all over the country and the world flooded into the heart of the Big Apple to see the iconic ball drop. The process, however, is not for the faint of heart.
Spectators were penned in for the long wait and forbidden from bringing in chairs or backpacks. Several attendees were spotted squatting on the ground or lying down entirely. Others remained upbeat, taking selfies and posing for photos in large hats with the year 2025 on it.
Buddy Love, an up-and-coming comedian, traveled from Detroit, Michigan, to complete his bucket list wish of seeing the ball drop on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. After arriving at 7 a.m., Love wished he had spent a few more hours sleeping before gearing up for a 17-hour-day waiting outside.
“This was always on my bucket list as a kid. I moved here, and I thought, you know what, let me scratch this off my bucket list while my legs are young. I’m 34 so I can keep my legs going and standing and sitting here for hours. I came by myself, but I made friends with a guy from Germany here, so we are just by ourselves today,” Love shared.
A group of young women from Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida bonded over the early morning wait to enter the Times Square viewing section. For these young women the travel was worth it to spend New Year’s Eve in the heart of New York City, especially in mild temperatures.
Lydia Lewis hails from Louisville, KY, and while seeing Ryan Seacrest in person is her goal for the night, the experience of simply watching the ball drop live is a dream come true.
“I’m here to see Ryan Seacrest and watch the ball drop [live],” Lewis said. “[My New Year’s] wish is for wealth.”
Nashville native Juan Resendiz and his family were visiting New York City for the first time this holiday week and shared that it’s been a whirlwind experience so far.
“We got here at 9 and got lucky,” Resendiz said, looking up at One Times Square, “It’s a great spot to see the ball drop. It’s the first time doing this and our first time in New York.”
