Flights to New York, Celebrating New Year's Eve in New York City, Times Square

For your New Year's Celebrations, check out one of the largest countdowns, and biggest "Happy New Year's" shouts in the world. The epicenter of the jubilant event is the world-famous Times Square, a festival of lights, electric banners, and New York iconography in itself. On the evening, huge illuminated billboards compete to outshine the millions of lights strung up across street lights and shop facades.

While you're in town, you're going to have to grab a bite to eat, and you're in for a treat; New York City cuisine is a huge miscellany of cultures and styles, all of which cover the range from expensive gourmet to cheap and convenient. There are, of course, the chic, high-class restaurants that take months to get a reservation for. But in addition to these much-raved about locations there are usually fantastic eateries just across the street. Every neighborhood in the city has its unique dishes and inimitable takes on cultural classics. Fast, portable food is a staple in such a bustling metropolis, so be sure to grab some hand-tossed pizza, fresh giant pretzels, or the famous Nathan's hotdogs. The city caters very well to any budget from small to very large, so you won't miss out on the array of tastes available.

If you are heading down to Times Square, make sure to arrive early to get a decent spot during the countdown spectacular. The event is completely free, and so draws tens of thousands of people to dance and be merry. Keep some water, warm clothes, waterproofs, and food in a bag with you at all times, and follow all our previous travel safety tips, and you'll have an unbelievable time. You'll have to stay in the designated areas after the crowds start pouring in, otherwise you'll likely be unable to return to where you were. Everyone is cheerful and buzzing with energetic anticipation, so as long as you're prepared, you can relax and enjoy the party.

The main event, the famous New Year's Eve Ball dropping from the flagpole on top of Number One, Times Square, is such an iconic heralding of the turning of the year that countries around the world tune in to watch NYC's event any way they can. The symbolic act has been marking the New Year in New York for over a hundred years, and looks to be strong enough to last hundreds more. Grab your chance to be part of a billion-strong moment in time, when the people of the world look forward with hope, joy, and lights in their eyes.