Times Square gears up for New Year's Eve: Final preparations underway
NEW YORK CITY - As 2024 is coming to an end, final preparations are in full swing for New Year's Eve festivities in Times Square, as police implement public safety measures.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch made public safety announcements ahead of New Year's Eve.
At the press conference, the NYPD said there's no credible public safety threat, but they aren't taking any chances.
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This year, officials will be on the lookout for pop-up demonstrations.
The NYPD said a big chunk of Manhattan from 39th to 57th Streets will be shut down for all types of specialized patrols.
Visitors can enter the Frozen Zone area from Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue. There will be several entrances on each of those avenues.
"That includes members of some of our elite specialized units, including our Emergency Services Unit, who will be strategically deployed throughout our area on rooftops. Our Canine Teams, who will patrol with bomb-sniffing dogs. Our Aviation Unit will be in the skies scanning the event and the surrounding areas with special attention to the bridges and other landmarks," Tisch said. "And, of course, our drones will be deployed overhead to monitor the crowds in real time and watch for any suspicious or unusual activity."
At the press conference, Tisch said street closures will now begin at 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
If you are attending the New Year's Eve festivities, you cannot bring a backpack or a big bag. Umbrellas, weapons, and alcohol are not allowed.
Tisch said the NYPD will be checking bags as they do every year.
A view of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball during the New Years Eve 2024 Ball Test on December 30, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Stages and guardrails are already set, and final preparations are underway for the world’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration.
On Sunday, organizers of the Times Square holiday tradition conducted a practice confetti drop at Broadway Plaza, between 45th and 46th Streets, to ensure the confetti met their standards.