A Times Square New Year’s Eve: The Price of Watching the World’s Most Famous Ball Drop

A Times Square New Year’s Eve: The Price of Watching the World’s Most Famous Ball Drop

Edited by: Fern Sidman

As the clock inches closer to midnight on December 31st, the allure of watching the iconic Times Square ball drop draws revelers from around the world. But, as a report in The New York Post revealed, experiencing this globally televised moment from a prime vantage point comes with an eye-watering price tag. From exclusive hotel terraces to bustling chain restaurants, the cost of celebrating New Year’s Eve in the heart of Manhattan has reached unprecedented heights in 2024.

At the Marriott Marquis, located at 1535 Broadway, the experience is nothing short of opulent. According to the report in The New York Post, securing a “prime VIP seating” package on the hotel’s coveted eighth-floor terrace will set you back $7,500 per person. This package includes a live view of the ball drop, a lavish buffet, desserts, and a five-hour open bar.

For those hoping to share this moment with a significant other, the VIP couple’s package—priced at a staggering $15,000—is already sold out. This is a sharp increase from last year’s cost of $12,500, reflecting the surging demand for premium vantage points.

Joshua Perla, founder of NYE event production companies Ball Drop and NewYears.com, told The New York Post: “We are seeing higher demand, year over year, of 3% to 5% for premium tickets that include a live view of the ball drop.”

Perla emphasized that his team aims to cater to a broad spectrum of budgets, explaining: “Our goal is to have a live-view event for all price points. This year we were able to range prices from $399 per person up to $7,500 per person at Marriott. This is a bucket list item on someone’s wish list, and we want to be the New Year’s concierge for all revelers.”

For those seeking a slightly less extravagant option at the Marriott Marquis, The New York Post reported that general admission tickets start at $1,250 per person, which includes reserved seating and complimentary drinks. Couples looking for terrace access can expect to pay up to $8,500 for the experience.

Just a stone’s throw from Times Square, Bar 54 at the Hyatt Centric (135 W. 45th St.) offers another premium option. As The New York Post report detailed, two private VIP packages for couples, priced at $6,500 and $7,500, have already sold out. These packages included premium open bars and passed appetizers, all while offering breathtaking views of the ball drop from 54 stories above the city.

However, there’s still hope for those looking to experience the festivities at Bar 54. According to the information provided in The New York Post report, shared-table slots on the outdoor terrace remain available at $5,250 per couple, and general admission tickets for the venue’s “black tie optional soirée” start at $1,399 per person.

At the R Lounge in the Renaissance Hotel, The New York Post reported that tickets to their VIP New Year’s Eve Gala start at $1,850 per person. Known for its panoramic views of Times Square, R Lounge remains one of the most sought-after locations for experiencing the ball drop, blending elegance with a perfect sightline.

For those seeking a less extravagant—yet still pricey—experience, Applebee’s offers surprisingly premium packages at their Times Square locations. As The New York Post report explained, diners can enjoy an open bar, dinner buffet, live DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight for over $700 per person.

At Applebee’s 50th Street location, packages start at $799 per person for shared tables. Private high-top tables in the bar area are priced at $1,699 for two people, while a third-floor private table for couples reaches a cost of $2,299.

The New York Post report clarified that neither the 42nd Street nor 50th Street locations offer a direct view of the ball drop from inside the restaurant. Instead, guests have the option to be escorted to Times Square at midnight—security conditions permitting—to witness the iconic moment live. Those who choose to stay indoors will still enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.

While the venue lacks the glitz and glamour of high-end terraces, The New York Post highlights that Applebee’s remains a viable option for those wanting to be close to the heart of the action without entirely breaking the bank.

Last year, similar packages at Applebee’s Midtown locations were priced at over $650 per person, indicating a steady increase in cost for this bucket-list experience.

For those seeking a more upscale rooftop celebration, Margaritaville offers a 32nd-floor rooftop VIP ball drop viewing package priced at $799 per ticket, according to the report in The New York Post. Known for blending island aesthetics with urban skyline views, Margaritaville provides a unique ambiance for revelers who want to enjoy the festivities without the dense street crowds.

Other rooftop venues are also capitalizing on the Times Square spectacle. As The New York Post reported:  Bar Cima at the Grayson Hotel offers tickets priced at $549 per person, with premium views and a festive atmosphere.  Elsie Rooftop, considered one of the more affordable rooftop options, offers packages starting at $149 per person, providing a budget-friendly alternative for those wanting to enjoy the ambiance without breaking the bank.

These venues cater to a range of budgets while still promising a view of the descending ball and a memorable experience high above the bustling crowd below.

For those preferring an indoor setting with terrace access, AMC Empire on 42nd Street offers an upscale New Year’s Eve experience. Celebrating its 10th year of hosting these exclusive events, the theater sells tickets priced at $1,000 or more, granting access to a terrace view of the ball drop.

As The New York Post report indicated, the AMC event combines comfort, exclusivity, and an unobstructed view of Times Square, making it a coveted option for tourists looking to escape the outdoor chill without missing the midnight moment.

While tourists flock to these high-priced experiences, local New Yorkers remain skeptical about the value of such steep price tags. Restaurant consultant Donny Evans told The New York Post: “Who are these crazy people? They must be out of their minds. They are obviously out-of-towners.” Evans expressed what many native New Yorkers feel about Times Square on New Year’s Eve—that it’s overcrowded, overpriced, and overly hyped. “I don’t care who you are. I just think New Year’s Eve is such a rip-off in terms of prices. I wouldn’t go to Times Square on New Year’s Eve.”

Instead, Evans recommends a more low-key celebration: “I’d rather have a good meal on the East Side or downtown for a third of the price.”

His sentiment reflects a common divide: while tourists view the Times Square ball drop as a once-in-a-lifetime event, many locals see it as an overcrowded, overpriced hassle best avoided altogether.

According to the information in The New York Post report, demand for New Year’s Eve experiences in Times Square continues to grow, with tourists willing to pay a premium for the chance to witness one of the world’s most famous countdowns in person. Event organizers, rooftop bars, and chain restaurants capitalize on this demand, offering a range of packages at varying price points.

The reality is that, for many attendees, the cost is secondary to the experience—a priceless memory made under the glowing lights of Times Square at midnight.

Times Square on New Year’s Eve remains one of the world’s most iconic celebrations—a place where dreams meet reality under a cascade of confetti and the radiant light of the descending ball.

Whether viewed from an elegant rooftop, a bustling chain restaurant, or the streets below, New Year’s Eve in Times Square remains a dazzling symbol of hope, excitement, and—unmistakably—luxury.