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(Photo: Public Domain/WikiCommons)īy 9 p.m., so many revelers packed the square that motion in any direction was impossible. The Times’ party, in contrast, would usher in 1905 with fireworks, noisemakers and Fanciulli’s Concert Band at the foot of the Times Tower. At the time, New York’s main New Year’s Eve celebration was a relatively somber affair at Trinity Church downtown, where revelers sang hymns and bells clanged at midnight. To commemorate the newspaper’s new address, Ochs planned a spectacular street party for December 31, 1904. Mayor George McClellan made the name change official on August 8, 1904. Dunlap, a longtime reporter at the Times’ Metro section. “Belmont wanted to get the most bang for the bucks he was putting into the railroad,” said David W. He had to have been aware that the Times’ archrival, the New York Herald, had successfully named the intersection of 34th Street, Sixth Avenue, and Broadway – now Herald Square – after itself. Ochs chose a triangle of land on 42nd Street for his newspaper’s new digs, and wanted his building to face north to echo the aspirations of the burgeoning city.Īugust Belmont, the president of the new subway and a New York Times shareholder, was probably the one who suggested the renaming of Longacre Square. The city’s first underground subway linking lower Manhattan to 42nd Street opened in 1904, spurring commercial development in the area. (Photo: Public Domain/WikiCommons)īut Ochs recognized that big things were happening in Longacre Square. One Times Square under construction in 1903. At night, the district went dark, “save for the dim lights of an occasional livery-stable, a corner saloon, or a city street lamp.” Stables abounded, and here and there a red flag indicated a horse auction,” noted Valentine’s Manual of Old New York. “The sound of blacksmiths’ hammer mingled with the tinkle of the horse-car bell. Stables, harness shops and carriage factories-not glitzy theaters and chain stores-lined the intersection of West 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue and Broadway. In fact, there was no “Times Square.”īut all that changed the following year, when the newspaper publisher Adolph Ochs moved the headquarters of the New York Times from Park Row to West 42nd Street and celebrated with a bash that launched an iconic New Year tradition.Īt the turn of the 20th century, Times Square was called Longacre Square. On New Year’s Eve in 1903, there was no countdown to midnight, no ball drop, and no partygoers wearing silly hats in Times Square. You can learn more about vaccine requrements and more on our Frequently Asked Questions page.Confetti showers in Times Square at midnight on December 31. The event worked closely with medical experts to consult on all health protocols and to ensure that everyone followed the state established safety guidelines.
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The health and safety of New Year’s Eve revelers was the priority of Times Square New Year’s Eve 2022. Revelers were not allowed entry until 3:00pm. Viewing areas were filled with fewer people to allow for social distancing.
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The highly anticipated festivities were also broadcast for television and internet audiences, and included a virtual multi-media experience.Īttendees were required to wear masks. New Year's Eve 2022 invited revelers back to Times Square to watch the Ball Drop in person, with proof of full vaccination and valid photo identification. The world holds its breath, and cheers as the clocks strike twelve.Īs the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends atop One Times Square, countless people watch Times Square, nationwide, and throughout the world and are united in bidding collective farewell to the departing year and expressing joy and hope for the year ahead. New Year's Eve at the symbolic center of New York City has become more than just a celebration - it's a global tradition.
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Every year as the clock nears midnight on December 31, the eyes of the world turn once more to the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square.
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