Is Times Square on New Year's Eve Worth It?

Every time the new year comes around, all eyes fall on one place and one alone; the place where the ball drops in Times Square, New York City. Millions of people watch it on their TV screens every year and many, naturally, sit there wondering why anyone in their right mind would even consider going to such a madhouse event. Despite that, who hasn't wondered, at least once, what it would be like? How many people have watched the event every year, wondering why they're not there?

For me, I had always been one of those people wanting to be right there in the thick of things. Just to say I had, if nothing else, though I couldn't help but wonder if the whole experience would be worth it or not, as different reviews I had read online gave directly opposite opinions on that matter.

At the beginning of the current year of 2010, though, I decided it was time to stop wondering and start making things happen. I was about to go on a two-week-long drive across the country, so I figured if there was a time to finally see the ball drop, it was now. So, needless to say, I packed up my car and headed to New York City.

So, is it worth it? That would be a question to which my answer would be yes, it absolutely is.

First, though, let me describe the downsides. Yes, it's definitely an event to avoid if you have any fear of crowds. You're going to get crammed in and you're not going to have a whole lot of breathing room. Millions of people are pushed into that tiny little area and once you're in, you're not getting out easily. Yes, it's extremely cold, so make sure and stay bundled up. Yes, you'll be standing around for at least an hour until the ball drops, if you want a decent view.

So what are the positives, then?

The excitement in the air is incomparable. Once the ball begins its descent, the exhilaration of the crowd only gets greater and greater. The enormous population around you screams out in excitement, chanting out the countdown. Fireworks blast out. It's impossible not to get sucked in, to become a part of it all. You might wonder, when watching the event on TV, "What's the big deal about a ball dropping?" but the second you're there in person, it all makes complete sense. It's all about what it means, all about the anticipation, the thrill of it all, the feeling that YES, you actually did it, you are here in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

So, if you get the chance to do it, then take that opportunity. It's well worth it and an experience you'll never forget.