NYC's New Year's Eve Celebration Amid Pandemic Restrictions

Changes Made To New Years Eve In Times Square Amid COVID-19 Pandemic. The New Year's Eve ball drops in a mostly empty Times Square on January 1, 2021, in New York City. On average, about one million revelers are drawn to the Crossroads of the World to watch performances and celebrate the New Year. This year a limited live audience of about 40 first responders and essential workers were allowed to watch the New Years' ball drop from a secure area in Times Square.