Get the bus to the buzz
New Year in Times Square, New York is one of the world’s most famous places for celebrations. But there’s more to this landmark than counting down to midnight. It’s well worth a visit any time of year.
Times Square is always a visual feast, especially at night, when the electric billboards generate a unique ambience. Times Square is always alive with activity and a perfect place for people watching. If you happen to be here on the last night of the year you’ll witness a very exciting tradition. This is when an ornately-lit glass ball is dropped down a pole from the top of the 25-story One Times Square building – precisely timed to reach the bottom at the stroke of midnight.
The history of Times Square
As New York City expanded at the end of the 19th Century, the area known as Longacre Square became the center of the city's social scene. In 1904, the New York Times built the Times Tower, and the square in front of it was renamed Times Square. Visitors flocked to what was fast becoming New York’s theatreland and the billboards followed. The legend of Times Square had begun.
Let the bus take you to the buzz
Whatever time of day or night you visit Times Square, you’ll find it buzzing with energy and life. With our New York Bus Tours you can hop off right in the thick of it, and hop back on again when you’ve had your fill.
Other interesting facts about Times Square
- Times Square is the most-visited tourist attraction in the world, with over 40 million visitors each year
- The NASDAQ sign in Times Square is the largest LED sign in the world
- The first Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration was held in 1903
- Nicknames for Times Square include 'The Crossroads of the World' and 'The Great White Way'
- In 1928 the first ever electric sign was lit to announce Herbert Hoover's victory in the Presidential elections
- In February 2011, Times Square became smoke free
