In light of the ongoing health crisis, New York officials have banned people gathering for the city’s traditional New Year’s Eve festivities.
For the past 114 years, thousands of people have congregated in Times Square on the night of December 31, but this year will look very different for the American city.
While the iconic ball will still drop at midnight, people will only be able to watch it take place virtually – a far cry from the usual, exciting experience that is New Year’s Eve in New York.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement, “People all over the globe are ready to join New Yorkers in welcoming in the new year with the iconic Ball Drop. I commend the Times Square Alliance, Jamestown Properties, and Countdown Entertainment on finding a safe, creative and innovative way for all of us to continue to celebrate this century old-tradition. A new year means a fresh start, and we’re excited to celebrate.”
