Nearly a million revelers braved torrential rain in Times Square to ring in the new year, ushering in 2025 at the “Crossroads of the World.” Eyewitness News spoke with attendees bundled in ponchos, their spirits undampened by the downpour. Despite the rain-soaked conditions and performances, a palpable sense of optimism for the year ahead filled the air.
“I’m just here celebrating love, life, and happiness,” one visitor shared, simply wanting to experience the iconic sights and sounds. Another, Shauntay, who traveled from California, exclaimed, “I’ve always wanted to do this; it’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid!” A woman celebrating with her family added, “The feel is incredible. We were comparing it to London, where we go often, and New York has it way better!”
The NYPD maintained a strong security presence, deploying bomb-sniffing dogs and strategically positioning sanitation trucks to prevent vehicle attacks, part of a comprehensive safety plan. Mayor Eric Adams expressed his hopes for a “happy and safe 2025,” declaring Times Square the ideal location to welcome the new year. Street closures began at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, with the area from 57th to 42nd Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenues fully restricted by 11 a.m. Spectators were allowed into the ball drop viewing area starting at 3 p.m.
The celebrations weren’t limited to New York City. From Sydney and Vladivostok to Mumbai, communities worldwide welcomed 2025 with vibrant light shows, joyous embraces, and even daring ice plunges. Auckland was the first major city to celebrate, as countries in the South Pacific rang in the new year eighteen hours before the Times Square ball drop.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)