Your 2024 guide to NYC New Year's Eve ball drop countdown in ...

CBS News New York Live

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of thousands of people packed into Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve, along with another billion tuning in from all over the world.

This year is expected to be the biggest gathering since before the COVID pandemic in 2019. 

Read More: New Year's Eve organizers test out confetti drop in Times Square

So when and where does the ball drop, who's performing and how can you watch — or avoid traffic altogether? 

Flashback: Thousands pack Times Square for soggy New Year's Eve celebrations | Photo gallery

We have your countdown guide.  

Where does the ball drop in Times Square?

The iconic Times Square New Year's Eve Ball will descend form a flagpole on top of One Times Square, a 25-story building that sits on a city block in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan. 

Organizers say the ball drop can be seen best along Broadway from 43rd to 50th streets or along Seventh Avenue up to 59th Street. 

Read more: Ball drop test in Times Square at New Year's Eve preparations ramp upWho is performing at the 2024 Times Square ball drop?

Among the celebrity guests will be performances by Paul Anka, Flo Rida, Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyla.

Click here for the full list of performers.How can you watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve?

Streaming: Watch our coverage of the countdown on CBS News New York starting at 10 p.m.  

CBS News New York Live

Watch the Times Square Alliance's livestream starting at 6 p.m.

New Year's Eve 2024 Live From Times Square by Times Square NYC on YouTube

Times Square: Watch in person on Broadway from 43rd Street to 50th Street, or along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street.

Access points for the viewing areas:

49th Street from 6th & 8th avenues52nd Street from 6th & 8th avenues56th Street from 6th & 8th avenues

Party Nearby: Some New Year's Eve revelers are ponying up for expensive packages and extra comfort. Hotels and restaurants near One Times Square are offering exclusive parties, with tickets between $450 and $12,500. The tickets typically include access to food, drinks and live entertainment, while some offer views of the Big Ball. 

How about spending $1,015 at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.?

When does the ball drop?

The celebration started around 6 p.m. when the ball was raised to the top of the flagpole atop One Times Square. 

Then, at exactly 11:59 p.m., it will make its 60-second descent to ring in the New Year. 

How can you avoid New Year's Eve traffic in NYC?

If you're checking out the ball drop in person, you are encouraged to use mass transit. The 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, W and S trains all run to the Times Square area. 

For drivers, streets will be closed starting at 4 a.m. Sunday. Seventh Avenue will be shut down between 42nd and 48th streets, and side streets will also be closed from Sixth to Eighth avenues. Then at 11 a.m., Seventh Ave. and Broadway will be shut down between 38th and 59th streets. 

In: New Year's Eve Times Square