To watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve in New York City is among the great American dreams. A symbol of both reflection and renewal, the ball drop has become the tradition of New Year’s Eve for the majority of Americans and beyond, with countless channels from across the globe all tuning in to watch. Many aspire to see it for themselves and feel the overwhelming sense of community and joy that comes with it, but to do so, it has become increasingly clear that you’re going to have to pay a substantial amount.
Numerous surrounding hotels, restaurants, and even movie theater chains in the area have spent the last decade-plus getting in on the New Year’s Eve action, offering exclusive deals that guarantee patrons a view of the ball drop. But in 2024, heading into 2025, the prices have risen higher than ever before.
For example, the Marriott Marquis offers “prime VIP seating” with eighth-floor terrace access, a ball-drop view, a buffet, desserts, and a five-hour open bar. But, such accommodations cost no less than a whopping $7,500 per person.
Fortunately, there are romantic accommodations that offer two tickets at a slightly discounted total price of $15,000. If that still sounds like an exorbitant amount of money to pay, you’re apparently alone, because this VIP couple’s package is already sold out.
Increased Demand for New Years in New York
“We are seeing higher demand, year over year, of 3% to 5% for premium tickets that include a live view of the ball drop,” Joshua Perla, the founder of NYE events producers Ball Drop and NewYears.com, told The Post of the soaring interest in spectacular “bucket list” experiences in the Big Apple.
“Our goal is to have a live-view event for all price points. This year we were able to range prices from $399 per person up to $7,500 per person at Marriott,” Perla explained. “This is a bucket list item on someone’s wish list, and we want to be the New Year’s concierge for all revelers.”
Additionally, The Marquis at 1535 Broadway, near 46th Street, also offers more reasonable general admission tickets starting at $1,250 for reserved seating and complimentary drinks, all the way up to $8,500 for couples with a terrace view of the ball descending at midnight.
Just down the block at Bar 54 at the Hyatt Centric (135 W. 45th St.), two private VIP packages for couples—running $6,500 or $7,500, with an open “premium” bar and passed appetizers—are sold out. However, shared-table slots on the 54th-floor outdoor terrace are available for $5,250 a couple.
General admission for the venue’s “black tie optional soirée” starts at $1,399 per person. Similarly high-priced, the R Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel offers tickets to its VIP New Year’s Eve Gala starting at $1,850.
Even Applebees Is Getting Pricey
On the far less posh but still pricey side, diners can dish out more than $700 to ring in 2025 at either of Applebee’s locations, where they can take in an open bar, dinner buffet, live DJ, and champagne toast at midnight. The chain’s 50th Street venue is offering packages for private and shared tables starting at $799, with a private high-top table in the bar costing $1,699 for two. A couple’s package for a third-floor private table rings in at $2,299.
Tickets at the West 42nd Street location start at $729 per person for a party of eight, with prices rising as the headcount dwindles, peaking with a three-person reservation ringing in at $999 each. The venue also offers a private-seating couple’s package for $2,299.
This year, Applebee’s raised the prices of its New Year’s Eve tickets. The eatery is hawking tickets at a minimum of $729 per person for a party of eight. Tickets for Applebee’s are competitively priced among other Times Square businesses, such as AMC Theatres or neighboring hotels.
Neither location offers a view of the ball from inside, but the restaurants will escort guests who want a closer view of the midnight drop to Times Square, security conditions permitting. Those who choose to stay indoors will be offered a champagne toast at midnight.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop is a long-coveted bit of American tradition, one that exudes luxury and generates aspirational dreams in viewers around the world as the New Year is rung in. But sadly, like many American dreams, it is only becoming less and less feasible for the majority of citizens to attain it.
