New York City's Times Square may be the hottest spot on Earth to ring in the new year. Approximately 1 million revelers descend on the intersection every New Year's Eve, while a billion viewers worldwide watch the celebration's signature event: the crystal-ball drop. If you plan to brave the masses and frigid weather to celebrate in Times Square, don't let unexpected obstacles ruin your fun.

Get There Early The ball doesn't drop until midnight, but if you want to secure a good viewing spot, you'll need to get there well in advance. Prime viewing areas are on Broadway between West 43rd and West 50th streets and on Seventh Avenue all the way up to West 59th Street. By 3 p.m., crowds begin to form, and police start to set up barricades as streets fill up. By 6 p.m., street traffic around this Manhattan neighborhood is at a halt. Some revelers arrive as early as the day before and camp overnight to secure a spot, but if they happen to camp where police need to place a barricade, they'll be forced to move.

Dress Warmly and Comfortably It may be a party, but Times Square on New Year's Eve is no place for anyone to show skin. Bare arms and legs and exposed feet will leave you freezing and miserable by late afternoon. Go for warmth instead of glamour -- in the crushing crowd, few will notice what you're wearing anyway. And you'll want to be warm and comfortable during the long wait until midnight. Plan for falling temperatures by dressing in layers topped off with a long, well-insulated winter coat, a hat and gloves.

Take Public Transportation Most revelers take the subway or bus to get to Times Square, but New Year's Eve makes the Times Square stops uncomfortably crowded. If you take the subway, avoid the crowded Times Square-42nd Street subway station; instead, get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way. Do not rely on taxis -- you risk getting stuck in traffic or detoured when police begin closing streets -- and leave your car at home unless you want to spend New Year's Eve looking for parking.

Go With a Group There's strength in numbers on New Year's Eve in Times Square. If you and your significant other leave your claimed spot, you probably won't get it back. A group of 10 or so, on the other hand, can hold a spot while two or three members go to the restroom. For security reasons, any bags such as purses and backpacks are forbidden and will be confiscated by the New York City police, so going with a group also means more pockets and hands for snacks and beverages.

Plan Ahead for Nature's Call Times Square does not provide public restrooms or portable toilets for New Year's Eve, and once the barricades are up, the police are generally unwilling to allow revelers in or out of their particular area. Once you're in, you're in, so plan accordingly.

Follow the Rules Drinking in public is banned in New York City and the ban is strictly enforced. On New Year's Eve, police are on alert for signs of intoxication and will remove anyone they suspect has been drinking. Times Square administrative officials or police check all personal items brought on site. If they find alcohol or other illegal items such as weapons in your possession, you will be fined.

About the Author Kate Bradley began writing professionally in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and a minor in German from Berry College in Rome, Ga; TEFL/TESOL certification from ITC International in Prague; and a Master of Arts in integrated global communication from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga.