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With one million people expected to gather for yet another New Year's Eve celebration in Time's Square and a billion more watching around the world, it's obvious that Thursday night's festivities will be the hottest event on the planet.

With a million people expected to gather for yet another New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square and a billion more watching around the world, it's obvious that Thursday night's festivities will be the hottest event on the planet.



Whether you'll ring in the new year by watching on television, streaming online or going in person, we've assembled all the details you'll need in the handy guide below:

WATCHING AT HOME

DICK CLARK'S NEW YEAR'S ROCKIN' EVE (ABC): Starting at 8 p.m., Ryan Seacrest will once again host the granddaddy of televised Times Square celebrations with singer Fergie filling in for the Hollywood portions. Performers include Carrie Underwood, Rumson singer Charlie Puth, Nick Jonas, Pentatonix, Macklemore, Jimmy Buffet, Fall Out Boy and Ryan Lewis. Taylor Swift will also premiere the video for her new song "Out of the Woods."



NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE WITH ANDERSON COOPER AND KATHY GRIFFIN (CNN): At 8 p.m., the odd couple returns for what usually is the most charming and real telecast of the night. For the ninth time, the say-anything comedienne will once again play off newsman Cooper (who will attempt to keep those giggles under control). CNN's Richard Quest joins them in Times Square with Brooke Baldwin and Don Lemon from New Orleans, Randi Kaye in Memphis, Gary Tuchman in Hershey, Pa., and Poppy Harlow from Rio de Janeiro.



NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE WITH CARSON DALY (NBC): The peacock network has two live specials airing Dec. 31. "New Year's Eve Game Night With Andy Cohen" kicks things off at 10 p.m, with "New Year's Eve With Carson Daly" airing at 11:30 p.m. The latter will feature a performance by Gwen Stefani. Bravo staple Cohen will also join Daly on the telecast in Times Square.

GOING? HERE'S THE NEW YEAR'S EVE WEATHER



PITBULL'S NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION (FOX): Starting at 8 p.m., Pitbull's party will be live from Miami and feature performances by Puff Daddy and the family, Yazz, Jussie Smollett, and Timbaland. Pitbull is also letting his fans choose which song he'll perform on Dec. 31 when they visit by voting here.

ALL-AMERICAN NEW YEAR (FOX NEWS): The Donald himself will appear on Fox News Channel's "All American New Year" with Kimberly Guilfoyle and Eric Bolling. Trump will join the pair during the 11 p.m. hour and stay on through midnight. The telecast starts at 9 p.m.

WATCHING ONLINE

If you're nowhere near a TV, visit TimesSquareNYC.org for the live webcast. The official Times Square Ball App is also available via Apple's App Store and via Google Play for phones and tablets.

WATCHING IN PERSON

The official website of Times Square tells us that the party surrounds the official New Year's Eve ball, which descends from a flagpole at the top of 1 Times Square. And no, you don't need a ticket to attend. There will be several parties throughout the area at nearby eateries and hotels that include a plethora of food and beverages. Click here for the complete list.





WHERE ARE THE BEST VIEWS?

The official web site of Times Square tells us that premium viewing spots are those along Broadway (43rd-50th Streets) as well as along Seventh Avenue as far north as 59th Street.



As with most live events, the earlier you arrive, the better. Video screens will be set up at 1 Times Square and peppered throughout the entire area.



The New York Police Department will begin closing down parts of Times Square on Dec. 31 from 43rd St. to Broadway and will continue to move north as spectators arrive.

GETTING THERE

Expect that there will be no vehicular traffic allowed on Broadway or Seventh Avenue as early as 3 p.m. The Times Square Alliance suggests that if you do travel by car, you should enter the area via Sixth or Eighth Avenues.

If you will be arriving via mass transit, the No. 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, N, Q, R, W, V and S shuttle trains will service the Times Square area.



The MTA advises to not use the 42nd Street Subway Station due to probable excessive crowds. They suggest exiting at a surrounding station and walking to Times Square.



WHEN WILL THE BALL DROP?

The New Year's Eve ball begins its drop at 11:59 p.m. at the flagpole at 1 Times Square.



SOME VERY IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER



There will not be any portable restrooms in Times Square throughout the event.



Public drinking is illegal in Manhattan. Police officers will confiscate any alcohol they see.



There will be no licensed hot dog/pretzel carts/beverage vendors at the event. That said, there are several eateries in the area. A list of restaurants can be found here.



The NYPD takes every possible precaution to ensure the public's safety, including the removal of all trash receptacles, newspaper vending machines, etc. Several radiation detectors will be deployed throughout the area. Most important, though, large bags and backpacks will not be allowed and all bags will be searched. Those declining to have their bags searched will not be admitted.



Since it's often quite cold, dress smartly for the event and check the weather before you leave.



Anthony Venutolo may be reached at avenutolo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyVenutolo and Google+. Find NJ.com on Facebook.