New Year’s Eve crowd gathers in Times Square for celebrations and performances

About a million people gathered in Times Square on New Year’s Eve to watch the ball drop and enjoy performances by artists like Rita Ora and Carrie Underwood. The event faced mild weather before rain began. Security was tight, with the New York Police Department deploying over 70,000 cameras and numerous officers to monitor the crowd. There was no credible security threat reported. Some revelers opted for restaurants with views of the ball drop, avoiding the crowded streets. Prices for tables at places like Applebee’s reached around $850, while others waited hours outside for a good spot.