Times Square Ball Drop 
December 31
Count down to 2012 with the annual Times Square Ball Drop. Nothing compares with the exhilaration of watching it live, plus you can catch music and other performances before and after the midnight hour. With all the revelry, it's best to get there as soon as possible; street closures start midafternoon, and the choicest spots are usually filled by 3pm or earlier. Note: along with the usual tomfoolery (courtesy of Ryan Seacrest), attendees can expect to see performances by Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga.