First Night Saratoga Goes Dark; Times Square Goes Live with NYE Ball Drop

SARATOGA SPRINGS — First Night Saratoga 2022 has apparently been canceled, according to a Nov. 16 posting by the local internet company Saratoga.com, and direct verbal confirmation at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Saratoga Arts, which typically is involved with the New Year’s Eve celebration, replied simply that they “are not involved with the event this year,” although would not offer information beyond that statement.      

First Night Saratoga, which typically brings more than 10,000 people to downtown Saratoga Springs, has been billed as New York’s largest New Year’s Eve event outside of New York City. 

In New York City meanwhile, Times Square NYE 2022 will invite revelers back to Times Square to watch the Ball-Drop in person. The festivities will include performances – the lineup will be announced in December – and broadcast for television and internet audiences.

The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is a free event open to everyone on a first-come, first-serve basis. The celebration will begin shortly before 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. 

Requirement: Times Square New Year’s Eve organizers will require proof of full vaccination and valid photo identification for all in-person revelers. Persons unable to get vaccinated because of a disability will be required to present proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the event; and If medically able to tolerate a face-covering, wear a mask for the duration of the event.