The New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square takes place at midnight

Thousands of people will pack into Times Square in New York City to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve. Fortunately, revelers don't have to brave the crowds in Manhattan to witness the iconic moment. The ball drop is broadcast and livestreamed on several New Year's Eve shows and programs.

Here is one way to watch the Times Square ball drop and the New Year's Eve countdown

NBC New York is livestreaming the Times Square festivities on its streaming channel. Coverage starts at 7 p.m. ET and lasts until 1 a.m. ET.

It's an uninterrupted live feed with music so you can watch straight through until crews start cleaning up.

You can watch for free in the player below.

To impress your guests, here's some fun facts about the famous New Year's Eve tradition, according to the official Times Square website.