Confetti fell on an almost empty Times Square as millions watched New York City's New Year's ball drop online on Friday (January 1).

A small number of journalists, police officers, event staff and guests were able to attend the event but would-be spectators were urged to watch the show on television or online.

City officials implemented a security perimeter around the venue in order to keep out any spectators.

New York City's iconic Times Square Ball signaled the end of 2020 and the start of 2021 as confetti fluttered over a venue mostly devoid of revelers. Journalists, police officers, event staffers and a few invited guests rang in the new year at the famous crossroads in Midtown Manhattan. Earlier, city officials urged would-be spectators to stay home and watch the event on television, as the United States continued to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.

Journalists, police officers, event staffers, and a small number of invited guests waited in Times Square on New Year's eve during the final hours of 2020. As the United States continued to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, New York City officials implemented a security perimeter around the venue and urged would-be spectators to avoid the area and watch the telecast at home.