No city does New Year's Eve like New York City. Times Square is the place to go to celebrate the end of the year and the hopes of the next. Instead of watching the action via television specials like Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2012 and NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly, why not be a part of the fun and experience and a Times Square New Year's Eve yourself?

Here's a guide to ending 2013 in Times Square.

Get a Good Spot -- 3:00 p.m.

Times Square is flooded with what the city calls "Revelers" every year. Starting at 3 p.m., the city slows down and prepares for these excited spectators. At this time, the Bow Tie of Times Square, which is from 42nd to 47th Sts. between Broadway and 7th Ave., is closed to traffic, so plan accordingly.

Revelers are ushered in various viewing sections and will fill up starting at Broadway and 7th Ave and continue uptown from 43rd St. to Central Park.

The New Year's Eve Ball Takes the Stage -- 6:00 p.m.-6:13 p.m.

Watch the tradition titled Lighting and Raising the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. The New Year's Eve Ball will sit on top of One Times Square.

Tim Tompkins and Jeffrey Straus are the Event Organizers. Philips Lighting Company will represent them as they activate the mega switch to set the ball alight and allow it to climb toward the sky with the help of pyrotechnic effects.

Opening Ceremonies are sure to include some surprise performances and activities as well.

Dance and Play -- 6:14 p.m.-11:58 p.m.

Keep your eyes on the Nivea Kiss and Countdown stages for what Times Square Alliance describes as various "musical performances and other activities" that will help you finish 2013 with smiles, drinks and dancing.

The Minute You've Been Waiting For -- 11:59 p.m.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg accompanied by the mysterious Times Square 2014 Special Guest will activate the descent of the Ball. After pushing the Waterford crystal button, the ball will slowly slide 70 feet toward the Nivea Countdown Stage, representing the last seconds of 2013.

The New Year's Eve Ball is a sight you can't miss, even if you tried. The monstrous ball is 12 feet in diameter and weighs 11,875 pounds. 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs make sure that the Ball is the brightest spot in Times Square's sky.

2014 -- 12:00 a.m.

Happy New Year! Watch as the New Year's Eve Ball turns off and is replaced by a special 2014 sign. The Times Square Confetti Release combined with more pyrotechnic effects will explode from the roofs of Times Square's buildings. Revelers will be coated in confetti, colors and celebration

The End -- 12:15

Cleaning crews will come and sweep away the fun as you Revelers are free to start 2014 with whatever debauchery you please.

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