New Year’s Eve live stream: Watch the ball drop in Times Square without all the frills

You know how televised fireplaces have become a big thing over the past several years? For people who don’t have fires, this is a really excellent way in which to feel like you’re a little bit more in the Christmas Spirit.

Well, for New Year’s Eve we’re glad that there is now something similar: A live stream of Times Square, which will help you to prepare for the ball to drop at midnight. Maybe you’re having your own party and you want it on in the background; or, maybe you hate Ryan Seacrest and everyone else who is on TV at the moment. No judgment here! No matter whatever it is that you like or dislike about this time of year, we want to give you some sort of alternative.

This stream was provided by New York City, and it will be starting up at around 6:00 p.m. Eastern time — therefore, it’s technically starting earlier than any of the other shows that are out there.

In case you ever do get bored with this, remember that “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” (view the full lineup for it here) will start at around 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, while the CNN extravaganza featuring Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin is also going to be coming on the air starting at the same time — though the appeal of it much more watching Kathy troll Anderson than it is just about anything else.

No matter where you are tonight, we hope that you and yours have a wonderful start to the year! Of course, we’re going to be around throughout the night with some further updates, and every step of the way we’ll guide you through the best in television in 2017.

What are you watching for New Year’s Eve tonight? Be sure to share in the comments, and head over here to get some further news regarding all things related to TV on New Year’s Eve.