What It’s Like Celebrating New Year’s Eve at Bubba Gump Shrimp in Times Square (Ball Drop View!) 🎉

Bubba Gump Shrimp Party: My Times Square New Year’s Eve 2024 Adventure 🎉

They say there’s no better place to ring in the new year than Times Square in New York City—and for the second year in a row, I decided to put that theory to the test.

I spent New Year’s Eve once again with a live view of the ball drop, only this time… it was from the fantastic Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.! 🦐

Olive Garden Times Square 🫒 vs. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 🦐

When it came time to decide how I’d spend New Year’s Eve this year, the idea of returning to Times Square felt both thrilling and daunting.

The energy in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is hard to describe. The best I can do is show you a video.

I recorded this video right outside Bubba Gump Shrimp as we counted down for 2025! In my Olive Garden party review, you can find a video I took from that location, if you’re interested in seeing the differences.

Incredible, isn’t it?

I Attended Olive Garden’s Party in 2023 🫒

After attending the 2023 Olive Garden Times Square New Year’s Eve Party to ring in 2024, I figured I might return again to kick off 2025 — that is, until I saw what happened to their ticket prices. 🚨

Last year, I paid $450 to attend Olive Garden’s party, which felt like a pretty solid deal considering everything that was included:

• VIP access to Times Square
• Buffet dinner (includes breadsticks!)
• Open premium bar
• Live DJ & music
• Dance floor
• A chance to watch the live ball drop just outside the restaurant
• The Olive Garden After Party

I had such an amazing time there that I even considered making it a new tradition. But this year, I noticed something had changed. 💔

BallDrop.com had acquired ticketing for Olive Garden’s NYE party, and with that shift came a steep price increase — tickets were now $800 each.

Not only that, but they also introduced a two-ticket minimum per table at the time of purchase. As a solo traveler, that meant I couldn’t just buy one ticket anymore — I’d be forced to pay for two, whether or not I had a second guest. That brought the effective cost to $1,600 for a single person. 😳

At that price point, I had to reconsider. I started thinking: For that kind of money, are there better options?

That’s when I remembered the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. NYE party — a venue located even closer to the heart of Times Square, known for hosting one of the more premium experiences with a guaranteed ball drop view, dinner, drinks, and dancing. It was still a splurge (around $1,000 for a solo ticket), but suddenly it didn’t seem so outrageous compared to Olive Garden’s new pricing model.

The price hurts, but it’s the going rate for these parties.

I started researching the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. New Year’s Eve party, and the temptation to get closer to the heart of Times Square drew me in.

So, I made the call. I decided to mix things up this year and find out firsthand what the Bubba Gump New Year’s Eve experience was really like.

After all, 2024 showed me the absolute bliss of all that confetti raining down on you as you watch the iconic ball drop live. Even though I’d fulfilled this dream last year, I couldn’t resist the allure of experiencing it again—this time from a different perspective. Plus, I heard Bubba Gump’s party offered an unbeatable view of the ball drop.

Then I saw the menu. That sealed the deal for me.

Planning for Bubba Gump Shrimp Party in Times Square 🦐

Tickets for the Bubba Gump party don’t come cheap, with prices hovering around $1,000. That’s double the cost of Olive Garden’s party last year! I’ll admit, the sticker shock gave me pause, but I reminded myself that I wasn’t just paying for dinner—it was about the full VIP Times Square New Year’s Eve experience. It’s a treat to myself because New Year’s Eve is my favorite holiday because it’s a time for self-reflection and setting new aspirations.

For many, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The package included everything I needed for a stress-free evening:

• Direct escort to the restaurant by NYPD
• Unlimited buffet (seafood galore, of course)
• Open premium bar all night long
• Access to the ball drop viewing area (closer position than Olive Garden!)
• Bathroom access (still a hot commodity on NYE in Times Square)
• Champagne toast at midnight
• Bubba Gump After Party

Given all that, it started to feel like a no-brainer. Once I booked my ticket, I was officially counting down the days to December 31st.

The Day Before: Badge Pickup! 🪪

Unlike last year’s last-minute decision to attend Olive Garden’s NYE party (which I purchased literally 1-2 hours before doors opened), this time I was a bit more prepared. The day before New Year’s Eve, I headed into the city for Bubba Gump’s badge pickup at the very same Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. I would spend New Year’s Eve at.

For travelers, this requirement is something to be aware of. You MUST visit the location the day before to retrieve your badge and sign paperwork.

This pre-event check-in was where I received my lanyard and official NYE badge, signed the necessary terms and conditions, and got debriefed on what to expect the following day. It was also where I met Becky, who was the Sales Manager handling the coordination of this event — and let me just say, she was fantastic. Incredibly friendly, upbeat, and organized. Her energy was contagious and really set the tone for what was to come.

We also went over the menu for the night, and honestly… that’s when it all started to feel real. Seeing everything they were planning to serve — from seafood dishes and classic party bites to desserts and themed cocktails — got me so hyped, I could barely think about anything else for the rest of the night.

I left the briefing with my badge in hand, a clearer idea of how things would work, and the excitement fully dialed up to 100. I knew right then that this was going to be a New Year’s Eve to remember.

New Year’s Eve Morning: Arriving in NYC 🗽

I arrived in New York City early in the morning to soak in the pre-party atmosphere. The streets were buzzing with energy as tourists and locals prepared for the big night. Like last year, I stayed at the Moxy Times Square, which was not only super convenient but also added to the excitement with its chic decor and lively vibe.

The afternoon was a mix of exploring, people-watching, and strategizing. Even though I knew I’d have a reserved spot, I couldn’t help but scout out the viewing area, imagining where I’d be standing later that night. The NYPD barriers were already in place, and the crowds were starting to form—some people were already staking their claim to spots in the pens!

Entering Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 🍤

At 7 PM, I met with the Bubba Gump representative at the designated spot. The escort process was seamless, and it felt surreal to be walking through the locked-down streets of Times Square, passing by eager spectators who had been standing outside for hours. That’s the beauty of these parties—no waiting in the freezing cold!

Not to mention, the weather this year was especially horrible. Thunder, lightning, and torrential rain. Everyone outside had ponchos on.

Once inside, I was blown away. Bubba Gump occupies a prime spot with massive windows overlooking Times Square. The space was buzzing with energy, decked out in festive decorations, and filled with upbeat music. I grabbed a cocktail from the bar, loaded up my plate with shrimp (of course), and took a moment to soak it all in.

The view of the ball is incredible at Bubba Gump. It’s substantially closer than where Olive Garden is positioned and you’re practically right below it! (In certain respects, the Olive Garden’s view is more ‘straight-on’ which some may actually prefer, but Bubba Gump is right in the thick of it.)

The moment I stepped inside Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., I knew I made the right choice.

The restaurant was decked out for New Year’s Eve with glowing lights, streamers, shimmering balloons, and themed props waiting at each table — party hats, beaded necklaces, noise makers, the works. The vibe struck the perfect balance between fun and festive, with just the right amount of sparkle and chaos you’d want for a Times Square New Year’s Eve party.

From the moment guests entered, servers walked around with trays of passed appetizers, offering things like mini beef wellington, ahi tuna tartar on crispy wontons, coconut shrimp, Oysters Rockefeller, and yes — even assorted caviar. The service was so well-orchestrated that you could pretty much graze non-stop without ever needing to stand in line.

In addition to the roaming servers, there were a few specialty stations available all night long. The raw seafood bar was a huge hit, with king crab legs, oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster, and octopus ceviche. The seafood buffet was incredible—seafood lovers would be in heaven.

The open bar was just as impressive, with creative cocktails, champagne, and even mocktails for those pacing themselves. I drank my favorite: a spicy margarita served in a shiny silver disco ball cup. (So fun. So strong. Totally kept the cup.)

I also stumbled upon a martini bar and a champagne bar where you could add colored glitter to your champagne.

Another fun touch was the Glitter Bar, where guests could stop by and get a little glam’d up with sparkly face designs and body glitter. It was such a quirky, unexpected detail that somehow fit perfectly with the disco-themed vibe of the night.

Later in the evening, when it came time for the official dinner buffet, the food went from impressive to next-level. The buffet included the Pasta Action Station, where you could choose from shrimp ravioli, gnocchi, and cavatappi pasta, topped with sauces like lobster bisque, brown butter & sage, or arrabbiata.

There was also a Tomahawk Steak Carving Station, complete with chimichurri sauce, horseradish, au jus, thick-cut onion rings, and sautéed mushrooms.

In addition to the stations, the buffet featured main dishes like rosemary garlic lamb chops, bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with spinach, “I’m Stuffed” shrimp, salmon florentine, vegan pesto polenta, and so much more. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a more extensive or high-quality buffet at an event like this.

Between the passed appetizers, the action-packed buffet, the themed stations scattered throughout the restaurant, and the over-the-top desserts, I was blown away by how much thought went into every detail.

Making Friends at the Party 🤝

While the idea of attending these parties solo might feel intimidating, it’s one of the things I’ve come to embrace. The beauty of these events is the people you meet. Within the first hour, I found myself chatting with two travelers from Ireland who had made this their NYE bucket list trip for the wife’s birthday. We bonded over our mutual excitement and shared stories of past New Year’s celebrations.

As the night went on, I met other people—many of whom were from other states and, more often than not, from other countries!

The lively crowd, great music, and flowing drinks created the perfect atmosphere for mingling. Before I knew it, we were all on the dance floor, dancing like no one was watching.

If you’re attending this New Year’s party solo, another really nice perk is that the staff at Bubba Gump are incredibly friendly—and genuinely excited to be celebrating with everyone, too!

The Countdown Begins 🎆

As midnight approached, the anticipation in the room was palpable. At 11:30 PM, the staff escorted us outside to Bubba Gump’s private viewing area. The location was phenomenal. Standing just steps away from the main stage, I had a clear, unobstructed view of the ball.

You Can See Ryan Seacrest 🎥

I also could see Ryan Seacrest which was neat.

The Countdown ⏳

The final countdown was nothing short of magical. The energy of the crowd, the music, and the sight of the ball descending—it gave me chills. When the clock struck midnight, confetti filled the air, and I felt a wave of pure joy as everyone cheered, hugged, and celebrated the start of 2025.

Confetti and Music! 🎊

Hearing Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York play as the confetti fell? Absolutely iconic.

Did you know there’s approximately 3,000 pounds of confetti dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve?

It’s dispersed by hand by a team of 100 volunteers from the rooftops of eight buildings around Times Square. Many of them contain wishes submitted by the public. I took a few home with me, some of which had wishes written on them! I actually tried contacting the people who wrote their names on it, but I didn’t manage to reach any of them.

After the countdown, it’s my favorite part of the night hearing everyone sing it together.

The After Party 😎

One of the perks of the Bubba Gump party is the option to head back inside after the ball drop. While thousands of people crowded the streets trying to leave, I walked straight back to the party for a champagne toast and late-night snacks.

The welcomed us back inside with newly setup stations like the Pretzel Action Station, Popcorn Station, and more.

The atmosphere was still buzzing, as everyone formed a conga line around the restaurant and headed straight for the dance floor.

Around 2:00, it was time for the party to end. On our way out, we all got little souvenir bags which I thought was such a nice touch. 😃

Would I Do It Again? 🔁

Reflecting on the night, I’m so glad I gave Bubba Gump’s NYE party a shot. Trying new things, especially by yourself, can be very daunting but this turned out to be such a fun little adventure. While it’s undoubtedly a splurge, the convenience, comfort, and incredible view make it worth every penny. If you’ve never been before, you need to go and try it. If you have, you probably should go again. 😂

As for me—I’d certainly like to!!!

In general, I like to mix things up from year to year—but I had a blast and I’d absolutely recommend this party to anyone looking for a VIP New Year’s Eve experience in Times Square. If I do end up returning this December, I’ll be genuinely excited to celebrate alongside the incredible staff, a lively crowd, and maybe even some of you reading this right now—especially if you found this post while researching where to go for New Year’s Eve! 🎉

If you’re considering attending in the future, feel free to reach out to me with questions or leave a comment below. I’d be happy to share more tips based on my experience.

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve as we prepare for 2026? 😃