Inside Bubba Gump Shrimp’s New Year’s Eve Party in Times Square: A Complete Review 🦐🎊 (LIVE BALL DROP VIEW!) 🪩

Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating New Year’s Eve in NYC at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

On New Year’s Eve, I returned to Times Square in New York City to ring in 2026 and watch the famous ball drop LIVE in-person for the third year in a row!

Watching the Ball Drop from the heart of Times Square is a bucket-list experience for many people, and the opportunity I’ve had to witness it multiple times is something I’ll never take for granted.

Never in my wildest of dreams did I ever imagine I’d someday get to experience it three times, three different ways!

This was my third New Year’s Eve watching the famous ball drop in Times Square and my second consecutive year celebrating at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Only this time, I coordinated a brand partnership where I was invited back to attend their NYE 2025 party in exchange for sharing what the party was like with all of you!

The plans to return to NYC for New Year’s Eve eventually turned into an even bigger celebration with my sister and parents, allowing me to experience New Year’s Eve in Times Square with my family for the first time ever! More to follow.

I can’t wait to tell you more about that.

Adding to the excitement, this was also the first New Year’s Eve featuring Times Square’s new Constellation Ball: a redesigned centerpiece that made its debut just days earlier.

The new ball will play a unique role in America’s 250th birthday celebration this 4th of July this year which is when the ball dropped a second time (technically a third) in a single year, for the first time ever in history. 🇺🇸

So before we dive into my complete review of Bubba Gump’s New Year’s Eve Party, I’d love to share a bit of the story behind how I ended up here and why this particular New Year’s Eve was one I’ll never forget.

After that, we’ll cover everything you need to know about celebrating New Year’s Eve at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., including ticket information, planning tips, security procedures, food, drinks, views of the Ball Drop, and whether I think the experience is worth it.

How I Ended Up Spending This New Year’s Eve at Bubba Gump Shrimp

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A post shared by Rocky Trifari (@rockytrifari)

Last year, I also attended Bubba Gump Shrimp’s annual New Year’s Eve Party and had such an incredible experience that is quickly became one of my all-time favorite memories in my entire life.

At that party, I went solo and let me tell you, I had the TIME OF MY LIFE!

I made friends and had the adventure of a lifetime! f you haven’t read that original Bubba Gump review of NYE 2024 celebrating 2025, you can read about it here! 😎

The atmosphere was electric. The food was excellent. The views of Times Square were unforgettable. And perhaps most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most iconic celebrations without spending the entire day standing outside in the cold. There’s a million reasons I could list for why this party is such a great value!

In 2025, I spoke with Bubba Gump Shrimp’s management, staff, and planning committee, and they offered me the unique opportunity to return as an invited guest in exchange for an honest review and I happily agreed!

It was a true honor – the first and only time Landry’s has EVER permitted this! 😍

I was told quite a few people read last year’s blog post and it helped many people ultimately decide to go to the party. I loved meeting those of you who recognized me and said hi!!! I was blown away that people had made the trip all the way from Italy and Curaçao, among other places!

My Sister’s Reaction To Finding Out She’s Going With Me to Bubba Gump – A Must Watch Video 😂

When Bubba Gump invited me back to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Times Square, I was thrilled – but I wondered whether I could bring a guest to help me capture a new perspective. As a content creator, having another person to help capture content makes the job much easier while trying to capture photos, videos, and different perspectives throughout the evening. Thankfully, they agreed and allowed me to bring a +1.

Once I got the green light to bring someone for the job, I knew exactly who I wanted to invite:

My sister, Tiffany! (You’ve GOT to watch her reaction video below!)

I decided to surprise her with the big news and her reaction was PRICELESS!

From Solo… to Full Family Adventure ❤️

After spending the previous two New Year’s Eves in Times Square on my own, I was thrilled to finally share the experience with someone else. Especially someone who is as talented with social media as her! I knew she’d be a big help with the content I wanted to capture.

What began as a New Year’s Eve adventure for the two of us quickly grew into something even bigger when my parents decided to go too. Considering they’ve always dreamed of seeing the ball drop in person too, what better year to give it a whirl considering me and Tiff were going to be there!

Their ticket purchase turned the trip into my first-ever New Year’s Eve in Times Square with my entire family.

Needless to say, the excitement level went through the roof once we were all registered!

Suddenly, what started as a New Year’s Eve invitation and a simple +1 had turned into something much bigger: my first-ever New Year’s Eve in Times Square with my entire family. That made this trip feel incredibly special.

But there was another reason this particular New Year’s Eve felt significant.

Right after the clock struck midnight and the famous Ball Drop was complete, America would officially enter into its 250th anniversary year, and there would be a SECOND red, white, and blue ball drop to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial. At that same exact moment, my dad would also begin his first term as Chief of his volunteer fire department. 🇺🇸🧑🏻‍🚒🚒

Not only would we be welcoming 2026 together, but we’d also be witnessing the first New Year’s Eve featuring Times Square’s brand-new Constellation Ball. The redesigned ball had recently been unveiled and would later make history again in 2026 by participating in a second ceremonial ball drop as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations.

The more the plans came together, the more it felt like one of those rare moments where everything aligned perfectly.

What started as a simple invitation to review a New Year’s Eve party had somehow become a chance to celebrate a milestone year for the country, a milestone moment for my father, and my first New Year’s Eve in Times Square with the people I love most. 🥰

To say we’re grateful to the crew at Bubba Gump Shrimp and Landry’s would be an understatement! I’m incredibly thankful to the Bubba Gump team for making this experience possible. As always, the views and opinions I share throughout this review are entirely my own. 😃

What It Was Like Spending New Year’s Eve at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Times Square, NYC

Now, let’s talk PARTY! 🥳

What is Bubba Gump Shrimp’s New Year’s Eve Party actually like?

If you’re researching New Year’s Eve in Times Square, you’ve probably discovered there are dozens of different parties, restaurants, rooftops, and hotels all claiming to offer one of the best experiences in New York City.

Having now attended Bubba Gump’s celebration twice (and Olive Garden’s party once), I want this review to help you decide where you should spend your evening on the big day – tickets for anything around Times Square certainly aren’t cheap so making the right decision is very important!

My goal here is to create the most complete guide possible so you know exactly what to expect—from purchasing your tickets and navigating Times Square’s security checkpoints to the food, entertainment, atmosphere, views of the Ball Drop, and everything in between.

Let’s start with the basics.

WHERE IS BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. LOCATED?

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is located at 1501 Broadway in the heart of Times Square, placing guests right in the middle of one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Bubba Gump’s PRIME location offers one of the biggest advantages the night of this event. You’re close enough to feel the energy of Times Square while enjoying the comforts of an indoor venue, including food, drinks, seating, restrooms, and a warm place to celebrate throughout the evening.

In this video I took while STANDING DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE BALL, I show you exactly how close Bubba Gump is and I also compare it to where I was when I attended the party at Olive Garden. Check it out:

For anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to experience New Year’s Eve in Times Square without standing outside for 12+ hours waiting for that ball drop at midnight, Bubba Gump offers a compelling alternative.

Here’s why:

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH YOUR TICKET?

One of the things I appreciate most about Bubba Gump’s New Year’s Eve Party is that it’s much more than simply reserving a table at a restaurant.

Your ticket includes access to an exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration featuring:

• Food (all you can eat!)
• Drinks (open bar!)
• Entertainment
• Access to the venue throughout the evening (bathrooms!!!)
• Views of the Times Square festivities (Ryan Seacrest!)
• … and more!

I’ll break down each of these in detail throughout this review, but first, let’s talk about planning your visit.

Planning and Ticket Pickup

All year long, I get DMs on my Instagram profile from my posts about Bubba Gump Shrimp and their NYE party. By far, the question I get the most is about the ticket sales process.

Tickets typically go on sale around the end of November or early December. Once you purchase them online, you need to go in-person to the restaurant a day or two early to pick up your badge! You’ll be met by the team and they’ll give you a rundown of what to expect. All of the NEED to know info! 😎

You will NOT be able to cross the NYPD barricades without a badge due to the elevated security in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.

Arriving in Times Square

As you can see from this video below that I took while entering with my family, it’s a streamlined process as long as you have your Bubba Gump badge with you, ID/license or passport, and arrive at the designated crossing area on time.

After crossing 2-3 NYPD checkpoints like the one shown in this video, you’ll cross into the HEART OF TIMES SQUARE!

The energy inside is unlike anything I could ever describe! You’ve got to see it to believe it.

When to Arrive 🕰️

We met at the meetup spot at 8:30 PM to ensure we could enter in time for the party to begin at 9:00 PM.

This timing worked out perfectly for us.

Bear in mind, I know the city inside and out. Be prepared for streets to be congested. You may want to add cushion time since everyone will be walking extra slowly. Getting TO the barricades is just as much of a challenge as getting THROUGH them. Mark my words.

How Much Do Tickets Cost? 💰

The cost is subject to change but last year, a ticket cost around $1,015.00 per person.

Inside Bubba Gump’s New Year’s Eve Party

Once we made it through the NYPD checkpoints and arrived at Bubba Gump, the team welcomed us inside and confirmed our admission before directing us into the party. The theme this year was Moonlight Masquerade! 🌝🎭 (It changes every year!)

Checking In

The check-in upon arrival is a smooth and seamless process. This year, they had special cocktails that they started handing out immediately upon entering. My family loved this! It really set the tone for the festivities ahead of us!

This year, they also handed out special cocktails immediately upon entry. My family loved this little touch because it made the experience feel festive from the second we walked through the door. After navigating the crowds, barricades, and security outside, finally stepping into the warmth with a celebratory drink in hand felt like the official beginning of the night.

SEATING AND EVENT LAYOUT

One important thing to understand is that Bubba Gump’s New Year’s Eve celebration is not the same as making an ordinary restaurant reservation.

This is a full-scale party, and the restaurant is transformed to accommodate the evening’s food service, entertainment, bar access, and Times Square viewing experience. You may need to share a table depending on the size, and frankly, I like that because it makes the night more social!

Because this is such a popular party, the restaurant naturally feels busy. However, that also creates much of the energy that makes the night so exciting.

The staff are positioned at stations all around the restaurant and you will definitely want to stroll around once you’ve settled in to check them all out! It’s a mix of food stations, prop stations, drink stations, and entertainment stations (like the tarot card reader- new for this year’s party!)

THE ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere inside Bubba Gump was lively from the moment we arrived. I couldn’t stop admiring all of the attention to detail that went into the decor for the Moonlight Masquerade theme.

From the windows inside, you could easily see the new Constellation ball positioned right outside! Clear as day!

There was music, conversation, food being served, drinks flowing, and an unmistakable sense of excitement that everyone was counting down toward something enormous.

What makes the party especially exciting is that you never feel disconnected from Times Square. Even though you are inside, the lights, crowds, screens, music, and live television production happening just outside remain part of the experience.

At different points throughout the night, we could see portions of the live New Year’s Eve broadcast and watch the activity unfolding in the streets below.

This balance is one of the strongest parts of the event. You can enjoy the energy of Times Square without having to remain outdoors for the entire day.

You have warmth.

You have food.

You have drinks.

You have restrooms.

And most importantly, you still feel like you are part of the celebration happening outside.

THE FOOD AT BUBBA GUMP’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Let’s talk about one of the biggest parts of the experience: the food!

Admission to the New Year’s Eve party includes an all-you-can-eat menu served throughout the evening.

Rather than ordering from Bubba Gump’s standard menu, guests receive access to a special event selection designed to feed a large number of people throughout the party.

2025 New Year’s Eve Food Menu

During our 2025-2026 celebration, the menu included:

Passed Appetizers

• Endive with Tempeh Walnut Honey Chipotle & Crispy Apple (Vegan)
• Assorted Caviar Cones
• Crispy Pork Belly Mofongo Bites
• Coconut Shrimp with Chili Lime Sauce
• Mini Chicken & Waffles
• Lobster Fried Deviled Eggs
• Crab & Cheddar Puffs

Walking App Station – Burrata Bar

• Mini burrata ball served with a fresh crostini

Raw Bar / Seafood Display

• King crab legs
• Oysters on the half shell
• Clams on the half shell
• Mussels
• Octopus ceviche with plantain chips
• Lobster
• Jumbo cocktail shrimp
• Sardines (canned)

Dinner Buffet / Churrasco / Carving Station

Cold Salads

• Beet salad
• Harissa beans with whipped feta
• Black bean, corn & pepper salad
• Watermelon poke salad
• Assorted breads & crackers

Hot Dishes

• Chipotle-crusted salmon with lobster butter sauce
• Duck confit with blueberry port sauce

Picanha-Style Large Skewers

• Beef
• Pork
• Lamb
• Brazilian sausage
• Chicken
• Whole grilled pineapple

Sauces

• Chimichurri
• Garlic sauce
• Creamy peppercorn
• Herb aioli

Individual Skewers

• Bacon-wrapped shrimp
• Assorted grilled vegetables (corn & potatoes, peppers & onions, zucchini & squash)

This combination of buffet-style stations and passed appetizers made the party so much fun because there was food flying around everywhere! Bubba Gump’s menu is NEXT level. No one can top it!

Did I mention the desserts?

Late Night Dance Floor Action Station – Empanadas

Dessert Display Stations

• Assorted meringue tartlets
• Assorted truffles
• Assorted cookies
• Assorted fudge
• Cream puffs

Walking Dessert Action Station – Cannoli Station

Fresh mini cannoli piped to order with your choice of:

Food was served all throughout the night. Desserts were still served even after the ball drop when we went back inside after midnight.

I want to take a moment to appreciate how creative these food setups were. The staff WORE these intricate serving trays so they could roam the party and serve us from anywhere. How epic is that!?

The most important thing is that this does not feel like a party where food is included merely as an afterthought. There was enough variety to make the meal feel substantial, and the ability to eat throughout the evening added significant value to the ticket considering the price.

DRINKS AND OPEN BAR

The ticket also included access to a premium open bar. We certainly made use of that.

Their spicy mango margaritas are SO GOOD and those are my drink of choice!

CAN YOU SEE THE TIMES SQUARE BALL FROM BUBBA GUMP?

This could be the question readers care most about.

Yes, Bubba Gump offers guests a live view of the Times Square Ball Drop.

However, it is important to understand exactly what that means so your expectations are realistic.

The ball is visible from the street immediately outside the restaurant. That being said, a view is not guaranteed and being able to go outside is ultimately at the discretion of NYPD. Anecdotally, I’ll tell you that in the three years I’ve done this, NYPD has never given me any trouble.

The restaurant is extremely close to One Times Square, as you saw in the video I shared earlier. That proximity allows you to feel completely immersed in the event.

Even before midnight, the illuminated Constellation Ball could be seen glowing above the crowds as the screens around Times Square cycled through advertisements, performances, and countdown messages.

HOW EARLY SHOULD YOU GET INTO POSITION?

My advice is not to wait until the final minute to think about where you will watch the Ball Drop.

At approximately 11:45PM, guests began lining up downstairs to go out to the street.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT

There is something incredibly surreal about watching the final seconds of the year disappear from the screens in Times Square.

Even after experiencing the Ball Drop before, the final countdown still gives me chills.

The atmosphere changes as midnight approaches. The music gets louder. More phones rise into the air. People begin hugging one another before the countdown even starts. Everyone knows they are only moments away from participating in a celebration being watched around the world. I had tears in my eyes already.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Happy New Year!

The Second Ball Drop for the Semiquincentennial 🇺🇸

Moments later, we saw a second ball drop – something totally new!

The confetti became red, white, and blue and there was LOTS OF IT!

CELEBRATING MIDNIGHT WITH MY FAMILY

For the previous two years, I had experienced New Year’s Eve in Times Square on my own.

Those solo experiences were exciting, empowering, and deeply meaningful to me. But welcoming 2026 alongside my parents and sister felt completely different.

At midnight, I was not simply watching the Ball Drop again.

I was watching my family experience it for the first time.

I was standing alongside my sister after capturing her reaction when she first learned she would be coming with me.

I was celebrating with my parents after they decided to turn our media opportunity into a full family adventure.

And I was watching my dad enter a new chapter of his own life. At the exact moment 2026 began, his term as Chief of his volunteer fire department officially started.

That milestone felt especially appropriate during the opening moments of America’s 250th anniversary year. My family has always held a deep respect for public service, community, and country, so welcoming that historic year in Times Square while my dad became Fire Chief made the moment feel almost impossibly well timed.

The more I reflect on it, the more emotional I become.

Here’s my dad’s reaction after watching the ball drop!

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT?

The celebration does not immediately end when the Ball Drop is complete.

Around 12:15 AM, guests typically return inside for the after party which continues until 2:00 AM, allowing time for additional drinks, photos, conversation, music, and the gradual clearing of Times Square outside.

This can be helpful because thousands of people begin leaving the area at once.

LEAVING TIMES SQUARE

While no one wants the party to ever end, the party concludes around 2:00 AM. Expect the streets and sidewalks to be mostly cleared. We scheduled an Uber pickup a few streets over and that pickup worked out nicely.

They sent everyone off with lovely gift bags that contained Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. event t-shirts, coupons to return, water to rehydrate, super cute on-theme goodies and treats, and a few other items. It was very thoughtfully put together.

A Major Shout Out to the Staff

The Bubba Gump and Landry’s teams put an enormous amount of planning into an event of this scale.

From credential pickup to check-in and service throughout the night, the staff plays a major role in keeping the experience organized.

I never felt there was a single thing missing and I think that speaks to the level of care and attention to detail that they put into this celebration. Plus, the staff joins in on the celebration and it just feels like one huge party with everyone! 🥰

THE MEMORIES

Above everything else, Bubba Gump gave me a comfortable and exciting way to experience Times Square with my family.

That is something no menu item, drink package, or price comparison can fully capture.

IS BUBBA GUMP’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WORTH IT?

At approximately $1,015 per person during the year we attended, Bubba Gump’s New Year’s Eve Party is undeniably expensive.

There is no point pretending otherwise.

However, nearly every ticketed celebration in the heart of Times Square commands a premium on New Year’s Eve. The better question is not whether the ticket is inexpensive.

The better question is what you receive for that price and whether those features matter to you.

Your admission includes:

• Entry into a secured Times Square celebration.
• An indoor venue.
• Heat and restroom access.
• Food throughout the party.
• An open bar.
• Entertainment.
• Photo Booth!
• A view of the live Ball Drop.
• The ability to experience Times Square without standing outside all day.

For someone whose lifelong dream is to see the Ball Drop in person, the event may be worth saving for as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

It may also be worthwhile for people who want the excitement of Times Square but know they would not be comfortable standing outside in the cold for twelve or more hours.

WHO IS THIS PARTY BEST FOR?

I think Bubba Gump’s New Year’s Eve Party is especially well suited for:

• First-time visitors who want to experience the Ball Drop.
• Couples, families, and groups celebrating a milestone.
• Travelers who value indoor comfort and restroom access.
• Solo travelers wanting to have an epic experience.
• Guests who want food and drinks included.
• Anyone who wants to remain in the heart of Times Square without spending the full day outdoors.

We’ve even seen someone propose at it!

Final Thoughts On BUBBA GUMP’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

After three consecutive New Year’s Eves in Times Square, including two at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., I can say that no two celebrations have felt the same.

But when the lights shine across Times Square, the countdown begins, the ball starts to descend, and you realize you are standing in the center of a moment watched around the world, it is difficult not to understand why people dream about doing this at least once.

I remain incredibly grateful to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Landry’s, the management team, and every staff member who helped make our evening possible.

These were some of the most meaningful family memories of my life.

Happy New Year from Times Square! 🪩🦐🎊