TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (WABC) – Nearly a million people braved the pouring rain at the world’s crossroads to say goodbye to 2024 and ring in a new year

Eyewitness News caught up with revelers who stood in the rain with a poncho as their only defense to ring in the New Year in Times Square.

For every raindrop and every rain-soaked performance, there was just as much optimism for 2025.

“I’m just here celebrating love, life and happiness,” said one visitor.

They said they just wanted to enjoy some of the sights and sounds.

“I’ve always wanted to do this, it’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid,” said Shauntay, who made the trip all the way from California.

“The feeling is incredible,” said a woman who was there with her family. “We compared it to London, where we go often. And it’s much better in New York than in London!”

The NYPD patrolled the area with bomb-sniffing dogs. And cleaning vehicles have been deployed to prevent a vehicle ramming attack, just a small part of the elaborate security plan.

“We want everyone to have a happy and safe 2025. There is no better place to make this happen,” said Mayor Eric Adams.

The streets around Times Square began closing at 4 a.m. Tuesday.

The entire area from 57th to 42nd Streets between Sixth and Eighth Avenues was completely closed as of 11 a.m

Police and organizers began allowing spectators into the ball throwing area at 3 p.m

WATCH: Live view of Times Square

From Sydney to Vladivostok to Mumbai, communities around the world have begun welcoming 2025 with spectacular light shows, hugs and ice falls.

Auckland was the first major city to celebrate. South Pacific countries are the first to ring in the New Year. In New Zealand, midnight strikes 18 hours before the ball is dropped in Times Square, New York.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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