After two attacks in the city inspired by the Islamic State group, in December and October, security was tightened with more than 20 roads closed. Barricades and sand-filled trucks were in place, along with bomb-sniffing dogs and more officers on the ground. Police also carried out two rounds of security screening on everyone who entered the Times Square security perimeter, the largest in history.
On entering the secured area, revelers emptied and discarded their purses and other small bags, which were not allowed. After a mass shooter in October killed 58 people in Las Vegas by firing into a crowd from his hotel room, police also deployed personnel to hotels and restaurants for the first time.
"This is like the most exciting day in my life. I am very committed (to facing the cold)," said Hader Ghulam, 27, a Pakistani student based in Oklahoma visiting the city for the first time. He told AFP he was impressed by the security measures and felt "pretty safe."