Only a few hundred people, mostly first aid separated by barricades, had access to Times Square on New Year’s Eve to say goodbye to 2020.
Blasio Mayor and First Lady Chirlane McCray were present at the unobtrusive celebration to kick off the traditional ball drop at midnight.
Looking ahead to the new year, a star performance with Jennifer Lopez, Cyndi Lauper and others was televised for home viewers.
The event typically attracts thousands of tourists, but this year the empty issue caught the attention of several Twitter users.
“It’s so surreal to see New Year’s Eve and see empty Times Square,” a user he wrote.
Another person on Twitter mocked the “sad” setup.
“The celebration of New York in Times Square was sad. People with cow feathers wearing Planet Fitness hats and dropping the ball late after the slowest performance you’ve ever heard of Imagine and DeBlasio dancing very awkwardly. Yikes NYC ” he tweeted.
Similarly, a third user was not impressed during the viewing.
“This must be the most pathetic New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. How depressing! ” the person he wrote.