The secrets to seeing the NYE ball without the chaos

Watching a six-ton, crystal-covered ball drop in Times Square is the most famous New Year’s Eve tradition on the planet. That also makes it one of the most annoyingly crowded. So instead of starting 2015 by freezing your butt off in the cold while contemplating breaking into the Disney Store to pee, you can see the ball on your own terms. Here’s how:

Shred your year

December 28 — 12 p.m.

The annual Good Riddance Day is your chance to put 2014 in its place . . . by shredding it to pieces. It’s not quite a ball drop, but it might be more satisfying and you can check out the big globe while you’re there. A mobile shredding truck will be set up in Times Square between 43rd and 44th streets, where anyone can go to say goodbye to whatever garbage they want to leave in 2014.

Funfetti

December 29 — 10 a.m.

The Times Square Alliance holds an annual confetti test. The paper bits will be tossed out of office windows above Times Square.. Look up at the ball as the confetti swirls around, squint and pretend it’s the 31st.

The dry run

December 30 — 12 p.m.

How are organizers so sure the ball will actually drop on New Year’s Eve? They test it, of course. You can watch the six-ton ball practice its drop from the 130-foot pole the day before the real countdown begins. Also, unlike on New Year’s Eve, the shops and restaurants will actually still be open.

Reverse New Year’s

January 5 — 12 p.m.

This special ceremony is like reverse New Year’s: it’s at noon, with way fewer people, and the ball goes back up! The Times Square Alliance started a tradition in 2013 of relighting the ball and leaving it on display for the whole year (instead of just on New Year’s Day). Head to Times Square on the Monday after the holiday to see the ball relit and sent up the 130-foot pole atop One Times Square.