Only a few hundred people – mostly first responders separated by barricades – were allowed access to Times Square on New Year’s Eve to say goodbye to 2020.
Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray attended the quiet party to start the traditional ball drop at midnight.
Leading up to the New Year, a star-studded performance starring Jennifer Lopez, Cyndi Lauper and others was televised to viewers at home.
The event normally attracts thousands of tourists, but this year the anything but empty affair caught the attention of several Twitter users.
“It’s so surreal to see Rockin Eve New Years Eve and see Times Square empty,” an user wrote.
Another person on Twitter joked about the “sad” setup.
“The NYE celebration in Times Square was sad. People in cowhouses wearing Planet Fitness hats and they dropped the ball after the slowest rendition you’ve ever heard Imagine, and DeBlasio is dancing super awkwardly. Yikes NYC, ” he tweeted.
A third user was also unimpressed by the display.
This has to be the most pathetic New Year’s celebration ever seen in Times Square. How depressing! ” the person wrote.