If you have ever pictured ringing in the New Year in Times Square, the scene probably looks like confetti, cheers, and the famous ball drop at midnight. A viral TikTok has added a far less glamorous detail to that fantasy, and it has left plenty of viewers stunned. According to one creator, some people in the crowd wear diapers to make it through the hours-long wait.
In her video, she said she had only just learned about the practice and immediately decided it was not for her. The reason, she explained, is simple and brutal. Once you are in position for the countdown, there is effectively no easy bathroom break.
The comment section quickly turned into a mix of disbelief, horror, and humor. Many people joked that they felt “too European” to even consider it, pointing out that large outdoor events across Europe typically rely on portable toilets. Others couldn’t get past the logistics, asking how anyone manages the situation in real life and whether people truly prepare this way instead of timing a last restroom stop before heading out.
As shocking as it sounds to first-time hearers, longtime Times Square watchers say it is not exactly a myth. The issue is less about tradition and more about the strict reality of crowd control. On New Year’s Eve, viewing areas begin filling up in the afternoon, and the best spots go to those who arrive earliest and are willing to stay put.
@claireimaginarium Let me deinfluence you 😌 #timesquareball #nye #newyorkcity ♬ original sound – Claire Imaginarium
Once a section reaches capacity, it is closed, and that is where the real catch comes in. If you leave your designated area, you cannot simply walk back to your spot. That rule applies to everything, including trying to find a restroom, grabbing food, or even picking up water, which means people are often locked into their little patch of pavement for hours.
Adding to the discomfort, there are no public toilets or food vendors inside the barricaded viewing zones. People bundle up for the cold, bring what they can, and brace themselves for a very long stretch of waiting in a packed crowd. For some, the once-in-a-lifetime thrill is worth every inconvenience. For others, the diaper detail is the moment the dream of a Times Square countdown loses its sparkle.
Would you ever brave Times Square on New Year’s Eve, or is this the kind of revelation that makes you choose a cozy celebration instead? Share your take in the comments.
