NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The snow is gone, the stage is set and New York is hours away from one of the most celebrated holiday events of the year.

Tourists and travelers from around the world are already gathering in Times Square in preparation for the glowing orb to drop, ringing in 2011.

1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg found several individuals who had already staked out a spot.

"This right here is the best spot. You gotta be back enough to get the whole view, but not too far back," said Andrew, who was reuniting with his college buddies on the crossroads. "This is definitely the best spot. Everyone's in a great mood. It's great."

LISTEN: 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg speaks with partiers in Times Square

Jessica was spending her first New Year's Eve in Times Square.

"I'm ready to do the whole Times Square midnight, ball drop, the whole ten yards. I wanted to do it just to experience it. I hear it's miserable," she said.

Her friend Derek said he wanted to be near the recruiting office or the police station.

"For this one occasion, you're going to want to be in front. You're gonna want to look up and be like 'oh, wow,'" he said.

LISTEN: 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg rep0rts from Times Square

Aaron from Australia, meanwhile, is spending his New Year's in the air, flying to Dubai.

"Sadly I'll be on an airplane. I'll go through eight time zones. I won't see New Years at all. It's a little bit of a bummer. It's an excuse to have eight times as many drinks I guess," he said.

But Dubai's celebration is pretty large with an "amazing set of fireworks," he said. Even though he'll miss it, he's sure he'll get some phone calls from friends back home.

Giuseppe from Italy will celebrate with his two girlfriends Vincenza and Margarita, who are showing him what New Year's is like here in Times Square and what it's all bout.

"New Year's Eve. We will be watching the ball drop from Times Square and celebrating with lots of kissing and happiness and champagne," Giuseppe said.

"The excitement alone is breathtaking," one of the girls said.

"It's a beautiful place. I love it," Giuseppe said.