Listen Up: A Closer Look at Top Stories for Monday, Dec. 31

Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 

Happy Monday and more importantly happy New Year's Eve! Grab an umbrella, it's going to be a mild, but rainy day today. As always, get the latest forecast at nbcnewyork.com/weather.

1. Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Gets Some New Sparkle

Preparations for New Year's Eve in Times Square are taking shape, and some of those shapes are 192 new crystal triangles on the famous ball.

The new Waterford crystal triangles will join about 2,500 others on the big, sparkling sphere. Some new crystals are swapped in every year.

This year's additions feature rosette cuts designed to make them appear to flow harmoniously into each other. That's in keeping with this year's "gift of harmony" theme.

Read more here.

2. Where to Get a Bite to Eat and Ring in the New Year All in One

Now if you want to enjoy the ball drop without fighting the crowds, you may be thinking of hitting up a restaurant in Times Square, but be sure to have money. 

Looking for a pass Applebee's party on 42nd Street? Tickets start at $375. 

TGI Fridays will run you at least $150. 

At least there will be an open bar. 

3. Street Closures, MTA Changes for New Year’s Eve in Times Square

If you plan to ring in the New Year at Times Square to see the iconic ball drop, the use of public transportation is highly recommended.

There will be a significant amount of street closures related to the New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday night.

Beginning 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Times Square will be closed to vehicular traffic. Attendees will be directed by police officers to gather in various viewing sections.

Read more here.

For the latest entertainment news and things to do, tune in to New York Live, Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. on NBC 4 New York.