New Year's Eve 2013: Where To Watch The Times Square Ball Drop On TV, Live Stream And In Person

Record crowds are expected to gather in New York City on Monday, as the illuminated ball, adorned with doves reflecting the theme "Let There Be Peace" theme, drops to ring in 2013. If you'd prefer to avoid the large crowds and tight security, anyone with a computer, television or smartphone can join the big countdown on those devices.

Here's a guide to where to watch the official live stream of the Times Square Ball Drop, what channels are broadcasting New Year's Eve telecasts, how to download the NYE app on your smartphone and the best viewing spots and entrance points to experience the annual tradition in person.

The New Year's Eve ball is scheduled tol be raised at 6 p.m. EST and will begin its descent at 11:59 pm EST.

Watch on Television

ABC plans nonstop coverage beginning at 8 p.m. EST, with a special two-hour event hosted by Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas and Jenny McCarthy. Artists to be featured include Brandy, Flo Rida, Karmin, OneRepublic, and Pitbull, along with a celebration of the late TV host Dick Clark, who helped ring in the New Year for four decades.

At 10 p.m. EST, Ryan's Rockin' Eve, with Ryan Seacrest, will kick off with performances by Taylor Swift, PSY, Carly Rae Jepsen and Neon Trees.

Check your local listings for channels.

Watch Online with Live Stream

If you don't have a television at home or prefer to live stream the event, click your browser to TimesSquareNYC.org. A webcast of the ball drop is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. EST and will end at 12:15 p.m. There is also a live stream from Times Square on EarthCam.

The New Year's Eve 2012 Smartphone App

The 2013 Times Square Ball App is available to download at the app's website for both iOS and Android on iTunes and Google Play, respectively. The apps were launched for the first time last year by Toshiba and Livestream, providing a six-hour live stream with no commercial breaks.

To download the app on an Apple or Android phone, click here and follow the instructions.

Watch in Person

If you decide to brave the crowds -- with an upwards of one million people expected -- to watch the ball drop, be sure to enter Times Square in the correct time and places. For those south of 41st Street, enter on 37th Street at 7th Avenue or Broadway and 38th Street at 8th or 6th Ave. If you're north of 43rd Street, you can enter at 49th from 8th & 6th Ave, 52nd from 8th & 6th Ave, 54th from 6th Ave, 55th from 8th Ave, 57th from 7th Ave or Broadway and 58th or 59th from 8th & 6th Ave.