There's no doubt the ball drop in Times Square is the most famous New Year's Eve celebration in the world.

People from all around the world pack the streets to get a glimpse of that 12-foot wide crystal ball drop and ring in the new year.

Speaking to reporters, Mayor Bill de Blasio described the crowds saying, "New Year's Eve is one of the greatest moments for the year for New York City. It's a night when we shine all of the nation, all over the globe, countless millions watch on television and could be up to two million people in Times Square itself."

There are a few problems we have with that. Namely, two million people.

This is a big conversation we have in the newsroom every time there's a parade, a big public event.

Trying to estimate the size of the crowds.

NY1 Managing Editor Joel Siegel takes this up every time.

De Blasio said that they are ready for two million people. That is the entire population of Manhattan and Staten Island penned into a 15-block radius in Times Square.

Experts say the actual number is probably less than 100,000.

That's 20 times less than they are estimating.