In New York City, which annual New Year's Eve event takes place in Times Square?

The Times Square Ball Drop is New York City's annual New Year's Eve event in Times Square. At midnight, a large illuminated ball descends One Times Square as crowds count down to the new year.

The first ball drop was held on December 31, 1907, for the arrival of 1908. The event replaced fireworks that had been used to celebrate the opening of The New York Times' new headquarters. Since then, the ceremony has become a major broadcast tradition, although it has been canceled or modified in unusual circumstances.

The event is sometimes confused with the Times Square Ball itself. The ball is the object; the ball drop is the timed ceremony involving the descent, countdown and midnight celebration. The public gathering also includes musical performances and a confetti release, but the descending ball remains its defining feature.