In Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration, the illuminated ball takes 60 seconds to descend. The drop begins at 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and ends exactly at midnight, marking the start of the new year.
The first Times Square Ball was lowered in 1907 to celebrate the arrival of 1908. It was designed by Artkraft Strauss and originally made of iron and wood, with electric lights. The tradition continued after the New York City fireworks display was discontinued because of safety concerns.
Modern balls are much larger and more technologically advanced than the original. The current version is covered with Waterford crystal panels and uses LED lighting. The descent lasts one minute, although the celebration includes earlier hourly countdowns and musical performances. The ball is raised to the top of One Times Square before the final countdown.