The first illuminated ball in Times Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration was lowered in 1907.
The event was organized by The New York Times to mark the newspaper’s new headquarters at One Times Square. Fireworks had previously been used for the celebration, but city officials banned them, prompting the newspaper to create a safer visual spectacle. The original ball was made of iron and wood, decorated with electric lights, and measured about five feet across.
The ball-drop tradition was interrupted during World War II in 1942 and 1943 because New York observed a wartime dimout. Crowds still gathered, but the midnight celebration was marked by a moment of silence and church bells rather than a glowing ball.
Modern Times Square balls are far larger and technologically more advanced. The current design uses Waterford crystal panels and LED lighting, while the descent still begins at 11:59 p.m. on December 31. The Times Square celebration is often confused with the separate New Year’s Eve fireworks displays held elsewhere in New York.