In which two years was the Times Square ball drop suspended due to World War II?

The Times Square ball drop was suspended in 1942 and 1943 because of World War II blackout restrictions.

The interruption covered the New Year's Eve celebrations welcoming 1943 and 1944. Authorities restricted bright outdoor lighting during the war to reduce the risk that enemy aircraft or ships could use illuminated cities as navigation references. Times Square therefore stayed dark at midnight instead of staging its famous illuminated descent.

Crowds still gathered in the square. Rather than the ball drop, they observed a moment of silence shortly before midnight, followed by chimes played from sound trucks. The celebration returned after the wartime restrictions eased, and the ball drop has continued as an annual tradition since then.

The dates can be confusing because the event occurs on December 31 but signals the following calendar year. Thus, the 1942 suspension refers to New Year's Eve 1942, when the ball would have welcomed 1943; the second suspension occurred on New Year's Eve 1943.