The first Times Square New Year's Eve celebration using fireworks took place in 1904.
The New York Times organized the celebration to mark the opening of its new headquarters at One Times Square, then called the Times Building. Fireworks were launched from the building at midnight, creating a spectacle that drew a large crowd to the newly renamed Times Square.
Fireworks were not used for the later ball-drop tradition. New York City officials prohibited the fireworks after the 1906 celebration because burning debris and noise created safety concerns. In response, The New York Times introduced the illuminated ball, which was lowered for the first time on December 31, 1907.
This history creates a common confusion: 1904 is the year of the first Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, while 1907 is the year of the first ball drop. Both dates are important, but they refer to different milestones in the event's development.