What 12-foot illuminated object descends in New York City’s Times Square at midnight on New Year’s Eve?

The 12-foot illuminated object that descends in Times Square is the Times Square Ball.

The ball drop is one of the world’s most recognizable New Year’s Eve ceremonies. The ball is lowered from a flagpole atop One Times Square during the final minute of December 31, reaching the bottom at midnight to mark the beginning of the new year.

The first Times Square ball descended on December 31, 1907, welcoming 1908. It was made of iron and wood, decorated with electric lights, and replaced an earlier fireworks display used by the New York Times to celebrate its new headquarters. The design has changed repeatedly, becoming larger and more technologically elaborate.

The modern ball is covered with Waterford crystal panels and illuminated by LEDs. The name “ball drop” refers to the descent itself, not to the object being released or thrown. Times Square’s celebration also features musical performances, confetti, and a large international television audience.