Waterford Crystal supplies the illuminated ball used in New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve ceremony.
Waterford Crystal, an Irish crystal manufacturer, began its association with the Times Square Ball in 2000. The ball is covered with illuminated crystal panels and is lowered from a pole atop One Times Square during the final minute of December 31.
The modern ball replaced earlier designs and became a highly engineered piece of public spectacle. Its lighting system uses thousands of LED lights, allowing changing colors and patterns during the event.
The ball itself is not the same as the broader Times Square celebration. The ceremony includes performances and a countdown, while the ball drop is the symbolic centerpiece. The event's location is One Times Square, a building at the southern end of Times Square.