What famous New Year's Eve tradition in New York City involves a ball descending in Times Square at midnight?

The Times Square Ball Drop is the famous New Year's Eve tradition in New York City in which a ball descends at midnight.

The first ball drop took place on December 31, 1907, to welcome 1908. Newspaper publisher Adolph Ochs organized the celebration after fireworks were banned from the top of One Times Square for safety reasons. The original ball was made of iron and wood and was illuminated with 100 light bulbs.

The modern ball is a large geodesic sphere covered with Waterford Crystal panels and LED lighting. It is lowered from a flagpole atop One Times Square during the final minute of the year. Millions of people watch the event in person and through broadcasts.

The ball does not fall suddenly; it moves down a controlled track over 60 seconds. New York City's celebration is often confused with the separate New Year's Eve fireworks displays held in other cities.