The illuminated ball lowered at midnight during New York City’s Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is the Times Square Ball.
The first ball descended from the flagpole atop One Times Square on 31 December 1907. It was created as a visual time signal for crowds gathered to celebrate the new year, replacing earlier fireworks used at the site. The tradition continued through most subsequent years, with interruptions during the World War II blackout years of 1942 and 1943.
The ball has changed substantially over time. Early versions were made from iron and wood and illuminated with incandescent lamps. Modern versions use a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford crystal panels and LED lighting, allowing elaborate colors and patterns to appear during the celebration.
The ball’s descent lasts about sixty seconds and ends at midnight Eastern Time. It is often called the “New Year’s Eve ball,” but the specific landmark is the Times Square Ball, permanently associated with the annual New York countdown.