What is the name of the New Year's Eve ceremony in New York City's Times Square where the illuminated ball descends?

The Times Square Ball Drop is the New Year's Eve ceremony in which an illuminated ball descends in Times Square.

The ball begins its descent shortly before midnight from One Times Square and reaches the base at midnight, marking the start of the new year. The ceremony is accompanied by a countdown, music, confetti, and a large public gathering.

The tradition began in 1907 after The New York Times moved into a building at the square. The first ball was a relatively simple illuminated structure; successive versions became larger and more technologically sophisticated. The current design uses Waterford crystal panels and LED lighting.

The event is often called the ball drop, but the ball is technically lowered rather than dropped freely. The ceremony's location is Times Square in Manhattan, not New York City's entire public celebration.