What is the name of the New Year's Eve event in New York City where the Waterford crystal ball descends?
Answer
Times Square Ball Drop
Answer
Times Square Ball Drop
The New Year's Eve event where the Waterford crystal ball descends is the Times Square Ball Drop.
The ball descends from One Times Square in New York City shortly before midnight on December 31. Millions of people watch the event in person or through broadcasts, and the descent ends when the clock reaches midnight in the Eastern Time Zone.
The current ball is a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford crystal triangles and illuminated by LEDs. Its design has changed several times since the original 1907 ball, reflecting improvements in lighting, materials, and computer-controlled color effects. The name Waterford refers to the Irish crystal company that has supplied crystal panels for modern versions.
The event is often called simply the ball drop, but it is distinct from the broader Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, which also includes musical performances, confetti, and the ceremonial writing of the new year. The descent itself lasts approximately one minute.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026