What is the official name of the New Year's Eve ball dropped in New York City?

The official name of the New Year's Eve ball dropped in New York City is the Times Square Ball.

The first Times Square Ball descended on December 31, 1907, for the celebration welcoming 1908. The idea was introduced by Adolph Ochs, whose New York Times newspaper had moved into a new headquarters in the area. The ball replaced fireworks as the central visual signal after fireworks were restricted.

The object has changed in size, materials, and lighting technology over the decades. The current version is a geodesic sphere decorated with Waterford crystal panels and LED lighting. It is lowered from One Times Square during the final minute before midnight.

Although people often call it simply “the ball drop,” Times Square Ball is the established name of the object. It is not the same as a generic disco ball, a crystal ball, or a citywide countdown clock.