A ball has descended in Times Square at midnight since 1907.
The Times Square Ball is a time ball used to mark the arrival of the New Year in New York City. The first ball descended on December 31, 1907, replacing an earlier fireworks display used by the New York Times to attract attention to its new headquarters. The tradition continued, with interruptions during wartime blackouts.
Modern versions are illuminated and constructed from Waterford crystal panels. The ball is lowered from a pole atop One Times Square during the final minute of December 31. Millions of people watch the event in person or through broadcasts.
The object is often called the “ball drop,” but the official tradition is the descent of the Times Square Ball. It is not a star, lantern, or clock, although lights and countdown clocks are also prominent parts of the celebration.