Where does New York City hold its famous New Year's Eve ball drop?

New York City holds its famous New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square.

The tradition began on December 31, 1907, when a lighted ball was lowered from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Newspaper publisher Adolph Ochs organized the celebration to attract attention to the New York Times' new headquarters, which had opened there in 1904. Earlier celebrations had used fireworks, but city officials banned them, encouraging the newspaper to create a safer visual spectacle.

The ball has changed substantially over time. The original was made of iron and wood and illuminated by 100 light bulbs. Modern versions use electric lighting and thousands of Waterford crystal panels. The event is watched by crowds in Manhattan and by television audiences around the world.

The ball was not lowered during several World War II-era years because wartime blackout rules restricted public lighting. The Times Square celebration remains one of the world's best-known New Year's Eve events.