Which city holds the annual New Year's Eve Waterford Crystal Times Square Ball Drop?

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New York City holds the annual Waterford Crystal Times Square Ball Drop on New Year's Eve.

The event takes place in Manhattan's Times Square and attracts spectators from around the world, while millions more watch broadcasts. The ball descends during the final minute of December 31 and reaches the bottom at midnight, signaling the start of January 1. The celebration also features live performances, confetti, and a large public countdown.

The ball has changed over time. The original 1907 ball was much smaller and used incandescent lamps. Later versions became larger, brighter, and more weather-resistant. Waterford Crystal began contributing crystal designs in 2000, and the current ball is commonly known as the Times Square Ball.

New York City is sometimes described simply as “Times Square,” but Times Square is the location within the city, not a separate municipality. The annual event is organized around the Manhattan district's landmark intersection.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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