New York City holds the famous New Year's Eve ball drop at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue.
The event takes place in Times Square, where a large illuminated ball descends from One Times Square shortly before midnight. The descent has become one of the most recognizable New Year's Eve rituals in the world and is watched by crowds in Manhattan and viewers internationally.
The first Times Square ball drop occurred on December 31, 1907, welcoming 1908. The tradition was created for a New Year's celebration organized by The New York Times, whose headquarters gave the square its name after the newspaper moved there.
The ball has changed over time in design, lighting, and size. The modern version is covered with Waterford crystal panels and is illuminated with large numbers of LEDs, but the essential countdown ritual remains the same.