New York City hosted the world's first organized New Year's Eve ball drop, held by The New York Times in 1907.
The first drop occurred on December 31, 1907, as part of a celebration for the start of 1908. The New York Times organized the event to draw attention to its new headquarters in the building that gave Longacre Square the name Times Square. The original ball was made of iron and wood, decorated with light bulbs, and lowered from a flagpole.
The tradition continued in later years, except during periods when wartime blackout rules prevented the usual illuminated display. The ball has been redesigned several times, becoming larger and more elaborate as technology changed. Modern versions use crystal panels and computer-controlled lighting.
New York City's ball drop is often described simply as “the ball drop,” but the Times Square ceremony is a specific event. Other cities now stage their own countdowns and object drops, yet the 1907 Times Square event established the format that became internationally recognizable.