Which material has been used for the illuminated New Year's Eve ball in Times Square since 2000?

Waterford Crystal has been used for the illuminated New Year's Eve ball in Times Square since 2000.

The 2000 ball introduced a major visual change to the ceremony. It was designed by Waterford Crystal and featured a much larger, more elaborate structure than the traditional balls that came before it. Waterford has continued to supply crystal panels for later versions and annual thematic designs.

The ball's crystal elements are mounted on a geodesic sphere and illuminated with computer-controlled lights. Later versions incorporated LED technology and millions of colors, enabling animated patterns and changing displays during the countdown.

The association with Waterford Crystal can be confused with the separate Swarovski crystal ball used in the annual New Year's Eve celebration at New York City's New Year's Eve event in Times Square? In fact, Times Square's official ball is the Waterford Crystal Ball, while other celebrations use different crystal brands. The ball descends from One Times Square at midnight.