New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration is famous for its descending illuminated ball.
The Times Square Ball Drop takes place each year as the illuminated ball descends from a flagpole atop One Times Square during the final minute before midnight. The event is watched by a crowd in Times Square and by television audiences around the world. Confetti, performances, and the midnight celebration accompany the descent.
The first ball drop occurred on December 31, 1907, welcoming 1908. The original ball was made of iron and wood and decorated with electric lights. The design has been replaced and enlarged several times, and the current ball is a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford crystal panels and LED lighting.
The event is often described simply as the “ball drop,” but the ball is raised and then lowered, rather than dropped freely. One Times Square is the building associated with the ceremony; the event should not be confused with other New York City fireworks celebrations.