Which New Year’s Eve event in New York City began the tradition of dropping a ball in Times Square in 1907?

The Times Square Ball Drop began in 1907 as New York City’s New Year’s Eve midnight event.

The celebration grew after the New York Times moved its headquarters to the area then known as Longacre Square and helped give the district its new name. The newspaper organized a major New Year’s Eve celebration for December 31, 1904, including fireworks. After fireworks were prohibited for later celebrations, an illuminated ball was used as a safer visual signal.

The first ball descended from the flagpole atop One Times Square at the end of 1907. The event has continued with interruptions, including wartime dimouts during World War II. The ball’s materials, lighting, and design have changed substantially over time.

The ball drop is often confused with the earlier Times Square fireworks celebrations, but the ball tradition specifically dates to 1907. Today, the event is broadcast internationally and watched by huge audiences in person and on television.