Which New Year's Eve event in New York City features the lowering of a ball in Times Square?

The Times Square Ball Drop is the New Year's Eve event in New York City that features the lowering of a ball in Times Square.

The tradition began on December 31, 1907, when the first illuminated time ball descended from a flagpole atop One Times Square. The idea was inspired by maritime time balls, which helped ships check their clocks at a known moment.

The ball has changed substantially over time. The current structure is a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford Crystal panels and illuminated by LED lights. It is lowered from 11:59 p.m. until midnight, when the new year officially begins.

The event is often called the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, but the ball itself is not dropped. It descends slowly, and the phrase “ball drop” is the established popular name.