Which New Year's Eve event in New York City is famous for its midnight confetti release over Times Square?

The Times Square Ball Drop is the New Year's Eve event famous for releasing confetti over Times Square at midnight.

As the illuminated ball reaches the bottom of its 60-second descent, the crowd counts down to January 1. Confetti is then released over Times Square, creating one of the most recognizable images of the celebration. The paper pieces often carry messages submitted by people around the world.

The ball tradition began in 1907, but the confetti custom came later. Confetti became part of the Times Square celebration in the mid-20th century, adding a visible climax after the ball reached the flagpole base.

The event is often called the ball drop, although the ball is technically lowered rather than dropped freely. Television broadcasts have made the ceremony internationally familiar, while attendance in the square itself requires planning, crowd controls, and restricted access.