Which New Year's Eve event in New York City is known for a midnight ball descent?

The Times Square Ball Drop is the New Year's Eve event in New York City known for a midnight ball descent.

The tradition takes place in Times Square, where a lighted ball descends a pole during the final minute before midnight. The descent ends at the start of January 1, when crowds and viewers celebrate the new year.

The first ball drop took place for the celebration welcoming 1908. The original ball was made of iron and wood and illuminated with electric lights. Later versions changed in size, materials, lighting and design, while preserving the basic countdown ritual.

The ball drop is one part of the larger Times Square New Year's Eve celebration. It is distinct from the initial 1904 event, which used fireworks rather than a descending ball. That difference explains why the celebration's founding date and ball-drop date are often reported separately.