Which New Year's Eve event in Times Square began in 1904 before the first ball drop took place in 1907?

The Times Square New Year's Eve celebration began in 1904, and its first ball drop took place in 1907.

New York's celebration was originally held to mark the opening of the new headquarters of The New York Times in Times Square, then called Longacre Square. The newspaper organized a large New Year's Eve gathering on December 31, 1904, including fireworks. Fireworks were later prohibited for safety reasons, prompting the introduction of a descending illuminated ball.

The first ball drop occurred on December 31, 1907, welcoming 1908. The tradition continued, with interruptions during wartime restrictions in 1942 and 1943, when the public observed a moment of darkness and silence instead. The ball has been redesigned several times as technology and materials changed.

The event is often called the Times Square Ball Drop, but the wider public celebration includes performances, confetti and the midnight countdown. It is distinct from the New Year's Eve celebrations held elsewhere in New York City.