Which New Year's Eve tradition takes place in Times Square, New York City, when a glowing sphere descends at midnight?

The New Year's Eve tradition in which a glowing sphere descends at midnight in Times Square is the Times Square Ball Drop.

The event began in 1907, when the first time ball was lowered from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Its design was inspired by maritime time balls, which were dropped at fixed times so ships could set their clocks accurately. The first ball was made of iron and wood and lit with 100 light bulbs.

The modern ball is a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford Crystal panels and illuminated by LEDs. The ceremony is accompanied by musical performances, confetti, and a large crowd in Times Square. The ball has not descended in a few exceptional years, including 1942 and 1943, when wartime blackout rules ended the public display. The tradition is often confused with New York City's separate New Year's Eve fireworks and celebrations elsewhere.