Which New York City building is illuminated as the New Year’s Eve Ball drops in Times Square?

One Times Square is the New York City building illuminated behind the New Year’s Eve Ball in Times Square.

One Times Square stands at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The building was formerly associated with The New York Times, whose headquarters gave the surrounding area its name. Its prominent position makes it the backdrop for the annual ball drop.

The New Year’s Eve Ball descends from a flagpole near the building’s roof and reaches the base of its mast at midnight. Large digital screens on and around the building display messages and advertisements throughout the year, helping make the location recognizable worldwide.

The Empire State Building and Chrysler Building are also famous New York landmarks, but neither is the ball-drop building. The event takes place in Times Square, while One Times Square is the specific structure directly associated with the descent.