The illuminated ball in New York City’s annual Times Square countdown is lowered from One Times Square.
One Times Square is the tall building at the center of the Times Square celebration. The New Year’s Eve ball is mounted near its roof and descends a pole during the final minute before midnight. The building’s prominent position and illuminated advertising displays make it the visual anchor of the event.
The first ball drop at Times Square took place on December 31, 1907, for the arrival of 1908. The ball has been redesigned several times, becoming larger, more illuminated, and more technically elaborate. Different versions have used materials including iron, wood, aluminum, and crystal panels.
One Times Square is often confused with the Empire State Building because both are iconic New York landmarks. The Empire State Building hosts its own New Year lighting and fireworks-related traditions, but the Times Square ball is lowered from One Times Square.