View source for Times Square Ball

{{Short description|Time ball in New York City's Times Square}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
{{redirect|Ball drop|a list of other ball drops|List of objects dropped on New Year's Eve}}
{{Infobox recurring event
| name               = Times Square Ball Drop
| native_name        = 
| logo               = TSBALL logo.gif
| logo_size          = 150px
| logo_caption       = 
| image              = Newyearseve loz batrch 37.jpg
| caption            = The ball atop [[One Times Square]] in 2025
| genre              = [[New Year's Eve]] event
| date               = December 31 – January 1
| begins             = 6:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Standard Time (North America)|EST]]
| ends               = 12:30&nbsp;a.m. EST <br> (1973-present)
| frequency          = Annually
| location           = [[Times Square]], [[New York City]]
| years_active       = 
| first              = {{Start date and age|1907}}
| founder_name       = [[Adolph Ochs]]
| last               = 2025
| next               = 2026
| participants       = 
| attendance         = 
| area               = 
| budget             = 
| patron             = 
| organized          = Times Square Alliance<br />Countdown Entertainment
| people             = 
| member             = 
| website            = {{URL|timessquareball.net/}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

The '''Times Square Ball''' is a [[time ball]] located in [[New York City]]'s [[Times Square]]. Located on the roof of [[One Times Square]], the ball is a prominent part of a [[New Year's Eve]] celebration in Times Square commonly referred to as '''the ball drop''', where the ball descends down a specially designed [[flagpole]], beginning at 11:59:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|ET]], and resting at [[midnight]] to signal the start of the new year. In recent years, the ball drop has been preceded by live entertainment, including performances by musicians.

The event was first organized by [[Adolph Ochs]], owner of ''[[The New York Times]]'', as an extension to a series of New Year's Eve fireworks displays he held at the building to promote its status as the new headquarters of the ''Times'', while the ball itself was designed by [[Artkraft Strauss]]. First held on December 31, 1907, to welcome 1908, the ball drop has been held annually since, except in 1942 and 1943 in observance of [[Blackout (wartime)|wartime blackouts]].  The event is currently organized by the Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment, a company led by Jeffrey Strauss.<ref name="cbsny-800hard">{{cite news |title=Nearly 800 Hard At Work On Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/12/29/nearly-800-people-setting-the-stage-for-times-square-new-years-eve-celebration/ |access-date=December 31, 2013 |work=CBS New York}}</ref> 

The ball has been updated six times to reflect improvements in lighting technology; the original ball was {{convert|5|ft|m}} in diameter, constructed from wood and iron, and illuminated with 100 [[incandescent light bulb]]s. By contrast, the current ball is {{convert|12|ft|m}} in diameter, and uses over 32,000 [[LED lamp]]s. Since 1999–2000, the ball has featured an outer surface consisting of triangular panels manufactured by [[Waterford Crystal]], which contain inscriptions and designs representing a yearly theme.

The prevalence of the Times Square ball drop has inspired [[List of objects dropped on New Year's Eve|similar "drops"]] at other local New Year's Eve events across the country; while some use balls, some instead drop objects that represent local culture or history. The current, sixth version of the ball has been displayed atop One Times Square nearly year-round since 2009; it is scheduled to be succeeded by a new design for 2026, with the existing ball scheduled to be moved to a museum being constructed in the One Times Square tower. A smaller version of the sixth ball, used in 2008, has been on display inside the Times Square visitor center.  

==Events==
===Event organization===
[[File:Working New Years Eve Social Media for NBC (9234114888).jpg|thumb|right|A crowd in Times Square welcoming the year 2013.]]
[[File: US Navy 061231-N-6897L-030 Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Oswaldo San Andres and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lillianne Perez join New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.jpg|thumb|right|A group of [[United States Armed Forces]] members and New York City mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] ceremonially "activating" the drop for 2007.]]

To facilitate the arrival of attendees, Times Square is closed to traffic beginning in the late afternoon on New Year's Eve. The square is then divided into different viewing sections referred to as "pens", into which attendees are directed sequentially upon arrival.<ref name=cnn-07ball/><ref name=cnn-security2011>{{cite news|title=New Year's Eve security main focus for NYPD|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/29/us/new-york-times-square/|work=CNN|access-date=November 9, 2013|date=December 30, 2011|last=Lewin|first=Khara}}</ref> Security is strictly enforced by the [[New York City Police Department]] (NYPD), even more so since the 2001–02 edition in the wake of the [[September 11 attacks]]. Attendees are required to pass through [[security checkpoint]]s before they are assigned a pen and are prohibited from bringing backpacks or alcohol to the event.<ref name=cnn-security2011 />

Security was increased further for its 2017–18 edition due to recent incidents such as the [[2017 New York City truck attack|truck attack in New York on October 31]], and the [[2017 Las Vegas shooting]]; these included additional patrols of Times Square hotels, rooftop patrol squads and counter-snipers, and the installation of reflective markers on buildings to help officers identify the location of elevated shooters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/28/nyregion/times-square-new-years-eve-security.html|title=In Wake of Attacks, Tighter Security for Times Square on New Year's Eve|last=Mueller|first=Benjamin|date=December 28, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 1, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> For 2018–19, the NYPD announced its intent to use a camera-equipped [[quadcopter]] to augment the over 1,200 fixed cameras monitoring Times Square, but it was left grounded due to inclement weather.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2018/12/31/nypds-latest-tool-keeping-times-square-revelers-safe-remote-controlled-drone/|title=The NYPD planned to use drones during Times Square New Year's Eve celebration. Then it started raining.|last=Holley|first=Peter|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=December 31, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2019}}</ref>

===Festivities===
Festivities formally begin in the early evening, with an opening ceremony featuring the raising of the ball at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time|ET]].<ref name=cnn-07ball/> [[Party favour]]s are distributed to attendees, which have historically included large balloons, hats, and other items branded with the event's corporate sponsors.<ref name=nyt-nivea>{{cite news|title=For New Year's Eve, the Tie-Ins Erupt|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/14/business/media/14adco.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 10, 2013|date=December 13, 2010|last=Newman|first=Andrew Adam}}</ref><ref name=time-veryconfetti/> The lead-up to midnight features a program of entertainment, including musical performances: some of these performances are organized by, and aired by [[#Broadcasting|New Year's Eve television specials]] broadcasting from Times Square.<ref name=time-veryconfetti>{{cite magazine|title=A Very Confetti New Year's|url=http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1573429,00.html|magazine=Time|access-date=November 10, 2013|date=January 2, 2007|last=Corliss|first=Richard}}</ref><ref name=usatoday-etheridge/>

The climax of the festivities is the drop itself, which begins at 11:59:00&nbsp;p.m. ET.<ref name=cnn-07ball/> Officially, the drop is activated using a button inside a special control room within One Times Square, synchronized using an [[National Institute of Standards and Technology]] (NIST) [[time signal]] received via satellite.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Bousquette|first=Isabelle|date=December 30, 2021|title=The New Year's Eve Ball Will Drop, Covid or Not, if John Trowbridge Has His Way|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-years-eve-times-square-ball-drop-covid-11640886781|access-date=December 30, 2021|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref name="ny1-smoothly">{{cite news|last=Balkin|first=Adam|date=December 30, 2003|title=Technology Helps Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop Run Smoothly|newspaper=[[NY1]]|url=http://www.ny1.com/content/36078/technology-helps-times-square-new-year-s-eve-ball-drop-run-smoothly|url-status=dead|access-date=April 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609094110/http://www.ny1.com/content/36078/technology-helps-times-square-new-year-s-eve-ball-drop-run-smoothly|archive-date=June 9, 2013}}</ref> Since 1996, the drop has been ceremonially "activated" on-stage by one or more special guests, accompanied by the current [[mayor of New York City]], by pressing a button on a smaller model of the ball.<ref name=nyc-9697guest>{{cite press release|date=December 27, 1996|title=Mayor Giuliani Announces New Tradition for New Year's Eve: Community Hero to Lead Times Square Celebration |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/96/sp685-96.html|publisher=Mayor's Press Office|access-date=December 19, 2012}}</ref> The guests are selected annually to recognize their community involvement or significance, and have included:
* '''1996–97''': Philanthropist [[Oseola McCarty]]<ref name="nyc-9697guest"/>
* '''1997–98''': A group of five winners from a school [[essay]] contest honoring the centennial of the [[City of Greater New York]]<ref name=nydn-98guests>{{cite news|last1=Fan|first1=Maureen|last2=McPhee|first2=Michele|last3=Siemaszko|first3=Corky|date=January 1, 1998|title=City Keeps the Ball Rolling – It's Another Round in Times Sq. for Seasoned Partyers|work=New York Daily News}}</ref>
* '''1998–99''': [[Sang Lan]], a Chinese gymnast who was injured during the [[1998 Goodwill Games]] and was being rehabilitated in New York City.<ref name=chitrib-sanglan>{{cite news|title=On the ball: Sang Lan was in the spotlight on New Year's...|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/01/05/on-the-ball-sang-lan-was-in/|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=November 13, 2013|date=January 5, 1999}}</ref>
* '''1999–2000''': Mary Ann Hopkins from [[Doctors Without Borders]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Doctors Without Borders to Join Times Square Ball Drop During New Year's Eve Festivities |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/99b/pr488-99.html|work=City of New York|access-date=October 10, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2000–01''': [[Muhammad Ali]]<ref>{{Cite press release|date=December 14, 2000|title=International Hero Muhammad Ali to Join Mayor Giuliani for Times Square Ball Drop During New Year's Eve|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/2000b/pr465-00.html|access-date=January 5, 2021|publisher=Mayor's Press Office}}</ref>
* '''2001–02''': [[Judith Giuliani|Judith Nathan]], colleague of Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]]. The event was Giuliani's final act as mayor of New York City; mayor-elect [[Michael Bloomberg]] took his oath of office shortly after midnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gothamgazette.com/searchlight/bloomberg_inaug.shtml |title=Inaugural Address Of Mayor Michael Bloomberg |work=Gotham Gazette |date=January 1, 2002 |access-date=April 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020619014730/http://www.gothamgazette.com/searchlight/bloomberg_inaug.shtml |archive-date=June 19, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chen |first=David W. |date=2002-01-01 |title=A Subdued Hurrah for 2002 In a Patriotic Times Square |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/nyregion/a-subdued-hurrah-for-2002-in-a-patriotic-times-square.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250319052050/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/nyregion/a-subdued-hurrah-for-2002-in-a-patriotic-times-square.html |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-03-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
* '''2002–03''': Actors [[Christopher Reeve|Christopher]] and [[Dana Reeve]]<ref name="ap-reeve">{{cite news | last=Hollan | first=Michael | url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/huge-times-square-crowd-watches-ball-drop | title=Huge Times Square Crowd Watches Ball Drop | agency=Associated Press | access-date=November 12, 2013 | work=Fox News | date=January 1, 2003}}</ref>
* '''2003–04''': [[Shoshana Johnson]], the first black female [[prisoner of war]] in the [[military history of the United States]], joined by musician  [[Cyndi Lauper]].<ref name=life-2004>{{cite magazine|title=Bloomberg Announces Special Guest For New Year's 2004 Celebration In New York|url=http://www.life.com/news-pictures/2820660/bloomberg-announces-special-guest-for-new-years-2004-celebration-in-new-york|magazine=Life|access-date=November 13, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* '''2004–05''': [[United States Secretary of State|Secretary of State]] [[Colin Powell]]<ref name=usatoday-powell>{{cite news|title=Regis, Colin Powell ring in New Year's with'energy, enthusiasm'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-12-31-new-years-eve_x.htm|work=USA Today|access-date=November 13, 2013|date=January 1, 2005}}</ref>
* '''2005–06''': Jazz performer [[Wynton Marsalis]]<ref name=nydn-snow>{{cite news|title=Neither rain nor snow slows Times Sq. party|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2006-01-01/news/18337478_1_times-square-ball-drop-eve-party|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707100324/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2006-01-01/news/18337478_1_times-square-ball-drop-eve-party|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2012|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2006–07''': A group of ten [[United States Armed Forces]] members<ref name="navy-usaf07">{{cite web | last=Lykins | first=Lesley | date=January 3, 2007 | url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=27216 | title=Military Service Members Honored at Time Square Celebration | work=Navy.mil | access-date=November 12, 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113043221/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=27216 | archive-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2007–08''': [[Iraq War]] veteran and [[New York City Police Academy]] [[valedictorian]] Karolina Wierzchowska<ref name=nydn-100>{{cite news|last1=Goldiner|first1=Dave|last2=Egbert|first2=Bill|date=December 31, 2007|title=Times Square New Year's gala turns 100|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/times-square-new-year-gala-turns-100-article-1.273000|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2008–09''': Former [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] and [[First Lady of the United States|first lady]] [[Bill Clinton|Bill]] and [[Hillary Clinton]]<ref name="ap-2009">{{cite news | date=December 31, 2008 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28445810 | title=Revelers ring in 2009 in Times Square | work=NBC News | agency=Associated Press | access-date=November 12, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2009–10''': Twelve students from New York City high schools on the Gold Medal List of the ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''{{'}}s "America's Best High Schools" rankings.<ref name=usnews-besthighschools>{{cite web|last=Morse|first=Robert|date=December 31, 2009|title=America's Best High Schools Heads to Times Square|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-rankings-blog/2009/12/31/americas-best-high-schools-heads-to-times-square|work=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=November 13, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2010–11''': [[United States Army]] [[staff sergeant]] [[Salvatore Giunta]]<ref name="ap-Giunta">{{cite news | date=December 22, 2010 | url=http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_e4a45e98-0dcc-11e0-9ac2-001cc4c002e0.html | title=Sgt. Salvatore Giunta in NYC for New Year's Eve | work=The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier | agency=Associated Press | access-date=November 12, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2011–12''': [[Lady Gaga]]<ref name="EW">{{Cite magazine|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|date=December 6, 2011|title=Nicki Minaj, Florence + the Machine, LMFAO, and more to perform on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve – EXCLUSIVE|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/12/06/new-years-eve-dick-clark-nicki-minaj-lmfao-florence/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207211246/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/12/06/new-years-eve-dick-clark-nicki-minaj-lmfao-florence/|archive-date=December 7, 2011|access-date=February 29, 2020|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref>
* '''2012–13''': [[The Rockettes|The Radio City Rockettes]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Seifman|first=David|title=Rockettes to join Mayor Bloomberg on New Year's Eve|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/rockettes_to_join_mayor_bloomberg_jFO5d0PgGfeCVVlT6coT5L|access-date=December 30, 2012|newspaper=[[New York Post]]|date=December 28, 2012}}</ref>
* '''2013–14''': [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court associate justice]] [[Sonia Sotomayor]]{{#tag:ref|[[Michael Bloomberg]], whose mayoral term ended at midnight, did not attend, and celebrated privately with his family instead. Unlike Bloomberg's inauguration in 2002, which was held shortly after midnight, [[Bill de Blasio]] was inaugurated in a ceremony the following morning at [[Gracie Mansion]].<ref name=cbsny-800hard/>|group=note}}<ref name=wp-sotomayor>{{cite news|title=Sotomayor to officiate at Times Square New Year's Eve|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/sotomayor-to-officiate-at-times-square-new-years-eve/2013/12/29/c4278372-70d7-11e3-9389-09ef9944065e_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=December 30, 2013|first=Robert|last=Costa|date=December 30, 2013}}</ref><ref name=wsj-brrraving>{{cite news|last=Kravitz|first=Derek|date=December 30, 2013|title=Brrr-Braving the Ball Drop|url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304591604579290783301541644|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=January 3, 2014}}</ref>
* '''2014–15''': Four representatives from the [[International Rescue Committee]], joined by actor and [[Latin pop]] performer [[Jencarlos Canela]]<ref name=latintimes-jencarlos>{{cite news|last=Roterman|first=Natalie|date=December 28, 2014|title=New Year's In Times Square: Jencarlos Canela Will Be The First Latino To Push Ball Drop Countdown Button|url=http://www.latintimes.com/new-years-times-square-jencarlos-canela-will-be-first-latino-push-ball-drop-countdown-285357|access-date=December 29, 2014|work=Latin Times}}</ref><ref name=cbsny-2015>{{cite web|title=Crystal Ball Nearly Ready For New Year's Eve In Times Square|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/27/crystal-ball-nearly-ready-for-new-years-eve-in-times-square/|website=CBSNewYork.com|date=December 27, 2014|publisher=[[CBS Corporation]]|access-date=December 28, 2014}}</ref>
* '''2015–16''': [[Hugh Evans (humanitarian)|Hugh Evans]], co-founder of [[Oaktree (foundation)|Oaktree]] and [[Global Citizen (organization)|Global Citizen]]<ref name=wsj-hugh2016>{{cite news|last=King|first=Kate|date=December 27, 2015|title=Activist to Help Drop Crystal Ball In Times Square|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/activist-to-help-drop-crystal-ball-in-times-square-1451268737|access-date=December 31, 2015|work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref>
* '''2016–17''': [[United Nations Secretary-General]] [[Ban Ki-moon]]; the event was Ban's final act as UN Secretary-General, as [[António Guterres]] took office on January 1, 2017.<ref name=un_vote>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55285 |title=António Guterres appointed next UN Secretary-General by acclamation |agency=United Nations News Service |date=October 13, 2016 |publisher=United Nations|access-date=October 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Chuck|first=Elizabeth|date=December 26, 2016|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-n-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-release-times-square-n700246|title=U.N. secretary-general to kick off Times Square New Year's Eve countdown|newspaper=NBC News|access-date=December 31, 2016}}</ref>
* '''2017–18''': [[Tarana Burke]], [[civil rights activist]] and founder of the [[MeToo movement|#MeToo movement]]<ref>{{cite press release|title=Founder of "Me Too" Movement, Tarana Burke, to be Special Guest of Times Square New Year's Eve|url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE2018_17-12-18_SpeciaGuestTaranaBurke.pdf|access-date=December 18, 2017|website=timessquarenyc.org|publisher=Times Square Alliance|date=December 18, 2017}}</ref>
* '''2018–19''': Journalists [[Karen Attiah]], [[Rebecca Blumenstein]], [[Alisyn Camerota]], [[Vladimir Duthiers]], [[Edward Felsenthal]], [[Lester Holt]], [[Matt Murray (journalist)|Matt Murray]], [[Martha Raddatz]], [[Maria Ressa]], [[Jon Scott]], and Karen Toulon, joined by Joel Simon—executive director of the [[Committee to Protect Journalists]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wise |first1=Justin |title=Times Square New Year's celebration to honor media by bringing journalists onstage for ball drop |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/422115-times-square-new-years-celebration-to-honor-media-by-bringing-journalists |website=TheHill |access-date=December 19, 2018 |language=en |date=December 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Times Square New Year's Eve Announces Journalists who will be Honored as the Evening's Special Guests |url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE2019_SpecialGuest_PressFreedom_Release_18-12-29.pdf |access-date=February 2, 2019 |website=timessquarenyc.org |publisher=Times Square Alliance |date=December 29, 2018}}</ref>
* '''2019–20''': New York City high school teachers Jared Fox and Aida Rosenbaum—recipients of the 11th annual Sloan Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics, and four of their students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-times-square-nye-20191228-picbn2isuvcvffuotpyfv2lb5u-story.html|title=A Times Square deal: Four NYC high schoolers, two teachers get honor of pressing the button for the New Year's Eve ball drop ringing in 2020|last2=McShane|first2=Larry|first1=Wes|last1=Parnell|date=December 28, 2019|website=New York Daily News|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/North-Greenbush-native-to-be-part-of-Times-Square-14938062.php|title=North Greenbush native to be part of Times Square celebration|last=Nelson|first=Paul|date=December 29, 2019|website=Times Union|language=en-US|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
* '''2020–21''': [[Chirlane McCray]], wife of Mayor [[Bill de Blasio]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 1, 2021|title=New Year's Eve in New York City|work=[[United Press International]]|url=https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/05211e09665f13956fe634423a7faaff/New-Years-Eve-in-New-York-City/|access-date=January 1, 2021}}</ref>
* '''2021–22''': [[Michael James Scott]], Mary Claire King, and Ben Crawford.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=January 1, 2022|title=New Year's Eve Times Square ball drop|url=https://nypost.com/2022/01/01/new-years-eve-times-square-ball-drop-celebration-photos/|access-date=January 3, 2022|website=New York Post|language=en-US}}</ref> Due to [[social distancing]] measures, the guests did not press the button with the mayor. The event was de Blasio's fin<nowiki/>al act as mayor of New York City;<ref>{{Cite news|last=Fitzsimmons|first=Emma G.|date=January 1, 2022|title=Eric Adams Takes Office as New York City's 110th Mayor at a Perilous Moment|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/01/nyregion/eric-adams-inaguration-nyc-mayor.html|access-date=January 3, 2022|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> mayor-elect [[Eric Adams]] took his oath of office shortly after midnight.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Calvan|first=Bobby Caina|date=January 1, 2022|title=New York rings in 2022 with Times Square ball drop, but COVID-19 keeps crowd smaller|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8483122/new-years-eve-new-york-2021/|access-date=January 3, 2022|website=[[Global News]]|publisher=Associated Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''2022–23''': No guest<ref>{{cite news |title=Revelers ring in the new year in Times Square |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2023/01/01/new-year-s-eve-2023-countdown-times-square |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=[[Spectrum News NY1]] |date=1 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103074213/http://www.ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2023/01/01/new-year-s-eve-2023-countdown-times-square |archive-date=3 January 2023 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref>
* '''2023–24''': [[Ali Krieger]], [[Kelley O'Hara]], and [[Midge Purce]] of [[2023 National Women's Soccer League season|2023]] [[National Women's Soccer League]] (NWSL) champions [[NJ/NY Gotham FC]].<ref>{{cite press release |title=Times Square New Year's Eve to Honor 2023 NWSL Champion NJ/NY Gotham FC As The Evening's Special Guest |url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE-2024-special-guest-release-2023-12-19.pdf |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=timessquarenyc.org |publisher=Times Square Alliance |date=December 19, 2023}}</ref>
* '''2024–25''': No guest<ref>{{cite news |last1=Levere |first1=Jane |title=Times Square New Year’s Eve Party Will Offer Top Talent, Make History |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2024/12/31/times-square-new-years-eve-party-will-offer-top-talent-make-history/ |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=Forbes |date=31 Dec 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

The conclusion of the drop is followed by fireworks shot from the roof of One Times Square, backed by music such as the first verse of "[[Auld Lang Syne]]" by [[Guy Lombardo]], "[[Theme from New York, New York]]" by [[Frank Sinatra]], "[[America the Beautiful]]" by [[Ray Charles]], "[[What a Wonderful World]]" by [[Louis Armstrong]], and "[[Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World]]" by [[Israel Kamakawiwo'ole]].<ref name=nbc-traditions>{{cite web|last=Raftery|first=Isolde|date=December 31, 2012|title=Across America, traditions of ham hocks, Watch Nights and the Times Square ball|url=http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/31/16273543-across-america-traditions-of-ham-hocks-watch-nights-and-the-times-square-ball?lite|work=NBCNews.com|access-date=December 20, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101121748/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/31/16273543-across-america-traditions-of-ham-hocks-watch-nights-and-the-times-square-ball?lite|archive-date=January 1, 2013}}</ref> 

At least {{convert|3000|lbs|kg}} of [[confetti]] is dropped in Times Square at midnight, overseen since 1992 by Treb Heining—a professional [[Balloon modelling|balloon artist]] who has also directed confetti and balloon drops at other major U.S. events such as the [[United States presidential nominating convention|presidential nominating conventions]]. It is thrown by a team of 100 volunteers (referred to internally by Heining as "confetti dispersal engineers") lining the rooftops of eight Times Square buildings. Treb developed the event's signature "blizzard" effect, using larger confetti pieces better-suited to the outdoor environment. Some of the pieces are inscribed with messages of hope for the new year, which are collected via a "Wishing Wall" set up in Times Square in December (where visitors can write messages on them directly), and via online submissions..<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Times Square NYE ball drop: It takes a 'confetti master' and his team to pull it off |url=https://www.amny.com/things-to-do/times-square-confetti-1-25103642/ |access-date=December 4, 2019 |website=[[AM New York]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mestel |first=Spenser |date=December 28, 2018 |title=How to Dump 3,000 Pounds of Confetti on Times Square |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/28/nyregion/how-to-dump-3000-pounds-of-confetti-on-times-square.html |access-date=December 4, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

{{Anchor|"Imagine" performance}}Since the 2005–06 edition of the event, the drop has been directly preceded by the playing of [[John Lennon]]'s song "[[Imagine (John Lennon song)|Imagine]]" at 11:55 p.m. Until 2009–10, the original recording was used; since 2010–11, the song has been performed live by a headlining musician:<ref>{{cite news|last=Cooper |first=Gael Fashingbauer |title=Fans angry that Cee Lo changed 'Imagine' lyrics |url=http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/01/9875746-fans-angry-that-cee-lo-changed-imagine-lyrics |access-date=April 18, 2012 |newspaper=msnbc.com |date=January 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429003450/http://entertainment.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/01/9875746-fans-angry-that-cee-lo-changed-imagine-lyrics |archive-date=April 29, 2012 }}</ref>
* '''2010–11''': [[Taio Cruz]]<ref name=cbsny-taiocruz>{{cite web|title=Cruz To Perform 'Imagine' During New Year's Celebration|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/12/10/cruz-to-perform-imagine-during-new-years-celebration/|work=CBSNewYork.com|date=December 10, 2010|access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2011–12''': [[CeeLo Green]]{{#tag:ref|Cee-Lo's performance was criticized by fans for his change of the lyric "And no religion too" to "And all religion's true".<ref name=tdm-ceelo>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/cee-lo-green-outrages-john-lennon-fans-by-changing-lyrics-to-imagine-202240/|title = John Lennon Fans Outraged by Cee Lo Green's 'Imagine'|magazine = [[Rolling Stone]]|date = January 2, 2012|last = Perpetua|first = Matthew}}</ref>|group=note}}<ref name=tdm-ceelo/>
* '''2012–13''': [[Train (band)|Train]]<ref name=billboard-train>{{cite web|date=December 31, 2012|title=Live Times Square New Year's Eve Webcast: Watch Train, Cassadee Pope|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/1481167/live-times-square-new-years-eve-webcast-watch-train-cassadee-pope|work=Billboard.com|access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2013–14''': [[Melissa Etheridge]]<ref name=usatoday-etheridge>{{cite news|title=Etheridge added to Times Square New Year's Eve lineup|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/12/26/melissa-etheridge-times-square-new-years-eve/4208323/|work=USA Today|access-date=December 27, 2013|first=Brian|last=Mansfield|date=December 26, 2013}}</ref>
* '''2014–15''': [[O.A.R. (band)|O.A.R.]]<ref name=timessquarealliance-oar>{{cite press release|date=December 26, 2014|title=New Year's Eve Organizers Release Star-Studded Roster Of Musical Talent Set To Perform Live In Times Square|url=http://www.timessquarenyc.org/mediapress/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=196#.VJ2Jil4CiQ|website=TimesSquareNYC.org|publisher=Times Square Alliance|access-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227100104/http://www.timessquarenyc.org/mediapress/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=196#.VJ6DZ7AsEM|archive-date=December 27, 2014}}</ref>
* '''2015–16''': [[Jessie J]]<ref name=cbsny-2016ball/>
* '''2016–17''': [[Rachel Platten]]<ref name="timessquarealliance-rachelplatten">{{cite press release|title=Times Square Alliance : Gavin DeGraw and Rachel Platten to Headline Musical Lineup for Times Square New Year's Eve Live, Commercial-Free Webcast and TV Pool Feed|url=http://www.timessquarenyc.org/mediapress/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=254|website=TimesSquareNYC.org|publisher=Times Square Alliance|access-date=December 23, 2016|archive-date=December 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223132743/http://www.timessquarenyc.org/mediapress/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=254|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''2017–18''': [[Andy Grammer]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Multi-Platinum Pop Singer and Songwriter Andy Grammer to Headline Musical Lineup for Times Square New Year's Eve Live, Commercial-Free Webcast and TV Pool Feed |date=December 18, 2017 |publisher=Times Square Alliance |url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE2018_17-12-18_WebcastTalent.pdf |access-date=December 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051541if_/https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE2018_17-12-18_WebcastTalent.pdf |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |work=timessquarenyc.org}}</ref>
* '''2018–19''': [[Bebe Rexha]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Multi – Platinum Pop Singer, Songwriter and 2019 Grammy Award Nominee Bebe Rexha to Headline Musical Lineup for Times Square New Year's Eve, with Chart – Topping Alt – Pop Band lovelytheband, on the Live, Commercial – Free Webcast and TV Pool Feed |date=December 13, 2018 |publisher=Times Square Alliance |url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE2019_Webcast_2018-12-13.pdf |access-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216031232if_/https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE2019_Webcast_2018-12-13.pdf |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |work=timessquarenyc.org}}</ref>
* '''2019–20''': [[X Ambassadors]]<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/new-years-eve-2020-how-to-watch-performers-ball-drop-931967/|title=New Year's Eve 2020: How to Watch, Who's Performing, Ball Drop|last=Hudak|first=Joseph|date=December 30, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref>
* '''2020–21''': [[Andra Day]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganz |first=Jami |date=December 26, 2020 |title=Times Square New Year's Eve performers announced |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-times-square-nye-lineup-20201226-y4h6ycisozbvtfae56ho67wg4a-story.html |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website=nydailynews.com}}</ref>
* '''2021–22''': [[KT Tunstall]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Grammy-Nominated Singer-Songwriter KT Tunstall to Headline Musical Lineup for Times Square New Year's Eve |date=December 15, 2021 |publisher=Times Square Alliance |url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE-2022-Talent-Release-2021-12-15.pdf |access-date=December 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217153554if_/https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE-2022-Talent-Release-2021-12-15.pdf |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |work=timessquarenyc.org}}</ref>
* '''2022–23''': [[Chelsea Cutler]]<ref>{{cite news |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Chelsea Cutler and JVKE to Lead Musical Lineup for Times Square New Year's Eve |url=https://timessquareball.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FINAL-talent-release-12_19_2022.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219214827if_/https://timessquareball.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FINAL-talent-release-12_19_2022.pdf |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |access-date=December 19, 2022 |work=timessquareball.net |publisher=Times Square Alliance}}</ref>
* '''2023–24''': [[Paul Anka]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Times Square New Year's Eve Announces Select Musical Performances by Legendary Paul Anka and Multi-Platinum Hip Hop Artist Flo Rida |date=December 6, 2023 |publisher=Times Square Alliance |url=https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE-2024-final-talent-release-2023-12-06.pdf |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208051040if_/https://www.timessquarenyc.org/sites/default/files/resources/PR-NYE-2024-final-talent-release-2023-12-06.pdf |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |work=timessquarenyc.org}}</ref>
* '''2024–25''': [[Mickey Guyton]]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Times Square New Year's Eve Announces Select Musical Performances by Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter Mark Ambor and GRAMMY®-Nominated Country Star Mickey Guyton |date=December 12, 2024 |publisher=Times Square Alliance |url=https://timessquareball.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FINAL-Talent-Release-12_12.pdf |access-date=December 12, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216224421if_/https://timessquareball.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FINAL-Talent-Release-12_12.pdf |archive-date=December 16, 2024 |work=timessquareball.net}}</ref>

===Cleanup===
[[File:New Year Aftermath - Sweeping up in Times Square, New York City, 1 January 2008.jpg|thumb|right|Workers clearing trash from Times Square following the festivities]]
After the conclusion of the festivities and the dispersal of attendees, cleanup is performed overnight to remove confetti and other debris from Times Square. When it is re-opened to the public the following morning, few traces of the previous night's celebration remain: following the 2013–14 drop, the [[New York City Department of Sanitation]] estimated that it had cleared over {{cvt|50|ST}} of refuse from Times Square in eight hours, using 190 workers from their own crews and the Times Square Alliance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crews Clean Up Times Square After New Year's Celebration|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/01/01/after-party-in-times-square-comes-the-cleanup/|access-date=December 30, 2014|work=CBSNewYork.com|publisher=CBS Radio|date=January 1, 2014}}</ref>

==History==

=== Early celebrations, first and second balls (1904–1955) ===
The first New Year's Eve celebration in [[Times Square]] was held on December 31, 1904; ''[[The New York Times]]''{{'}} owner, [[Adolph Ochs]], decided to celebrate the opening of the newspaper's new headquarters, [[One Times Square]], with a New Year's [[fireworks]] show on the southern roof of the building to welcome 1905.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlan |first1=Jennifer |title=Day 31: How The Times Started a Beloved Tradition, in 10 … 9 … 8 … |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/31/style/times-square-ball-drop-history.html |access-date=18 March 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=31 December 2022}}</ref> Close to 200,000 people attended the event, displacing traditional celebrations that had normally been held at [[Trinity Church (Manhattan)|Trinity Church]].<ref name=nyt-deconstructed/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |author-link=David W. Dunlap |date=2015-01-01 |title=1907-8 {{!}} The Times Drops the Ball |url=https://www.nytimes.com/times-insider/2015/01/01/1907-8-the-times-drops-the-ball/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref> However, following several years of fireworks shows, Ochs wanted a bigger spectacle at the building to draw more attention to the area.<ref name=":8" /> Due to safety concerns, the city had also banned the fireworks from being launched directly over the crowd.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nash |first=Eric P. |date=December 30, 2001 |title=F.Y.I. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/nyregion/fyi-849855.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812181129/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/nyregion/fyi-849855.html |archive-date=August 12, 2022 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The newspaper's chief electrician, Walter F. Palmer, suggested using a [[time ball]], after seeing one used on the [[Western Union Telegraph Building]], near Trinity Church.<ref name=":8">{{cite news|title=What's Your Problem?|newspaper=Newsday (Nassau Edition)|date=December 30, 1965|page=48|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/105829362/newsday-nassau-edition/|access-date=July 18, 2022}}</ref>

Ochs hired sign designer [[Artkraft Strauss]] to construct a ball for the celebration; it was built from iron and wood, illuminated by a hundred [[incandescent light bulb]]s, weighed {{convert|700|lb|kg}}, and measured {{convert|5|ft|m}} in diameter. The ball was hoisted on the building's 70 foot flagpole with rope by a team of six men. The ball would begin to drop at 10 seconds before midnight. Once it hit the roof, the ball completed a [[Electrical network|circuit]] that lit 5-foot-tall signs on the sides of the building to signal the new year, accompanied by a fireworks display.<ref name=nyt-2000ball/> The first ever "ball drop" was held on December 31, 1907, welcoming the year 1908.<ref name=nyt-deconstructed/>

In 1913, only eight years after it moved to One Times Square, the ''Times'' moved its corporate headquarters to [[The Times Square Building|229 West 43rd Street]]. The ''Times'' still maintained ownership of the tower, however, and Strauss continued to organize future editions of the drop.<ref name=telegraph-history>{{cite news|title=History of Times Square|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8664743/History-of-Times-Square.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8664743/History-of-Times-Square.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|publisher=The Telegraph|access-date=January 13, 2013|location=London|date=July 27, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The original ball was replaced with a new design after the 1919–20 event; it shared the physical dimensions with the first ball, but was now constructed solely from iron—decreasing its weight to {{convert|400|lb|kg}}.<ref name="crump">{{cite book|last=Crump|first=William D.|title=Encyclopedia of New Year's Holidays Worldwide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujTfCwAAQBAJ&q=One+Times+Square+building&pg=PA242|publisher=McFarland|date=2014|page=242|isbn=9781476607481}}</ref>  The ball drop was placed on hiatus for New Year's Eve 1942–43 and 1943–44 due to [[blackout (wartime)|wartime lighting restrictions]] during [[World War II]].<ref name="crump"/> Instead, a [[moment of silence]] was observed one minute before midnight in Times Square, followed by the sound of church bells being played from [[sound truck]]s.<ref name="crump"/>

=== The third ball (1955–1999) ===

The second ball was last used for the 1954-55 event in favor of a third design; which was now 6 feet in diameter, constructed from aluminum, and weighed {{convert|150|lb|kg}}.<ref name="crump"/>

It was not until 1979 that it became an established practice for the crowd in Times Square to count down the final seconds during the event—a practice that only became common in general on New Year's Eve television specials in the 1960s.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Americans didn't count down the new year until the 1970s |language=en |work=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/31/1069538912/americans-didnt-count-down-the-new-year-until-the-1970s |access-date=2022-09-04}}</ref>

For the 1981–82 event, the ball was modified to make it resemble an apple with red bulbs and a green "stem", alluding to New York's nickname, "[[Big Apple|the Big Apple]]" for the “[[I Love New York]]” marketing campaign.<ref name="nyt-deconstructed" /> For the 1987–88 event, organizers acknowledged the addition of a [[leap second]] earlier that day (leap seconds are appended at midnight [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]], which is five hours before midnight in New York) by extending the drop to 61 seconds, and including a special one-second light show at 12:00:01&nbsp;a.m..<ref>{{cite news|first=Robert D. |last=McFadden |title='88 Countdown: 3, 2, 1, Leap Second, 0 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/29/nyregion/88-countdown-3-2-1-leap-second-0.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 31, 1987 |access-date=January 2, 2009 }}</ref> The original white bulbs returned to the ball for the 1988–89 event, but were replaced by red, white, and blue bulbs for the 1990-91 event to salute the troops of [[Operation Desert Shield (Gulf War)|Operation Desert Shield]].<ref name="nyt-deconstructed" />

The third ball was updated again for the 1995–96 event, adding a computerized lighting system with 180 [[halogen lamp|halogen bulbs]] and 144 [[strobe light]]s, and over 12,000 [[rhinestone]]s.<ref name="crump"/><ref name=nydn-biggerball>{{cite news|last=Sutton|first=Larry|date=December 29, 1995|title=Bigger Ball to Peg Square|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/brighter-ball-peg-square-article-1.703159|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> Lighting designer Barry Arnold explained that "something had to be done to make this event more spectacular as we approach the millennium."<ref name=nydn-biggerball/>

The drop itself became computerized through the use of an electric [[winch]] synchronized with the [[National Institute of Standards and Technology]]'s [[time signal]]; the first drop with the new system was not without issues, however, as a glitch caused the ball to pause for a short moment halfway through its descent.<ref name=nyt-vault>{{cite news|title=When Party Is Over, the Ball Lands Here|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/nyregion/31vault.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 15, 2013|first=James|last=Barron|date=December 31, 2009}}</ref> The following year, John Trowbridge was hired as the drop's new technical director; in 2021, Jeff Strauss told ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' that the drop has never had any technical issues since.<ref name=":3"/>

After its 44th use in 1999, the third ball was retired and placed on display at the Atlanta headquarters of Jamestown Group, owners of One Times Square.<ref name="nyt-deconstructed">{{cite news|title=Deconstructed – Times Square Ball – Lots of Sparkle for a Swift Fall|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/nyregion/27ball.html?ref=nyregion&gwh=DFA1FDC3A94D96DE864D020AB6405314|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 15, 2013|first=Alan|last=Feuer|date=December 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125103445/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/nyregion/27ball.html?ref=nyregion&gwh=DFA1FDC3A94D96DE864D020AB6405314 |archive-date=25 November 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 220
| image1            = 2000 times square ball at waterford.JPG
| image2            = Times Square New Year's Eve Ball 2009.jpg
| image3            = Times Square Ball-03.jpg
| header            = Most recent incarnations
| caption1          = The fourth ball, used from 2000 to 2007.
| caption2          = The fifth ball, on display at the Times Square Visitors Center.
| caption3          = The sixth ball, as seen in 2018; the roof of One Times Square was modified to accommodate the ball as a permanent attraction.
| total_width       = 
| alt1              = 
}}

=== Year 2000 celebrations and the fourth ball (1999–2007) ===

On December 28, 1998, during a press conference attended by New York City mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]], organizers announced that the third ball would be retired for the arrival of the new millennium, and replaced by a new design constructed by [[Waterford Crystal]]. The year 2000 celebrations introduced more prominent sponsorship to the event; companies such as [[Discover Card]], [[Korbel Champagne Cellars|Korbel Champagne]], and [[Panasonic]] were announced as official sponsors of the festivities in Times Square. The city also announced that [[Ron Silver]] would lead a committee known as "NYC 2000", which was in charge of organizing events across the city for year 2000 celebrations.<ref name=nyt-2000sponsors>{{cite news|title=Here Comes 2000, With Sponsors, Too; Official Products in the Right Place: Millennial Partying in Times Sq.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/29/nyregion/here-comes-2000-with-sponsors-too-official-products-right-place-millennial.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 9, 2013|first=Abby|last=Goodnough|date=December 29, 1998}}</ref>

A full day of festivities was held at Times Square to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000, which included concerts and hourly cultural presentations with parades of puppets designed by [[Michael Curry (puppet designer)|Michael Curry]], representing countries entering the new year at that hour. Organizers expected a total attendance exceeding two million spectators.<ref name=nyt-puppets>{{cite news|title=There's Another Countdown Before the Famed '10, 9, 8 . . .'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/30/nyregion/there-s-another-countdown-before-the-famed-10-9-8.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 9, 2013|first=Tina|last=Kelley|date=December 30, 1999}}</ref>

The fourth ball, measuring {{convert|6|ft|m}} in diameter and weighing {{convert|1070|lb|kg}}, incorporated a total of over 600 [[halogen bulb]]s, 504 triangle-shaped crystal panels provided by Waterford, 96 strobe lights, and spinning, pyramid-shaped mirrors. The ball was constructed at Waterford's factory in [[Ireland]], and was then shipped to New York City, where the lighting system and motorized mirrors were installed.<ref name=nyt-2000ball>{{cite news|title=This New Year's Eve, Technology Will Drop the Ball|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/30/technology/this-new-year-s-eve-technology-will-drop-the-ball.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 9, 2013|first=David|last=Kushner|date=December 30, 1999}}</ref> Many of the panels were inscribed with "Hope"-themed designs changing yearly, which included "Star of Hope", "Hope for Abundance", "Hope for Courage", "Hope for Unity", "Hope for Wisdom", "Hope for Fellowship", and "Hope for Peace".<ref name="cnn-07ball">{{cite news|title=Countdown to Times Square party; 1 million expected|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/12/31/newyears.timessquare/|work=CNN|access-date=November 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name="nydn-sep11ball">{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Greg|date=December 15, 2001|title=New Year Theme Right On The Ball|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/new-year-theme-ball-article-1.931839|work=New York Daily News|access-date=November 9, 2013}}</ref>

The 2001–02 celebrations were held in the aftermath of the [[September 11 attacks|September 11 terrorist attacks]]; security was tightened in Times Square, with the event's police presence being doubled to around 7,000 officers, some officers being equipped with [[Metal detector|metal]] and [[Radiation detector|radiation detectors]], and police snipers stationed on rooftops.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Chen |first=David W. |date=2002-01-01 |title=A Subdued Hurrah for 2002 In a Patriotic Times Square |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/nyregion/a-subdued-hurrah-for-2002-in-a-patriotic-times-square.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250319052050/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/01/nyregion/a-subdued-hurrah-for-2002-in-a-patriotic-times-square.html |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-03-19 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The ball featured panels with the theme "Hope for Healing"; they were inscribed with the names of countries and emergency organizations that had taken [[Casualties of the September 11 attacks|casualties]] during the attacks, and the names of the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]], [[The Pentagon]], and the four flights that were involved in the attacks.<ref name="911museum-crystals">{{Cite web |title=Memorial Museum to Accept Crystals from 2001–2002 Times Square Ball Honoring 9/11 Victims, Heroes |url=https://www.911memorial.org/blog/memorial-museum-accept-crystals-2001-2002-times-square-ball-honoring-911-victims-heroes |access-date=November 26, 2019 |publisher=[[National September 11 Memorial & Museum]]}}</ref><ref name="nydn-sep11ball" /><ref name="cnn-07ball" /> Bells were rung across the city when the ball was raised at 6 p.m.<ref name=":9" />

''New York Times'' writer David W. Chen described the festivities as having felt "more like a muted gathering to remember, respect and reflect", citing the security measures, the overall mood of New York residents and visitors (with some reconsidering their attendance of the event, and NYPD officers receiving more questions from tourists about how to get to the [[World Trade Center site]] than they did about the ball drop), as well as the cold weather. However, he observed that some had specifically attended the event as a display of patriotism and pride, and the crowd [[Booing|booed]] whenever footage of [[Osama bin Laden]] appeared in newscasts being simulcast on screens in Times Square.<ref name=":9" /> Officials projected that the overall attendance was lower than that of the 2000–01 event.<ref name=":9" />

In December 2011, the "Hope for Healing" panels were accepted into the permanent collection of the [[National September 11 Memorial & Museum]].<ref name="911museum-crystals" />

=== The fifth and sixth balls (2007–2025) ===
To mark the 100th anniversary of the first ball drop, a new fifth design debuted for the 2007–08 event. Once again manufactured by Waterford Crystal with a diameter of {{convert|6|ft|m}}, and weighing {{convert|1212|lb|kg}}, it used 9,576 [[LED lamp]]s provided by [[Philips]] (which can produce 16,777,216 or 2<sup>24</sup> colors), with computerized lighting patterns developed by the New York City-based firm [[Focus Lighting]]. Organizers stated that the new ball was also more energy-efficient, and consumed an equivalent amount of electricity to 10&nbsp;[[toaster]]s.<ref name="Green">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/31/new.year.us/?iref=mpstoryview|title=NYC ball drop goes 'green' on 100th anniversary|work=CNN|last=Boxer|first=Sarah B.|date=December 31, 2007|access-date=December 2, 2012}}</ref>

The fifth ball was only used once, and was placed on display at the Times Square Visitors Center afterward.<ref name="nyt-deconstructed" /><ref name="nyt-vault" /><ref name="cbsny-preparations14" /> For 2008–09, a sixth ball was introduced: it is a larger version of the fifth ball, taking the form of an [[icosahedron|icosahedral]] [[Geodesic dome|geodesic]] sphere with a diameter of {{convert|12|ft|m}}, and weight of {{convert|11875|lb|kg}}. It contains 2,688 panels, and is lit by 32,256 LED lamps. The new ball was designed to be [[weatherization|weatherproof]], as it would now be displayed atop One Times Square nearly year-round following the celebrations.<ref name=nyt-deconstructed/><ref name=nyt-vault/><ref name=cbsny-preparations14/> 

Yearly themes for the ball's crystal panels continued; from 2008 to 2013, the ball contained crystal patterns that were part of a Waterford series known as "World of Celebration", which included "Let There Be Light", "Let There Be Joy", "Let There Be Courage", "Let There Be Love", "Let There Be Friendship", and "Let There Be Peace". In 2014, all the ball's panels were replaced, marking a new theme series known as "Greatest Gifts", beginning with "Gift of Imagination" and ending with "Gift of Love", which was introduced in 2023.<ref name=cbsny-2015/><ref name=cbsny-2016ball>{{cite web|title=Workers To Install 288 New Waterford Crystals On New Year's Eve Ball|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/12/27/times-square-ball-preps/|website=CBS New York|date=December 27, 2015|publisher=CBS Radio|access-date=December 27, 2015}}</ref><ref name=cbsny-preparations14>{{cite web|title=New Year's Eve Preparations Under Way In Times Square|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/12/27/new-years-eve-preparations-under-way-in-times-square/|work=CBSNewYork.com|date=December 27, 2013|access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref><ref name=waterford-2014pr>{{cite press release|title=Waterford and Times Square New Year's Eve Reveal "Gift of Imagination" Crystal Design as Part of New 10-Year "Greatest Gifts" Series|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20131227005240/en/Waterford-Times-Square-Year%E2%80%99s-Eve-Reveal-%E2%80%9CGift|publisher=Waterford Crystal|website=Business Wire|date=December 27, 2013|access-date=December 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Waterford Crystal and the Times Square Ball |url=https://www.houseofwaterford.com/blog/general-news/waterford-crystal-and-times-square-ball |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=House of Waterford}}</ref>

For a period during the 2010s, as part of the sponsorship of One Times Square's top-most billboard by Japanese electronics firm [[Toshiba]], a daytime countdown and ball drop was held as a media event at 10:00 a.m. ET to mark midnight [[Japan Standard Time]] (JST). The event—held hours prior to the closedown of Times Square for the ball drop proper—was used to appeal to [[Japanese in New York City|New York City's Japanese community]], usually attended by members of Japanese media outlets, and included appearances by representatives in [[Japanese clothing|traditional Japanese clothing]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ismail |first=Aymann |date=2016-12-30 |title=The "Japan Countdown" Is the Best Way to Do New Year's in Times Square |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/12/the-times-square-japan-countdown-is-the-best-way-to-do-new-years.html |access-date=2024-02-05 |work=Slate |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lynn |first=Terri |date=2015-12-31 |title=Times Square New Year's Eve Revelers Already Celebrating |url=https://southfloridareporter.com/times-square-new-years-eve-revelers-already-celebrating/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=South Florida Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> 

The numerical sign indicating the year (which remains atop the tower along with the ball itself) uses Philips LED lamps. The "14" digits for 2014 used [[Philips Hue]] multi-color LED lamps, allowing them to have computerized lighting cues.<ref name="philips-14lights">{{cite press release | date=December 17, 2013 | url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/philips-hue-to-mark-colorful-start-to-2014-at-times-square-new-years-eve-celebration-2013-12-17?reflink=MW_news_stmp | title=Philips hue to Mark Colorful Start to 2014 at Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration | publisher=Philips | access-date=December 20, 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220104831/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/philips-hue-to-mark-colorful-start-to-2014-at-times-square-new-years-eve-celebration-2013-12-17?reflink=MW_news_stmp | archive-date=December 20, 2013}}</ref> 

==== Modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic ====
[[File:TSQ prep for 2021 jeh.jpg|thumb|A Kia promotional presentation of the numeral signage for 2021, before it was installed on One Times Square's roof.]]
Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York City]], the 2020–21 festivities were closed to the general public. Attendance was largely limited to the press, performers, and the invited families of [[first responder]]s and other essential workers from the New York City area (billed as "The Heroes of 2020").<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Justine |date=December 15, 2020 |title=Times Square New Year's Eve will not have public audience |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/530377-times-square-new-years-eve-will-not-have-public-audience |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=TheHill |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2020 |title=Gloria Gaynor to perform at Times Square New Year's Eve |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/gloria-gaynor-perform-times-square-years-eve-74745214 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216144426/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/gloria-gaynor-perform-times-square-years-eve-74745214 |archive-date=December 16, 2020 |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=ABC News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In accordance with New York state health orders, [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] were mandatory, and households were placed within {{Convert|8|foot|m|abbr=}} "pens" with [[social distancing]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gold |first=Michael |date=December 30, 2020 |title=No Crowds, but Times Square Ball Drop Is Still Happening. Here's How. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/nyregion/times-square-ball-new-years.html |access-date=January 2, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> There was an estimated 80% reduction in NYPD presence at the event in comparison to past years.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-12-31 |title=New Year's Eve Countdown: Times Square Nearly Empty, Save For Select Frontline Workers And VIP Guests |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/12/31/new-years-eve-times-square-2020/ |access-date=2020-12-31 |website=[[WCBS-TV|CBS New York]] |language=en-US}}</ref> The ''VNYE'' app was released as a digital companion to the event, featuring [[augmented reality]] camera filters and a digital recreation of Times Square as a [[virtual world]] where users could play minigames, view live streams of New Year's festivities in New York City and elsewhere, and witness a virtual version of the ball drop.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=December 16, 2020 |title=There's a wild new way to watch the Times Square ball drop this year |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/theres-a-wild-new-way-to-watch-the-times-square-ball-drop-this-year-121620 |access-date=December 17, 2020 |website=Time Out New York |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stubbs |first=Mike |date=December 10, 2020 |title=Esports To Feature Heavily In Virtual Times Square New Year Celebrations |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestubbs/2020/12/10/esports-to-feature-heavily-in-virtual-times-square-new-year-celebrations/ |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> 

Automaker [[Kia]] became a new sponsor of the festivities beginning that year; as a marketing campaign for its [[Kia Sorento#Fourth generation (MQ4; 2020)|fourth-generation Sorento]], Kia held a promotional tour in which the "2021" numerals were driven from Irvine, California (the location of Kia America's headquarters) to New York City using the SUV.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eady |first=Jenna |date=2020-12-14 |title=KMMG-built Sorento on a cross-country drive to NYC to welcome 2021 |url=https://www.lagrangenews.com/2020/12/14/kmmg-built-sorento-on-a-cross-country-drive-to-nyc-to-welcome-2021/ |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=LaGrange Daily News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaklewicz |first=Greg |title=Motoring to a new year: Duo is driving '2021' sign across U.S. for NYE date in NYC |url=https://www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/big-country/2020/12/04/duo-driving-2021-across-u-s-nye-date-nyc/3818086001/ |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=Abilene Reporter-News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-12-01 |title=Kia to haul Times Square's ‘2021’ across the U.S. in New Year’s Eve marketing drive |url=https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/kia-haul-times-squares-2021-across-us-new-years-eve-marketing-drive/2297881 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=Ad Age |language=en}}</ref> ''Mashable'' writer Alison Foreman described the "dystopian" scenes of the event acknowledged by viewers on social media, including the large amount of placements by fellow sponsor [[Planet Fitness]] (with revellers wearing Planet Fitness-branded clothing and accessories such as hats, and Planet Fitness-branded [[Tube man|tube men]] also occupying the "pens").<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foreman |first=Alison |date=2021-01-01 |title=Times Square rings in 2021 with a dystopian ode to Planet Fitness |url=https://mashable.com/article/planet-fitness-new-years-eve-2021 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=Mashable |language=en}}</ref>

The event was reopened to the public for 2021–22, but all attendees over the age of 5 were required to present [[COVID-19 vaccination mandates in the United States|proof of vaccination]] for [[COVID-19 vaccine|COVID-19]] per the Key to NYC Pass public health order, and wear a face mask.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ly |first1=Laura |last2=Hanna |first2=Jason |date=December 23, 2021 |title=Times Square New Year's Eve celebration will be scaled back, city says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/23/us/nyc-times-square-nye-2022/index.html |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=CNN}}</ref> If covered by a specific exemption, attendees were alternatively allowed to present proof of a recent negative [[Polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] [[COVID-19 testing|test]] from within the past 72 hours.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last1=Moshtaghian |first1=Artemis |last2=Sgueglia |first2=Kristina |date=November 16, 2021 |title=NYC will allow thousands to join in Times Square NYE celebration, with proof of vaccination |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/new-york-times-square-new-years-eve-vaccination-requirement/index.html |access-date=November 16, 2021 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> Although Mayor Bill de Blasio originally announced plans for the event to otherwise be held as normal with no restrictions on capacity,<ref name=":4" /> the official maximum capacity was ultimately reduced to 15,000 people instead of the usual 58,000 due to concerns regarding [[Omicron variant]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zraick |first1=Karen |date=December 23, 2021 |title=New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square is scaled back as Omicron spreads. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/23/nyregion/times-square-new-years-eve-party-covid.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> Due to a COVID-19 infection, Trowbridge did not operate the ball drop in-person, but instead directed the event quarantined at a hotel in New Jersey.<ref name=":3" /> The [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] network also canceled its planned [[Fox New Year's Eve specials#New Year's Eve Toast & Roast|New Year's Eve special]] from Times Square, citing concerns relating to Omicron variant.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Ryan |date=2021-12-22 |title=Fox Scraps Live New Year's Eve Special in Times Square Due to Omicron Variant — Will Rival Networks Do the Same? |url=https://tvline.com/2021/12/21/fox-new-years-eve-2022-cancelled-live-times-square-omicron-variant/ |access-date=2021-12-22 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2021-12-22 |title=Fox Cancels 'New Year's Eve Toast & Roast 2022' Due To Omicron |url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/fox-cancels-new-years-eve-toast-roast-2022-omicron-1234900578/ |access-date=2021-12-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Post-pandemic, One Times Square renovation ====

COVID-19 restrictions ended for the 2022–23 event, returning to a full capacity for the first time since 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-01 |title=Thousands pack Times Square for soggy New Year's Eve celebrations |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/live-updates/new-years-eve-times-square-2023/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=CBS New York |language=en-US}}</ref> A major renovation of One Times Square by Jamestown began in 2022, including the construction of a new observation deck, and the conversion of the tower's otherwise-disused floors into a Times Square museum and exhibition space. As part of the new attractions, the ball is expected to be lowered multiple times per-day, year-round. The ball drop itself has not been disrupted by the ongoing construction, although the numerical sign was briefly removed in 2023 due to part of the work.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Times Square Ball Mystery Brews: Where Did '2023' Go? |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/weird/times-square-ball-mystery-brews-where-did-2023-go/4027886/ |access-date=March 29, 2023 |website=NBC New York}}</ref> 

Ahead of the 2023–24 event, construction was suspended in December 2023 to allow for preparations to begin (including the temporary removal of a [[Crane (machine)|crane]]), and staff wore [[personal protective equipment]] while on the roof <ref>{{cite web |last=Chaffin |first=Joshua |date=May 6, 2022 |title=New York icon is reinvented as a 21st century 'interactive portal' |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2c4a20e2-f487-4e83-b06b-d8290f8904bf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806212243/https://www.ft.com/content/2c4a20e2-f487-4e83-b06b-d8290f8904bf |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |access-date=August 6, 2022 |website=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schillaci |first=Trevor |date=2024-04-19 |title=A renovation to One Times Square will add new curtain wall, observation deck, and immersive experiences |url=https://www.archpaper.com/2024/04/renovation-one-times-square-curtain-wall-observation-deck-immersive-experiences/ |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=The Architect’s Newspaper |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Fontainebleau Resorts]] served as a sponsor, promoting the 70th anniversary of its [[Fontainebleau Miami Beach|namesake hotel]] in Miami Beach, and its newly-opened [[Fontainebleau Las Vegas]] resort; the lighting patterns on the ball featured [[bow tie]] motifs, alluding to the use of bow ties as a logo and visual motif at the two resorts, and the bow tie shape of Times Square itself. That year's "Imagine" performer, [[Paul Anka]], had also been known for his performances in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seeman |first=Matthew |date=2023-12-27 |title=Times Square ball for New Year's features tie-in to Fontainebleau Las Vegas |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/times-square-ball-for-new-years-features-tie-in-to-fontainebleau-las-vegas-nye-new-york-southern-nevada-paul-anka |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=KSNV |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Morillo |first1=Elly |date=December 28, 2023 |title=2024 NYE ball unveiled ahead of iconic Times Square celebration |url=https://brooklyn.news12.com/2024-nye-ball-unveiled-ahead-of-iconic-times-square-celebration |access-date=January 11, 2024 |publisher=[[News 12 Networks]]}}</ref>

For 2025, organizers collaborated with [[Behaviour Interactive]] on "Times Square Island", a ''[[Fortnite Creative]]'' world featuring minigames and a live stream of the ball drop.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Claudino |first=Ashely |date=2024-12-31 |title=Fortnite Launches New Year's Event |url=https://gamerant.com/fortnite-new-years-event/ |access-date=2025-01-05 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref>

=== The seventh ball (2025–present) ===
On December 27, 2024, it was announced that the sixth ball would be retired after the 2024–25 event, and will be succeeded by a new, seventh ball beginning in 2025–26 as part of the renovation of One Times Square. Jamestown president Michael Phillips stated that the new ball would have a "completely different design", and will be "dynamic" and "more digitally interactive".<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2024 |title=Times Square New Year's Eve ball unveiled for 2025 celebration |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/times-square-ball-new-years-eve-2025/ |access-date=December 30, 2024 |website=[[WCBS-TV|CBS News New York]] |language=en}}</ref> The sixth ball will be relocated to an exhibit in the new One Times Square museum.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2024 |title=Final preparations underway for Times Square Ball ahead of 2025 celebration |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/new-years-eve-celebration-crews-begin-final-preparations-crystal-ball-set-drop-times-square-week/15715080/ |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=[[WABC-TV|Channel 7 Eyewitness News]] |publisher=[[ABC Owned Television Stations]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Weather at midnight ===
According to [[National Weather Service]] records, since 1907–08, the average temperature in nearby [[Central Park]] during the ball drop has been {{convert|34|F|C}}. The warmest ball drops occurred in 1965–66 and 1972–73 when the temperature was {{convert|58|F|C}}. The coldest ball drop occurred in 1917–18, when the temperature was {{convert|1|F|C}} and the [[wind chill]] was {{convert|-18|F|C}}. Affected by a [[2017–18 North American cold wave|continent-wide cold wave]], the 2017–18 drop was the second-coldest on record, at {{convert|9|F}} and  {{convert|-4|F|C}} after wind chill. The third coldest ball drop occurred during the 1962–63 event, when the temperature was {{convert|11|F|C}} and the wind chill was {{convert|-17|F|C}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/weather/2017/dec/31/times-square-braces-for-one-of-coldest-new-years-eve-parties-on-record|title=Times Square braces for one of coldest New Year's Eve parties on record|agency=Associated Press|date=December 31, 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=January 1, 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/31/us/new-years-eve-winter-weather/index.html|title=New year brings record cold across US|author1=Theresa Waldrop |author2=Catherine E. Shoichet|website=CNN.com|date=December 31, 2017|access-date=January 2, 2018}}</ref> Snow has fallen seven times, with the earliest being the 1926–27 event, and the most recent being the 2009–10 event, and rain/drizzle has fallen seventeen times, with the earliest being the 1918–19 event, and the most recent being the 2022–23 event. The records for most precipitation and snow for the whole day on New Year’s Eve were both set in 1948, when {{convert|1.40|in|mm}} of precipitation and {{convert|4.0|in|cm}} of snow fell.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Year's Eve/Ball Drop Weather at Central Park |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/Climate/CentralPark/NewYearsEveBallDropwx.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125050248/http://www.weather.gov/media/okx/Climate/CentralPark/NewYearsEveBallDropwx.pdf|archive-date=January 25, 2023|access-date=January 25, 2023|publisher=National Weather Service Forecast Office New York, New York}}</ref>

==Broadcasting==
[[File:New Years Eve 1999-2000 - Times Square.jpg|thumb|right|An [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] stage in Times Square for its ''[[ABC 2000 Today]]'' broadcast.]]
As a public event, the festivities and ball drop are often broadcast on television. Since the mid-1990s, a host [[Press pool|pool feed]] has been provided to broadcasters for use in coverage, which for 2016–17 consisted of 21 cameras.<ref name="tvtech-timessquare">{{cite web|title=Meet the Team Behind Times Square New Year's Eve|url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0002/meet-the-team-behind-times-square-new-years-eve/280039|website=TV Technology|date=December 22, 2016 |publisher=NewBay Media|access-date=December 30, 2016}}</ref> Since 2009–10, an official [[webcast]] of the ball drop and its associated festivities has been produced, streamed via [[Livestream.com]].<ref name="tvtech-timessquare"/><ref name=nyt-balldroponline>{{cite news|last=Taub|first=Erica A.|title=New Year's Eve in Times Square Is Now a Webcast|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/technology/personaltech/24tsquare.html?_r=0|access-date=December 6, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 24, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Extra-bright ball to drop at Times Square|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/news/2007-12-27-bright-ball-drop_N.htm|publisher=USA Today|access-date=December 6, 2012|first=Jerry|last=Shriver|date=December 27, 2007}}</ref> Since 2022–23, the webcast has been hosted by actors, [[Jonathan Bennett (actor)|Jonathan Bennett]], Jeremy Hassel, and Bennett's husband Jaymes Vaughan.

The event is covered as part of New Year's Eve [[television special]]s on several major U.S. television networks, which usually intersperse on-location coverage from Times Square with entertainment segments, such as musical performances (some of which held live in Times Square as part of the event). By far the most notable of these is ''[[Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve]]''; created, produced, and originally hosted by the entertainer [[Dick Clark]] until his death in 2012 (with [[Regis Philbin]] filling in for its 2004–05 broadcast), and currently hosted by [[Ryan Seacrest]], the program first aired on [[National Broadcasting Company|NBC]] in 1972 before moving to [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], where it has been broadcast ever since.<ref name="2012Edition"/><ref name=fbny-making/> ''New Year's Rockin' Eve'' has consistently been the most-watched New Year's Eve special in the U.S. annually, peaking at 25.6 million viewers for its 2017–18 edition.<ref name="2018Ratings">{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2018/01/01/new-years-rockin-eve-ryan-seacrest-ratings-2017/ |title=Ratings: Ryan Seacrest's Rockin' Eve Hits All-Time Highs, Fox's Steve Harvey a Big Improvement Over Pitbull |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |work=[[TVLine]] |date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=January 2, 2018 }}</ref><ref name="2012Edition">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/31/arts/television/dick-clark-and-rockin-eve-reach-milestone.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print|title=4 Decades Later, He Still Counts|date=December 31, 2011|access-date=January 1, 2012|first=Brian|last=Stelter|newspaper=New York Times|page=C1}}</ref><ref name=nyre2012-ratings>{{cite news|last=Levin|first=Gary|title=Nielsens: Clark's 'Rockin' Eve,' football start year well|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/story/2012-01-04/nielsen-ratings-dick-clark/52381476/1|publisher=USA Today|access-date=November 30, 2012|date=January 4, 2012}}</ref> Following the death of Dick Clark in April 2012, a crystal engraved with his name was added to the 2013 ball in tribute.<ref name=fbny-making>{{cite web|last=Barmash|first=Jerry|date=December 19, 2012|title=Marking New Year's Eve at Times Square Without Dick Clark|url=http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/marking-new-years-eve-at-times-square-without-dick-clark_b73011|publisher=FishbowlNY|access-date=December 21, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230201058/http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/marking-new-years-eve-at-times-square-without-dick-clark_b73011|archive-date=December 30, 2012}}</ref>

As of 2022–23, with Fox having quietly discontinued New Year's specials,<ref name=":5" /> and NBC having moved theirs from Times Square to Miami in 2021,<ref name=":6" /> [[CBS]] is the only other major English-language broadcast network to also provide coverage from Times Square, having added segments co-hosted by [[WCBS-TV]] chief meteorologist [[Lonnie Quinn]] to ''[[New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash]]'' beginning that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Countdown to 2023: Preparations underway in Times Square for New Year's Eve celebrations |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/times-square-new-years-eve-2022/ |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=CBS News New York |date=December 30, 2022 |publisher=[[CBS News and Stations]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Spanish-language network [[Univision]] broadcasts ''[[Feliz! (Univision program)|¡Feliz!]]'', hosted by [[Raúl de Molina]] of ''[[El Gordo y La Flaca]]''.<ref name=":2">{{cite news | url=http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/31/3756320/ring-in-the-new-year-with-ryan.html | title=Ring in the new year with Ryan, Carson or Anderson | work=Bradenton Herald | access-date=November 14, 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214102536/http://www.bradenton.com/2011/12/31/3756320/ring-in-the-new-year-with-ryan.html | archive-date=December 14, 2013 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="thr-foxpitbull15">{{cite web|title=Pitbull to Host New Year's Eve Live Show for Fox|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/pitbull-host-new-years-eve-703133|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Rose|first=Lacey|date=May 12, 2014|access-date=December 19, 2014}}</ref> On [[Cable television|cable]], [[CNN]] carries coverage of the festivities, known as ''[[New Year's Eve Live]]'', currently hosted by [[Anderson Cooper]] and [[Andy Cohen]] (the latter first replacing [[Kathy Griffin]] for 2018).<ref name="variety-andycohen">{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/cnn-new-year-anderson-cooper-andy-cohen-1202587221/|title=CNN Will Replace Kathy Griffin With Andy Cohen for New Year's Eve|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=October 11, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=November 18, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Fox News]] carries ''All-American New Year,''<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Turnquist |first=Kristi |date=2021-12-28 |title=Celebrate New Year's Eve on TV: What to watch to ring in 2022 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/12/what-to-watch-on-tv-to-celebrate-new-years-eve-and-ring-in-2022.html |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}</ref><ref name="wp-mostentertaining">{{cite news|title=TV highlights: Networks compete for most entertaining New Year's show|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/tv-highlights-networks-compete-for-most-entertaining-new-years-show/2013/12/30/3826f0fa-715a-11e3-8def-a33011492df2_story.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=December 31, 2013|date=December 30, 2013|last=Lubitz|first=Rachel}}</ref> which was most recently hosted by Jimmy Failla of ''[[Fox News Saturday Night]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gomez |first=Dessi |date=2024-12-31 |title=How To Watch 2024 New Year’s Eve Specials: From ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest’ To ‘New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen’ |url=https://deadline.com/feature/new-years-eve-programming-where-to-watch-1236244070/ |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Past broadcasts ===
Beginning in the 1940s, [[NBC New Year's Eve specials|NBC]] broadcast coverage from Times Square anchored by [[Ben Grauer]] on both radio and television. Its coverage was later incorporated into special episodes of ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', continuing through [[Johnny Carson]] and [[Jay Leno]]'s tenures on the program. NBC would later introduce a dedicated special, ''[[New Year's Eve with Carson Daly]]'' (later renamed ''NBC's New Year's Eve''), hosted by former [[MTV]] personality [[Carson Daly]], which first began midnight coverage in 2006,<ref name="usatoday-battle">{{cite news|last=Oldenberg|first=Ann|title=Battle of Times Square|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-12-29-clark-nye-return_x.htm|work=USA Today|access-date=January 5, 2013|date=December 29, 2005}}</ref> and was discontinued in 2022 in favor of the [[Miley Cyrus]]-helmed ''Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party'', from Miami.<ref name=":6">{{cite web|last1=Mitovich|first1=Matt Webb|date=November 29, 2021|title=Miley Cyrus and SNL's Pete Davidson to Host New Year's Eve Special for NBC|url=https://tvline.com/2021/11/29/miley-cyrus-pete-davidson-host-nbc-new-years-eve-special/|website=TVLine}}</ref>

From 1956 to 1976, CBS televised [[Guy Lombardo]]'s annual New Year's Eve concert with his [[big band]] The Royal Canadians, most frequently from the [[Waldorf Astoria New York|Waldorf-Astoria]]'s ballroom. It featured coverage from Times Square, and the band's signature rendition of "[[Auld Lang Syne]]" at midnight.<ref name=nbc-traditions/> After Lombardo's death in 1977, the special continued with Guy's younger brother [[Victor Lombardo]] as host and bandleader, but increasing competition from ''New Year’s Rockin’ Eve'' prompted CBS to replace it for 1979–80 with ''[[Happy New Year, America]]''. The new special ran in various formats with different hosts (such as [[Paul Anka]], [[Donny Osmond]], [[Andy Williams]], ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' bandleader [[Paul Shaffer]], and talk show host [[Montel Williams]]) until it was discontinued after 1996. Besides coverage during a special episode of ''Late Show'' for 1999, and ''America's Millennium'' for 2000,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lynch |first=Stephen |title=New Year's song remains ingrained in public mind |url=http://www.augustachronicle.com/stories/123199/cy2_124-4983.shtml |newspaper=[[The Orange County Register]] |date=December 31, 1999 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050426133815/http://www.augustachronicle.com/stories/123199/cy2_124-4983.shtml |archive-date=April 26, 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Past, Present, and...Future?|date=December 25, 2006|first=Scott|last=Collins|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|page=E1}}</ref><ref name="ppg-Lombardo">{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/tv/20011226guy1226p6.asp|title=Next week to be 25th New Year's Eve without Guy Lombardo|access-date=January 1, 2007|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|first=Frazier|last=Moore|date=December 26, 2001|agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref name=ms-newguy>{{cite web|last=Terry|first=Carol Burton|title=New Guy Lombardo? Dick Clark sees New Year's tradition|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GntQAAAAIBAJ&pg=6190%2C6205752&dq=dick+clark%27s+new+year%27s+rockin+eve&hl=en|publisher=[[The Milwaukee Sentinel]]|access-date=December 19, 2012|archive-date=September 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922135258/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GntQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fBIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6190%2C6205752&dq=dick+clark%27s+new+year%27s+rockin+eve&hl=en|url-status=dead}}</ref> CBS would not air any national New Year's Eve specials again until 2021–22, when it first aired ''New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=September 9, 2021|title=CBS Returns To New Year's Eve Live Programming With 'Nashville's Big Bash' Special Featuring Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn & More|url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/cbs-new-years-eve-live-nashvilles-big-bash-special-blake-shelton-miranda-lambert-brooks-dunn-return-1234829475/|access-date=September 10, 2021|website=Deadline|language=en-US}}</ref>

Beginning in 1991, [[Fox New Year's Eve specials|Fox]] occasionally broadcast its New Year's specials from Times Square, with its most recent formats doing so having included ''New Year's Eve with [[Steve Harvey]]'' from 2017 to 2019,<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connell |first=Mikey |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Fox Swaps Pitbull for Steve Harvey on New Year's Eve |language=en |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fox-swaps-pitbull-steve-harvey-new-years-eve-1059096 |access-date=November 18, 2017}}</ref> and ''New Year's Eve Toast & Roast'' in 2020, which was hosted by [[Ken Jeong]] and [[Joel McHale]] from Los Angeles with [[Kelly Osbourne]] reporting from Times Square.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Greg|date=December 2, 2020|title=Ken Jeong And Joel McHale To Ring In 2021 As Hosts Of Fox's New Year's Eve Special|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/ken-jeong-joel-mchale-fox-new-years-eve-toast-roast-special-hosts-update-1234636292/|access-date=December 29, 2020|website=[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Schwartz|first=Ryan|date=December 2, 2020|title=Ken Jeong and Joel McHale to Host Fox's New Year's Eve Countdown Special, Replacing Steve Harvey|url=https://tvline.com/2020/12/02/ken-jeong-joel-mchale-fox-new-years-eve-countdown-special-2021/|access-date=December 29, 2020|website=[[TVLine]]}}</ref> Fox intended for the special to return for 2021–22, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns in New York City.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lovece|first=Frank|date=December 22, 2021|title=Fox cancels NYC New Year's Eve show due to COVID-19 concerns|url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/fox-new-years-eve-ken-jeong-joel-mchale-1.50458874|access-date=2022-01-02|website=Newsday|language=en}}</ref> The following year, Fox forewent any New Year's Eve programming on the main network.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Avalos |first=Regina |date=2023-01-01 |title=Saturday TV Ratings: Hell's Kitchen, New Year's Rockin' Eve, Nashville's Big Bash, A Toast to 2022!, iHeartRadio Music Festival |url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/saturday-tv-ratings-hells-kitchen-new-years-rockin-eve-nashvilles-big-bash-a-toast-to-2022-iheartradio-music-festival/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

For 2000, in lieu of ''New Year's Rockin' Eve'', [[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] covered the festivities as part of its day-long telecast, ''[[ABC 2000 Today]]''. Hosted by then-chief correspondent [[Peter Jennings]], the broadcast featured coverage of New Year's festivities from around the world as part of an [[2000 Today|international consortium]]. Dick Clark would join Jennings to co-anchor coverage from Times Square.<ref name=edr-dickclark>{{cite news|last=Bobbin|first=Jay|title=Dick Clark offers longer New Year's Eve special|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mygfAAAAIBAJ&pg=5437,5342253&dq=rockin+eve&hl=en|access-date=April 20, 2012|newspaper=Ellensburg Daily Record|date=December 28, 2000}}</ref> The [[BBC]]'s ''2000 Today'' broadcast featured comedian [[Barry Humphries]] as a Times Square correspondent, as his character [[Dame Edna Everage]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Yawns greet BBC millennium line-up |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/yawns-greet-bbc-millennium-lineup-738983.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240520221012/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/yawns-greet-bbc-millennium-lineup-738983.html |archive-date=2024-05-20 |access-date=2025-01-06 |work=The Independent |language=en-GB}}</ref>

[[MTV]] had broadcast [[MTV New Year's Eve specials|coverage]] originating from the network's Times Square studios at [[One Astor Plaza]], which was initially hosted by Carson Daly until his departure to NBC.<ref name="ppg-carson04">{{cite news |date=December 31, 2004 |title=Carson Daly stakes his claim on New Year's Eve |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=sedRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CXIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3610,4138315&dq=carson+daly+new+year&hl=en |access-date=5 January 2013 |newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref> For 2011, MTV also held its own ball drop in [[Seaside Heights, New Jersey]], the setting of its popular [[reality television|reality]] series ''[[Jersey Shore (TV series)|Jersey Shore]]'', featuring cast member [[Snooki]] lowered inside a giant "[[hamster ball]]". Originally, MTV planned to hold the drop within its studio in Times Square, but the network was asked by city officials to conduct the drop elsewhere.<ref>{{cite news|title=Snooki 'dropped' from Times Square New Year's Eve celebration|url=http://www.silive.com/entertainment/tvfilm/index.ssf/2010/12/snooki_dropped_from_times_squa.html|access-date=October 8, 2012|newspaper=[[Staten Island Advance]]|date=December 30, 2010}}</ref> On October 2, 2017, the ball was "raised" by [[DJ Khaled]], alongside its hosts, D.C. Young Fly and Tamara Dhia, for the reboot of ''[[Total Request Live]]''.

For 2019, prominent [[Video game live streaming|video game streamer]] [[Ninja (video game player)|Ninja]] hosted a 12-hour New Year's Eve stream on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]] from Times Square, featuring matches of ''[[Fortnite Battle Royale]]'' with himself and special guests from a studio in the [[1501 Broadway|Paramount Building]]. Ninja made an on-stage appearance in Times Square during the festivities outside, which included a failed attempt to lead the crowd in a [[Floss (dance)|floss]] dance (a routine made popular by ''Fortnite'').<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/26/18030602/fortnite-ninja-tyler-blevins-new-york-city-times-square-new-years-eve-red-bull-event|title=Fortnite star Ninja is getting his own 12-hour New Years Eve broadcast in Times Square|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=October 26, 2018|website=The Verge|access-date=September 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ruppert|first=Lilana 'Lili'|date=January 1, 2019|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/01/01/fortnites-ninja-new-years-floss-dance-fail/|title='Fortnite' Star Ninja's Attempt To Get Times Square To Do The Floss Dance Failed Miserably|website=Comicbook.com|language=en|access-date=September 7, 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of objects dropped on New Year's Eve]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Times Square Ball}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye New Year's Eve on the Times Square Alliance website]

{{Times Square}}
{{New Year}}
{{Authority control}}

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{{Good article}}

[[Category:1907 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Culture of New York City]]
[[Category:December]]
[[Category:Festivals established in 1907]]
[[Category:New Year in the United States]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1907]]
[[Category:Times Square|Ball]]
[[Category:Winter traditions]]