Times Square Ball Drop: History and Facts

How the celebration started

New Year's Eve in Times Square began before there was a ball. In 1904, the New York Times opened its new headquarters tower at the spot then called Longacre Square, which had just been renamed Times Square. The paper's owner, Adolph Ochs, threw a New Year's Eve party with fireworks set off from the base of the tower, and more than 200,000 people reportedly showed up.

The fireworks continued for a couple of years. When the city banned them, Ochs needed a replacement spectacle. The answer was borrowed from maritime tradition: time balls, which had been dropped from towers since the 1800s so ships' navigators could set their chronometers precisely.

The first ball in 1907

On December 31, 1907, the first New Year's Eve Ball was lowered from the flagpole of One Times Square to welcome 1908. It was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr. The ball was made of iron and wood, measured 5 feet across, weighed about 700 pounds and was lit by 100 light bulbs of 25 watts each.

It was a hit, and the drop became an annual tradition. In 1942 and 1943, during World War II, the ball wasn't lowered because of wartime "dimout" lighting rules in New York City. Instead, crowds observed a minute of silence at midnight, followed by chimes played from sound trucks. Those are the only two years the ball has not dropped.

Every version of the ball

• 1907: Iron and wood, 5 feet across, about 700 pounds, 100 bulbs.
• 1920: A wrought iron ball weighing about 400 pounds replaced the original.
• 1955: An aluminum ball weighing just 150 pounds took over and served for decades.
• 1981 to 1988: The ball was dressed as a big apple with red bulbs and a green stem for the "I Love New York" campaign.
• 1995: The aluminum ball got a makeover with rhinestones, strobes and computer controls. It dropped for the last time on the eve of 1999.
• 2000: A new crystal ball made with Waterford Crystal debuted for the millennium.
• 2007: The Centennial Ball marked 100 years of the tradition and switched to LED lighting.
• The Big Ball: A larger permanent ball, about 12 feet across and nearly six tons, with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and 32,256 LEDs, sat on top of One Times Square year-round.
• 2025: The Constellation Ball. Unveiled in November 2025 for the countdown to 2026, it's the largest ball yet.

The Constellation Ball: today's ball

According to the Times Square Alliance, the Constellation Ball measures 12.5 feet in diameter and weighs 12,350 pounds. It's covered in 5,280 Waterford crystals in circular shapes of three sizes, and it uses LED lighting that can react to sound in real time.

The ball is described as the ninth version in the tradition's history. The Waterford crystals are designed around a theme that can change from year to year, so the look can shift for each New Year's Eve. Organizers also announced that the countdown to 2026 would kick off celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

How the drop works on the night

The ball is raised to the top of the flagpole as the evening begins. At 11:59 p.m., it starts its slow descent, reaching the bottom exactly at midnight, when the "2027" numerals light up, confetti fills the air and the crowd erupts. Organizers say the event reaches a worldwide TV and streaming audience of more than one billion people, while hundreds of thousands gather in and around Times Square.

Each year, invited guests help start the final countdown, and the night includes live music performances on stages along Broadway and Seventh Avenue.

Tips for watching in person

Going to Times Square on New Year's Eve is a bucket-list experience, but it's not easy. Here's what to expect for December 31, 2026:

• Arrive very early. Viewing areas fill up hours before midnight, and many people arrive in the afternoon. Once police pens are full, entry closes.
• There's no ticket for the street viewing areas. Watching from the public areas is free, but you can't reserve a spot.
• No bathrooms and no re-entry. If you leave your pen, you usually can't come back. Eat beforehand and limit drinks.
• Security is tight. Large bags, backpacks and alcohol are not allowed. Check the official Times Square Alliance site for the current rules before you go.
• Dress for cold. You'll be standing still outdoors for hours. Layers, hand warmers and waterproof boots help.

Watching from home

Most people watch on TV or streaming. Several major networks broadcast the countdown, and the Times Square Alliance runs an official webcast. If you're hosting a party, put the broadcast on a big screen around 11:30 p.m. so the countdown is the main event, and have glasses filled by 11:58.

Remember that the drop happens at midnight Eastern Time. If you're on the West Coast, it happens at 9 p.m. Pacific, which is a handy option for families with younger kids who want to see a "real" midnight before bed.