Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop: Essential Information on the Celebration and Viewing Options.
The countdown to 2025 has commenced.
With less than a week left until the new year, rapper Pitbull participated in the unveiling of the iconic New Year's Eve ball in Times Square on Friday. The Waterford Crystal ball is a geodesic sphere adorned with 2,688 crystal triangles, measuring 12 feet in diameter and weighing 11,875 pounds, equipped with over 32,000 LED lights.
Although AccuWeather meteorologists have forecasted a rainy New Year's Eve in New York, it is not anticipated to significantly hinder the festivities.
Here is essential information regarding the annual Times Square tradition and how to view it on television and streaming platforms.
What is the New Year's Eve ball drop?
On New Year's Eve, the grand, sparkling ball will descend in Times Square, New York City, to herald the arrival of the new year.
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The ball drop tradition in Times Square originated in 1907, although New Year’s Eve celebrations at this renowned location began in 1904. Over the years, seven iterations of the ball have been created. The inaugural ball, which was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds, was constructed from iron and wood and illuminated by 100 25-watt light bulbs. This creation was the work of a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, as noted on the official Times Square website.
In 2007, modern LED technology replaced the traditional light bulbs in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the New Year’s Eve Ball, and in 2008, the "permanent Big Ball" was introduced atop One Times Square, shining brightly above the square throughout the year.
"This proud tradition is now a universal symbol of the New Year," states Times Square, adding that over a ton of confetti will also be released.
KEY Point
The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is a 12-foot geodesic sphere covered in Waterford Crystal triangles and illuminated by LED lights.
The ball drop tradition began in 1907 and has evolved over the years, with the current crystal ball debuting in 1999.
This year's celebration features performances by Lenny Kravitz, Mickey Guyton, Carrie Underwood, and others.
Viewers can watch the ball drop live on various platforms, including Times Square's website, CNN, CBS, and ABC.
When is the ball drop?
The Times Square Ball Drop celebration will kick off shortly before 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and the New Year's Eve Ball will be raised to the top of the pole at One Times Square. At exactly 11:59 p.m., the ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the new year
Who is performing?
The Times Square New Year celebrations will include performances by rock legend Lenny Kravitz, Mark Ambor, Grammy-nominated country singer Mickey Guyton, Carrie Underwood, Megan Moroney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the Jonas Brothers, TLC, Greeicy, De La Ghetto, Kapo, and the dance group AGNEW among others.
Underwood will perform just before the ball drops at midnight with a medley of some of her biggest hits, followed by Guyton, who then perform the special Times Square New Year tradition of singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” moments before the ball drop.
See full list of performers:
'New Year's Rockin' Eve 2025'
headlined by Carrie Underwood,
Jonas Brothers
