Times Square Ball

This illuminated sphere descends from the roof of One Times Square each year and features thousands of LED bulbs and crystal panels. It forms the centerpiece of the New Year celebration on Broadway, where streets and plazas fill as the final seconds of the year pass.

The first descent took place in 1907, when the New York Times newspaper sought an alternative to fireworks and designed an illuminated sphere. The tradition has been interrupted only twice since then, during World War II, when the city switched to a silent minute of reflection for safety reasons.

Every December 31st, one million people gather in Times Square while millions worldwide watch live broadcasts of performances, countdowns, and the midnight ball descent.

Visitors should reach the plaza on the morning of December 31st, as surrounding streets close throughout the day and security checks limit access. There are no public restrooms in the barricaded sections, so planning ahead is important for the long outdoor wait.

The sphere remains on the building throughout the year and is removed only for maintenance, with testing conducted in the days before December 31st. During its descent, it changes colors through a computer-controlled lighting program that illuminates the crystal faces in different patterns.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1907

Founders: Adolph Ochs

Website: http://timessquareball.net

GPS coordinates: 40.75640,-73.98650

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:08