The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is one of the most iconic global celebrations marking the arrival of the New Year. Each year, millions gather in Times Square or tune in to various platforms to witness the sparkling ball descend at midnight, signaling the start of a fresh year. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, the celebration details, performances, how you can watch, and more.
History of the Times Square Ball Drop
The tradition of the Times Square Ball Drop began on New Year’s Eve 1907, making it over a century old. Originally, the ball was a simple iron and wood structure, 5 feet in diameter, and weighed 700 pounds. It was lit by 100 incandescent light bulbs. A metalworker named Jacob Starr crafted the first ball, which was hoisted at midnight to mark the beginning of 1907.
Over the years, the ball has undergone significant transformations. From its humble beginnings, the ball has evolved into a massive geodesic sphere measuring 12 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds. It is now adorned with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles and illuminated by over 32,000 energy-efficient LED lights. These LED lights have replaced traditional bulbs since 2007, offering a more vibrant and eco-friendly display. The current crystal ball was first introduced in 1999, during the turn of the millennium, as a symbol of a new era.
The Role of Waterford Crystal in the Ball Design
Waterford Crystal has been integral to the design of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. The 2,688 crystal triangles that cover the ball are precision-cut to create a stunning visual effect when illuminated. These crystals are not just ornamental but are crafted to reflect light in intricate patterns, making the ball one of the most spectacular visual displays globally.
Key Moments in the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The Countdown: A Global Tradition
The culmination of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is the famous ball drop. At 11:59 PM on December 31, the ball begins its descent down the flagpole at One Times Square. For the next 60 seconds, millions of viewers around the world eagerly watch as the ball reaches the bottom, marking the arrival of the new year with an explosion of cheers, confetti, and fireworks.
The ball drop is preceded by a carefully orchestrated countdown to midnight, with everyone in Times Square, as well as those watching from home or on their devices, participating in the countdown to 2025.
Confetti: A Symbol of Joy and Renewal
An integral part of the Times Square celebration is the confetti that rains down upon the crowd after the ball drops. More than a ton of confetti is released, creating a colorful shower that symbolizes the release of the old year and the welcoming of the new one. It is a moment of joy and excitement as people embrace the start of a fresh year with hopes and dreams.
Performances at the Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration has become synonymous with exciting performances by top artists from various music genres. Each year, the event showcases live performances leading up to the ball drop, and this year is no different.
Featured Performers
For 2024, the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration will feature performances by rock legend Lenny Kravitz, country singer Carrie Underwood, Grammy-nominated artist Mickey Guyton, and others. The evening will kick off with performances by artists from genres spanning rock, pop, country, and Latin music, ensuring a diverse and lively atmosphere throughout the night.
Carrie Underwood, who has been a regular performer, will take the stage just before midnight to perform a medley of her greatest hits. Following her, Mickey Guyton will perform a special rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” which has become a beloved tradition in Times Square just moments before the ball drops.
The Full Lineup of Performers
- Lenny Kravitz
- Mickey Guyton
- Carrie Underwood
- Jonas Brothers
- Megan Moroney
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- TLC
- De La Ghetto
- Greeicy
- Mark Ambor
- AGNEW Dance Group
This lineup is set to make the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square one to remember.
How to Watch the Times Square Ball Drop
Whether you’re in New York City or watching from the comfort of your home, there are several ways to catch the live coverage of the Times Square Ball Drop.
Live Broadcast on Major Networks
- CNN: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will co-host CNN’s live coverage of the New Year’s Eve celebration, starting at 8 PM ET. The event will feature a mix of live performances, celebrity interviews, and backstage access.
- ABC: Ryan Seacrest will return for his 20th year hosting “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” which airs live at 8 PM ET. The event will also feature a performance by Carrie Underwood and a star-studded lineup of other artists.
- CBS: “Nashville’s Big Bash” will air live on CBS, hosted by Keith Urban and Rachel Smith. This show will run from 8 PM ET and features performances by top country artists.
- NBC: While NBC will not be airing live coverage, recorded specials will feature Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, and Seth Meyers.
Watch Online via Live Stream
In addition to the traditional TV broadcasts, the Times Square Ball Drop will be available for live streaming. Times Square’s official website offers a commercial-free webcast starting at 6 PM ET, which includes behind-the-scenes access, interviews with performers, and more.
Additionally, streaming platforms like Max, Hulu, and Paramount+ will offer live streams of the celebrations, allowing you to enjoy the event no matter where you are.
Special Accessibility Options
For viewers with accessibility needs, the Times Square live stream will include open captions and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, available via YouTube.
When is the Times Square Ball Drop?
The Times Square Ball Drop celebration officially begins at 6 PM ET on December 31 when the ball is raised atop the flagpole at One Times Square. The descent begins at exactly 11:59 PM ET, and the ball reaches the bottom just as the clock strikes midnight, marking the beginning of 2025.
FAQs About the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
1. What time does the Times Square Ball Drop start?
The ball drop starts at exactly 11:59 PM ET on December 31, 2024. The countdown begins a minute before midnight, and the ball descends over the course of 60 seconds.
2. Can I watch the Times Square Ball Drop online?
Yes, the Times Square Ball Drop will be streamed live on the official Times Square website, as well as through various TV networks like CNN, ABC, CBS, and online platforms like Hulu and Max.
3. Who will perform at the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration in 2024?
Artists like Lenny Kravitz, Carrie Underwood, Mickey Guyton, and the Jonas Brothers are among the many performers set to take the stage during the event.
4. How can I access the live stream of the event?
You can access the live stream on Times Square’s official website, as well as through platforms like Max, Hulu, and Paramount+.
5. Is the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration free to attend?
Yes, the event in Times Square is free to attend. However, due to high demand and security measures, it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
