The annual New Year's ball drop dates back to 1907, when it was used to celebrate the opening of The New York Times Building. Now, the ball sits on the roof of One Times Square as it descends from a flagpole starting at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, one minute before the new calendar year begins. The new ball will feature 5,280 Waterford crystals, the official crystal of Times Square New Year’s Eve. “The Times Square ball is more than just an icon of celebration. This year, One Times Square is offering a new Premium Ball Experience where visitors can help adorn the new ball by removing one of the 2025 crystals and replacing it with a new 2026 Waterford crystal.
