December 31st
Times Square

Televised throughout the world, the dropping of the ball in Times Square is the world’s best–known event for marking the beginning of the new year. The tradition began in 1907 and involves the minute–long descent of a six–foot, illuminated, wrought–iron ball down the flagpole atop the One Times Square building. An apple was used instead of the iron sphere during the 70s, and a ball made of Waterford Crystal was used for the year 2000, but the revelry always remains the same. Fireworks in Central Park add their own clamor to the festivities.