The New Year’s Eve ball drop history.

In 1907, Adolph Ochs organized the first New York City ball drop in Times Square, marking the start of the New Year tradition. The event, featuring a massive crystal-covered ball, has occurred annually, except during WWII, and continued even during the COVID pandemic. The latest ball, the largest ever, made up of over 5,000 handcrafted Waterford Crystal discs, symbolizes hope and renewal for millions worldwide. The ball will also drop on July 4, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth.

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