The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop is a globally recognized event, drawing millions of spectators in person and billions more via television and online streaming. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to watch the ball drop, delves into the history of the tradition, and highlights the various New Year’s Eve specials you can enjoy leading up to the midnight countdown.
A Century-Old Tradition: The History of the Ball Drop
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The first New Year’s Eve ball drop occurred in 1907. Crafted by Jacob Starr, a young metalworker, the original ball was constructed from iron and wood, illuminated by 100 25-watt light bulbs. The tradition has continued annually since its inception, with only two exceptions during World War II in 1942 and 1943. In those years, the celebratory gathering in Times Square was replaced with a moment of silence.
The ball itself has undergone numerous redesigns over the years. The current iteration, a six-ton geodesic sphere covered in Waterford Crystal panels and boasting over 32,000 LEDs, was introduced in 2008. Recent renovations have even weatherproofed the ball, allowing it to remain on permanent display in Times Square.
New Year’s Eve Specials to Stream Before the Ball Drop
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A variety of New Year’s Eve television specials offer entertainment in the hours leading up to the ball drop. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” a long-standing tradition since 1973, will showcase performances by various artists. CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen” provides humorous commentary and celebrity appearances. Country music fans can tune into “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash” hosted by Keith Urban and Rachel Smith, featuring performances by country music stars.
The Countdown: When and Where to Watch the Ball Drop
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The ball drop commences its 60-second descent at precisely 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. There are several free options to watch this iconic moment. The Times Square official website provides a commercial-free live webcast of the event and the preceding festivities. Live streaming is also available on the official Times Square Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts. Additionally, various streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo offer coverage for subscribers.
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Whether you choose to watch the ball drop online or on television, be sure to tune in for the countdown and the dazzling spectacle that marks the beginning of the new year.
