Ringing in 2025: A Close Look at Times Square's Ball Drop

As we prepare to leave 2024 behind and welcome 2025, the world's eyes will turn to Times Square in New York City. Thousands will gather to witness the famous ball drop, a tradition that's been going on for nearly a century. The ball is no ordinary object; it's a stunning geodesic sphere weighing almost 6 tons and adorned with 2, 688 crystal triangles. Standing 139 feet tall, it sits atop the One Times Square skyscraper, waiting to mark the start of the new year. The ball drop isn't just about the countdown; it's also about the spectacle. This year, 3, 000 pounds of colorful paper will fill the air at midnight, including wishes written by people eager to start fresh in 2025. "This is the crossroads of the entire planet right here in New York City, " said Mayor Eric Adams, emphasizing the global significance of the event. The ball drop has a rich history. It's been a New Year's Eve tradition since 1907, except for a brief pause during World War II. The first ball was made of iron, wood, and lightbulbs, a far cry from the crystal-covered sphere we see today. Fun fact: the ball's design represents various virtues, like love, wisdom, and happiness. Want to watch the ball drop live? NBC New York has you covered with a live stream starting at 6:30 p. m. and running until 1 a. m. You can catch it on your favorite streaming service, YouTube, or the NBC 4 New York streaming channel.