Times Square New Year’s Eve: 15 fun facts and the most iconic performances of all time

Times Square’s New Year’s Eve attracts more than a billion viewers annually, making it the world’s most-watched countdown. Millions gather in Manhattan to welcome the new year with music, confetti, and the famous ball drop, a tradition that brings global attention every December 31st.

The first ball drop took place in 1907 after fireworks were banned in the area. Made of iron and wood, the original ball weighed 700 pounds and featured 100 bulbs. This moment laid the foundation for one of America’s most enduring holiday traditions.

Today’s Times Square Ball weighs nearly 12,000 pounds and features more than 2,600 Waterford crystals illuminated by 32,000 LED lights. Its display changes throughout the night, creating a spectacular show broadcast across the world.

Nearly 2,000 pounds of confetti are released at midnight, and many pieces carry handwritten wishes submitted by visitors. These “confetti wishes” represent hopes for the year ahead, adding a symbolic and emotional touch to the celebration.

Bon Jovi delivered an unforgettable performance during the 2007 New Year’s Eve celebration, adding powerful rock anthems to the night’s festivities. Their appearance brought timeless, crowd-pleasing energy that resonated across generations.

Cyndi Lauper’s 2011 Times Square performance showcased her vibrant style and timeless hits. Her charismatic presence added warmth and nostalgia to the celebration, delighting fans on-site and viewers around the world.

Green Day brought their signature punk-rock intensity to New Year’s Eve 2011 with a high-energy Times Square performance. Their set captivated the crowd and millions watching at home, marking one of the most memorable rock moments of the celebration.

Mariah Carey’s 2016 performance became one of the most talked-about moments in NYE history after technical issues disrupted her sound. The moment went viral, but her return the next year reinforced her status as a pop icon.

BTS commanded international attention during their 2020 Times Square performance. Their choreography, charisma, and massive global fanbase transformed the countdown into a worldwide event.

Jennifer Lopez delivered a standout New Year’s Eve performance in 2021, wearing a dramatic metallic ensemble that instantly went viral. With limited in-person crowds due to the pandemic, her show brought emotion and star power to viewers watching from home.

The midnight kiss tradition dates back centuries and is believed to bring good luck and strengthen romantic bonds. Couples from around the world gather in Times Square to share this symbolic moment beneath falling confetti.

Times Square’s New Year’s Eve requires one of the largest security operations of the year. Thousands of officers, street closures, and checkpoints ensure safety for the millions attending. Planning begins months in advance.

By dawn, New York City sanitation crews clear nearly 3,000 pounds of confetti, streamers, and party debris. The overnight operation restores Times Square to normal by morning, showcasing the city’s impressive coordination and efficiency.