• The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is a 12-foot geodesic sphere covered in Waterford crystal triangles and illuminated by LED lights.
• The tradition of ball throwing began in 1907 and has evolved over the years, with the current crystal ball hitting the market in 1999.
• This year’s celebration includes performances from Lenny Kravitz, Mickey Guyton, Carrie Underwood and more.
• Viewers can watch the ball drop live on various platforms, including the Times Square website, CNN, CBS and ABC.

The countdown to 2025 begins.

With less than a week until the new year, rapper Pitbull helped unveil the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball in Times Square on Friday. The Waterford Crystal Ball is a geodesic sphere covered in 2,688 crystal triangles and is 12 feet in diameter. It weighs 11,875 pounds and features more than 32,000 LED lights.

While AccuWeather meteorologists have predicted a rainy New Year’s Eve in New York, that’s not expected to put too much of a damper on the celebrations.

Here’s what to know about the annual Times Square tradition and how to watch it on TV and streaming.

What is the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop?

On New Year’s Eve, the giant, shimmering ball is lowered into Times Square in New York City to ring in the New Year.

Do you need a break? Play the USA TODAY daily crossword puzzle.

Although the tradition of ball dropping in Times Square began in 1907, New Year’s Eve celebrations at the legendary venue first took place in 1904. Seven versions of the ball have been designed over the years. The first sphere, 5 feet in diameter and weighing 700 pounds, was made of iron and wood and covered with 100 25-watt light bulbs. According to the official Times Square website, it was made by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr.

“Proud tradition”

Over the years the ball has undergone major changes. From a 400-pound iron ball in 1920, a 150-pound aluminum ball containing 180 light bulbs was developed in 1955. In 1995, the aluminum ball was upgraded with an aluminum shell, rhinestones and computer controls. The Crystal New Year’s Eve Ball was introduced in 1999 to welcome the new millennium.