NYC In Focus

Story by Howard Weiss | Photography by Howard Weiss

Today marked an iconic moment in New York City’s holiday season as the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball was unveiled at One Times Square. The grand event showcased the crystal-covered sphere that will descend at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, signaling the start of 2025.

An Iconic Tradition, Now in its Latest Form

This year’s Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is a stunning 12-foot geodesic sphere adorned with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles. Weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds, the ball is illuminated by over 32,000 LED lights, combining artistry and advanced technology to create a breathtaking display.

Pitbull, the Grammy Award-winning artist, joined organizers and helped install the final crystal triangles during the unveiling ceremony. His inspiring remarks highlighted the significance of the moment:

“To go from cleaning houses with my mother to being here in Times Square, cleaning the most famous ball in the world, shows you why dream when you can live it,” he said.

Caption: Pitbull installs the final crystal on the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball during the unveiling ceremony. Photography by Howard Weiss.

History Meets Progress

The New Year’s Eve Ball has evolved significantly since its debut in 1907. The original ball, built by immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr, was just 5 feet in diameter, weighed 700 pounds, and featured 100 incandescent light bulbs. Over the years, it has undergone numerous upgrades, including the introduction of aluminum, rhinestones, computer controls, and, eventually, modern LED technology in 2007.

This year is especially significant as it marks the first time in a decade that all 2,688 crystal triangles were replaced simultaneously.

“This proud tradition is now a universal symbol of the New Year,” said Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, the company that owns One Times Square. Phillips also teased the arrival of a completely redesigned ball for 2026, promising a more dynamic and interactive experience.

Lighting Up the Future

The 2025 crystal triangles installed this year feature two unique designs. The “Ever” crystal pattern symbolizes unity with its interlocking rings, while the “Gift of Love” pattern represents enduring affection. Combined with the LED lights, these designs create a visual masterpiece that is both timeless and forward-looking.

Caption: The intricate “Ever” and “Gift of Love” designs adorning the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. Photography by Howard Weiss.

The Ball’s Journey and Cultural Impact

The Times Square Ball Drop is a universally recognized celebration, drawing millions of visitors and viewers each year. More than a ton of confetti will be released alongside the ball’s descent, marking the culmination of a month-long celebration in New York City.

This year’s ceremony also carried a sense of nostalgia, as organizers revealed that the current ball will be retired after New Year’s Eve. Starting next year, the ball will become part of an immersive arts and culture exhibit on the lower floors of One Times Square.

A Photographer’s Perspective

As a New Yorker and photographer, being part of this event was both a professional privilege and a personal joy. The ball, gleaming in the winter sun and under studio lighting, represented resilience, tradition, and the enduring allure of Times Square.

Caption: The 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball shines atop One Times Square, ready for its moment of glory. Photography by Howard Weiss.

Pitbull, rapper, singer-songwriter, and co-founder of CleanBoss, joined by Joy Mangano, founder of CleanBoss; Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown and owner of One Times Square; Sherri White, executive at Jamestown and One Times Square, and co-organizer of New Year’s Eve; Tom Harris, president of Times Square Alliance and co-organizer of New Year’s Eve; and Jeffrey Straus, president of Countdown Entertainment and co-organizer of New Year’s Eve, celebrate the unveiling of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. Photography by Howard Weiss.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Event

From the carefully designed crystal patterns to the awe-inspiring LED illumination, the unveiling of the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball was nothing short of magical. With its rich history and modern innovations, the ball continues to captivate the world, symbolizing hope, celebration, and new beginnings.

As we approach 2025, this annual tradition reminds us of the power of unity and resilience—a message that resonates deeply with all who witness it.