A record-breaking crowd of one million people packed Times Square for the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop on Tuesday night. The event kicked off at 6 p.m. with a live stream from the Crossroads of the World, featuring performances by Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, and more.
The show began with the iconic ball being hoisted into place atop One Times Square, followed by a 60-second countdown and a spectacular display of confetti and lights. The event was attended by tourists and locals alike, including friends from Tokyo who braved the pouring rain to be part of the celebration.
Security was tight, with over 300 NYPD officers deployed around Times Square, including plain clothes officers, uniformed patrols, and specialized units such as counter-drone teams and K-9s. The city’s sanitation department also played a key role in cleaning up after the event, using brooms, blowers, and collection trucks to remove over 50 tons of trash.
Despite the rain, spectators were undeterred, with many bringing snacks and blankets to keep warm. One Los Angeles resident described the experience as a “lifetime experience,” while an Italian tourist praised the city’s organization and safety measures.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/live-new-years-eve-times-square-ball-drop-2025