As the world prepares to usher in 2025, the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square remains a centerpiece of celebration. Whether from the comfort of home or on the go, there are numerous ways to witness this momentous occasion.
Every year, thousands gather in Times Square, New York City, braving the elements to witness the famed New Year’s Eve ball drop. However, for those preferring to stay indoors, the event is widely accessible via broadcast and livestream, ensuring that the experience is just a screen away.
The Times Square New Year’s Eve 2024 Live Webcast offers a commercial-free viewing experience, streaming hours of festivities up until the climactic midnight moment. Hosted by figures such as “Mean Girls” star Jonathan Bennett, the webcast begins at 6 p.m. ET and features an array of musical performances, making it an engaging choice for viewers everywhere.
Meanwhile, ABC’s ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest’ continues its legacy as a staple in New Year’s celebrations. Celebrating his 20th year as host, Ryan Seacrest is joined by co-hosts like Rita Ora and Rob Gronkowski. The lineup boasts performances from renowned artists such as Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton, broadcasting live starting at 8 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.
CNN’s ‘New Year’s Eve Live’ starring Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen provides a different but equally festive experience. The special starts at 8 p.m. ET, featuring performances from artists like 50 Cent and Shania Twain. With Sara Sidner and Cari Champion taking over hosting duties post-midnight, the program offers a mix of entertainment as it transitions to the Central Time Zone celebration, readily accessible through CNN’s various streaming services.
For fans of country music, CBS presents ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.’ This five-hour special begins at 7:30 p.m. ET, showcasing performances by stars like Kane Brown and Jelly Roll. Viewers can enjoy the live broadcast or stream it via Paramount+.
Adding an element of trivia to your celebration, the New Year’s Eve ball itself boasts some interesting facts. According to the official Times Square site, the ball is 12 feet in diameter, weighs 11,875 pounds, and is adorned with over 2,600 crystal triangles, each symbolizing virtues like love and wisdom. Historically, the ball drop tradition dates back to 1907, with a wartime interruption in the early 1940s during the New York City “dimout.”
The ball drop’s history has roots in the 19th century practice of “time-balls” at England’s Royal Observatory at Greenwich. These drops were used to aid ship captains in navigation, a practice reminiscent of today’s celebration albeit with a purely celebratory objective.
Thanks to modern technology, celebrating New Year’s Eve from afar is more accessible than ever. With various viewing options, anyone can partake in the joy of this age-old tradition, welcoming 2025 with the same excitement as those gathered in Times Square.
Source: Nbcmiami
