New Year’s Eve in Times Square: Here's what goes into making the ball sparkle for the big drop

It’s nearly time for the world-renowned Times Square ball drop to ring in the New Year of 2024.

As onlookers watched the dazzling crystal ball take its annual 60-second descent in 2023, what they didn’t know was that it took a whole year of intricate work to make that moment possible.

Waterford Crystal master artisan Tom Brennan revealed what went into making the iconic ball sparkle and shine in an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital last year. 

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He said the phrase “It takes a village” is at the center of it all.

That’s because Irish craftsmen created the crystals — which the Waterford team in the U.S. then brought together.

This fusion of artistry, innovation and the spirit of togetherness is what brings the New Year’s Eve ball to life, transforming it into a shimmering beacon of hope and celebration amid the bustling streets of New York City.

“We’re getting ready for a brand new year, so this is a chance for everybody to discard the old, get ready for the new and celebrate with Waterford,” he said.

During the annual Waterford Crystal installation at the top of One Times Square on Dec. 27, artisans and architects pieced together this year’s glittering globe.

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The 2023 ball was nearly 12,000 pounds and comprised of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles that were cut on both the inside and out.

Each of the 192 triangular crystals, measuring about five inches per side, were carefully screwed into place one by one, Brennan said.

These crystals were arranged to catch and reflect light, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. 

The triangles were bolted to 672 LED modules that were attached to the ball’s aluminum frame.

The ball was lit by a total of 32,256 LEDs in red, green, blue and white colors.

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The innovative lighting system boasted an expansive palette of over 16 million vivid hues and billions of dynamic patterns, crafting the mesmerizing kaleidoscope effect synonymous with the ball, according to Times Square. 

These contemporary adaptations integrate eco-friendly LED lights, amplifying the ball’s brilliance while curbing power consumption.

The entire ball, a geodesic sphere, was measured at 12 feet in diameter.

The ball is never taken down or covered up after New Year’s Eve — which Brennan said proves the “strength, beauty and charm” of the Waterford crystals.

“[Waterford] is almost 240 years old and here we are today — global, iconic, relevant,” he said.

“But most importantly, we’re part of people’s lives and that’s very special.”

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Brennan said 2023’s theme celebrated the “gift of love,” as each crystal had an intricate pattern of intertwining hearts etched into it.

The artisan from Waterford, Ireland — who followed in his father’s footsteps as a glassblower — expressed how “powerful” Waterford’s involvement in the ball drop has become.

“I like to think that Waterford is one of Ireland’s greatest exports,” he said. 

“And in a couple of days … Waterford will be the most watched brand on the planet,” Brennan said.

Fox News Digital also spoke with Countdown Entertainment president Jeffrey Strauss at the installation about keeping up the tradition of dropping the ball.

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“New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest milestones in our lives because it’s time to look back on the year past, reflect on what we’ve done and look forward to the future with hopes and new accomplishments — and celebrate today,” he said.

Strauss said that on Dec. 31, the world will be celebrating these accomplishments alongside the Waterford Crystal ball.

“In those final 60 seconds of the year, we’re all counting down together, in unison, filled with joy and excitement for 2023,” he said. 

“There’s no moment like it.”

Strauss thanked the artisans who tirelessly worked on this year’s ball to make sure it all comes together to drop “right on time.”

As the clock nears midnight on New Year’s Eve, anticipation builds. The ball, shining with radiant brilliance, slowly descends amid a chorus of cheers, marking the culmination of 2023 and heralding the beginning of 2024.

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“It takes a whole year to put this show on, but it’s those last 60 seconds that are the most important,” he said.

In the spirit of following the previous year’s crystal pattern of overlapping hearts, Strauss said last year that he hoped onlookers would bring in “a lot more love” in 2023.

Waterford Crystal has been hands-on with the Times Square ball since 2000, but the first ball lowering took place in 1907.

Since then, Times Square has witnessed the evolution of seven distinct ball designs. From the inaugural wooden ball to dazzling crystals introducing the new millennium, each iteration represents a fusion of innovation and tradition, encapsulating the spirit of each passing era in a shimmering spectacle that captivates the world.

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LED technology was incorporated in 2007 by Focus Lighting for the 100th anniversary of the ball drop.

The unveiling of the permanent “Big Ball” in 2008 marked a monumental moment, establishing its towering presence as a year-round beacon in the heart of Times Square.

The New Year’s Eve ball drop celebration represents unity and hope, gracing the skyline and captivating visitors with its timeless radiance beyond the confines of the holiday festivities.

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