New Year's Eve ball drop: What it means and where to watch it tonight

New Year's Eve is here! The event is celebrated in various ways from all over the world, with each country and culture imbuing it with its own brand of glee. In the Western world, one big tradition is held in New York, specifically in Times Square, where a giant ball has been dropped from a building since 1907. 

Here's all we know about the Times Square ball drop and where you can watch it live from the comfort of your home: 

The Times Square ball drop is one of New York's most iconic traditions

© Penske Media

The Times Square ball drop has been around since 1907, with the first ball, made out of wood and iron, dropped and wowed spectators. Since, the celebration has occurred every year except in 1942 and 1943, when there were lightning restrictions due to World War II, reports NPR. 

According to the publication, the roots of Times Square's notorious New Year's Eve celebration date back to 1904, when the area acquired its name after Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times, moved the newspaper's HQ to the Times Building, now called One Times Square. To commemorate the opening, Ochs organized a New Year's Eve celebration that kickstarted it all. 

A few years later, after fireworks were banned by the city, Ochs tried his hardest to make the celebration a memorable one, resulting in the iconic ball drop.

Was the countdown always around?

© Getty

One of the most memorable parts of New Year's Eve is the countdown, which can be found on basically every news channel airing a New Year's Eve program, whether set in New York or in any other city or country in the world. 

Interestingly enough, the countdown wasn't a part of the Times Square celebration. Per NPR, the countdown began in the 60's, with various TV announcers counting down. Times Square joined them in 1979. 

Where to watch the ball drop

© Taylor Hill

The New Year's Eve ball drop can be watched from various channels. The Times Square Alliance has a live stream that begins at 6 pm, and stays up until midnight, capturing all of the action.

If you want a more guided experience, there are various programs airing New Year's Eve specials with various hosts and musical guests. 

• "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and airs on ABC, streaming on iHeartRadio. 
• "New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash" is hosted by Keith Urban and Rachel Smith, and airs on CBS, streaming on Paramount+.
• "New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen" airs on CNN and CNN.com