Times Square Ball

Technicians eye the new improved New Years ball, with halogen lamps for greater visibility, in New York City in 1978.
"The Times Square Ball is a time ball located in New York City's Times Square. Located on the roof of One Times Square, the ball is a prominent part of a New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square commonly referred to as the ball drop, where the ball descends down a specially designed flagpole, beginning at 11:59:00 p.m. ET, and resting at midnight to signal the start of the new year. In recent years, the festivities have been preceded by live entertainment, including performances by musicians. ... The prevalence of the Times Square ball drop has inspired similar 'drops' at other local New Year's Eve events across the country; while some use balls, some instead drop objects that represent local culture or history. ..."
Wikipedia
Forbes - Countdown To 2020: How Waterford Crystal Designs The Iconic Ball For The Times Square New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Times Square Ball Drop is Epic. This is the Family Behind the New Year’s Tradition.
YouTube: New Year’s Eve 2020: Times Square Ball Is Ready for its Big Night | NBC New York

The giant numbers use a total of 618 9-watt energy-efficient LED bulbs, according to the Times Square Alliance.