Party for New Year's started in 1904

New York City sets the standard every year as the destination offering the most excitement and fanfare during the annual New Year's Eve countdown and celebration.

NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for New York City, is encouraging visitors to plan their holiday celebration by booking a trip to the destination to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Central to the celebration is the famous ball drop in Times Square. This year, a new hi-tech crystal New Year's Eve ball will debut to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the event.

The first rooftop celebration atop One Times Square, complete with a fireworks display, took place in 1904. The New York Times produced this event to inaugurate its new headquarters in Times Square and celebrate the renaming of Longacre Square to Times Square.

The first Ball Lowering celebration was held on Dec. 31, 1907 and is now a worldwide symbol of the turn of the New Year, seen via satellite by more than one billion people each year.

In 1942 and 1943 the Ball Lowering was suspended because of the Second World War. The crowds who still gathered in Times Square celebrated with a minute of silence followed by chimes ringing out from an amplifier truck parked at One Times Square.

The original New Year's Eve Ball weighed 700 pounds and was five feet in diameter. It was made of iron and wood and was decorated with 100 25-watt light bulbs.

The city's hospitality industry is also gearing up to accommodate the throngs of visitors that are expected this year.

"There's an excitement about being in Times Square during the city's annual ball drop, and this year will be no exception," said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company. "The city's hotels, restaurants and attractions are also gearing up for what will be one of the year's most memorable events."

The new crystal ball, more than twice as bright as the previous one and with enhanced colour capabilities and state-of-the-art LED lighting effects, will descend from the 77-foot flagpole at the top of One Times Square (Broadway at 43rd St).

The best viewing points are along Broadway, from 43rd St. to 50th St., and along Seventh Ave., as far north as 59th St.

At approximately 6 pm Dec. 31, the ball will be raised to the top of the flagpole and lit. At exactly 11:59 pm, the ball will make its 60-second descent down the flagpole to signal the start of the New Year.

During this holiday period, the city offers many activities for both visitors and locals to enjoy.

Circle Line cruises take passengers on a New Year's Eve Cruise with breathtaking views of Manhattan and an incredible night of dancing, fireworks and celebration aboard the Zephyr. Board at 9:30 pm, sail at 10 pm and return at 1:30 pm. The boat docks at South Street Seaport, Pier 16 (866-9CLINE1).

In Brooklyn, check out the 26th Grand Army Plaza Fireworks display, which offers the excitement of the midtown display in a mellower atmosphere. Gathering point is Grand Army Plaza on Propsect Park's West Dr. and Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and Ninth St. (718-965-8999).

For those who prefer more active pursuits, the Annual Brooklyn Bridge Walk into the New Year gives visitors a chance to walk along one of the city's most inspiring landmarks (718-591-4741).

For more information on what's going on in New York City on New Year's Eve, visit www.nycvisit.com . 

Those staying home New Year's Eve can watch the party on ABC Television. Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve 2007 from Times Square will start at 10 pm. NBC will broadcast  New Year's Eve With Carson Daly from New York's Times Square at 11:30 pm.