This year, New Yorkers are invited to help prep for the Times Square New Year's Eve party! The nearly 6-ton ball that drops atop One Times Square is covered in 2,688 shimmering crystal triangles—and they all need to be replaced. On Thursday, December 19th, visitors to the Crossroads of the World can help with the crystal swap and take home a piece of the ball as a keepsake. Untapped New York got a special preview of the process from the top of One Times Square.
Each year from 2000 until 2023 a new crystal design was introduced along with a theme like "Hope for Peace," "Let There Be Joy," and "Gift of Kindness." The most recent design, from 2023, represented a "Gift of Love." At the preview event, Untapped New York's Chief Experience Officer Justin Rivers took home a 2022 crystal, "Gift of Wisdom" (fitting since he is full of New York City wisdom).
(Left) Justin Rivers with a 2022 crystal (Right) A close-up of the 2025 Ever Crystal
Two new designs are etched into the crystals for this year's New Year's Eve Ball Drop. The 2025 One Times Square Crystal design features long linear cuts with a circle near the top. These symbols represent the iconic building and the 139’ pole that the ball slides down each New Year's Eve at midnight.
The Ever Crystal design consists of three pairs of interlocking rings surrounded by diamond-shaped facets that provide the setting for the letter E, symbolizing unity. The "E" also represents EVER, a new destination for vow ceremonies opening in 2025 at One Times Square. Gillinder Glass in upstate New York crafted each crystal piece.
Sneak Peek of the EVER Observation Deck
Crystal swapping festivities will take place at Times Square Broadway Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets on Thursday, December 19th, starting at 11:00 a.m. Participation will be on a first come first served basis while supplies last.
This year's public crystal changeover operation is a preview of the Crystal VIP Experience set to open in 2025. Next year, behind-the-scenes access and an up-close look at the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will be a ticketed event where guests can place a new crystal directly on the Ball and take home a personalized one.
While you're in Times Square on Thursday to pick up a crystal, you can also take a photo with the 2025 numerals! Check out more pictures from our trip to the top of One Times Square in the gallery below, and share photos of your crystal (if you are lucky enough to snag one) by tagging us @untappedny on social media!
