New Year's Eve countdown in Times Square, NYC – New crystal ball features 16 million colors

By Hully

The world-famous New Year's Eve destination – Times Square in New York – completed and publicly unveiled its countdown crystal ball on the 27th. Unlike previous years when only parts were replaced, this year all 2,688 crystal panels have been fully updated,inspired by a "kaleidoscope," the new design features 32,256 LED lights inside that can refract 16 million colors, offering the public a completely new visual experience.

▲ This year’s Times Square crystal ball has been entirely updated, with installation of all 2,688 crystal panels completed on the 27th. (Photo / DAGUANG / AP)

This year’s crystal ball is not only dazzling in appearance but also carries a heartwarming story behind it. The company responsible for crafting the ball, Waterford Crystal, collaborated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to incorporate a triangular crystal panel featuring a rose painted by 12-year-old Coraliz, a former patient who was hospitalized last year. The hospital stated, “Involving the children in the crystal design gave them an opportunity to realize their dreams, brightened their spirits, and strengthened their fight against illness.”

▲ Waterford collaborated with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to turn a sick child’s painted rose into a crystal panel, which was then embedded in the crystal ball. (Photo / DAGUANG / AP)