Beach Ball Drop

Crowds descended on Times Square in New York on 31 December to see the iconic ball drop and ring in the new year. While some celebrations were scaled back or canceled due to escalating violence and anti-Israel protests, an estimated million people still gathered in the square to watch the six-minute long ball drop ceremony, which also featured performances by the rock band Foreigner and singer-songwriter Demi Lovato. In Port Clinton, Ohio, 20-foot tall fiberglass walleye named Wylie was lowered from a crane to mark the start of the new year, while in Chagrin Falls, a popcorn ball was dropped to similar festivities. Meanwhile, those willing to pay a premium could celebrate in style at exclusive parties in hotels and restaurants in Times Square.