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How Orange County made Times Square’s 2025 ball shine
This year, Times Square’s iconic New Year’s Eve Ball features sparkling crystal triangles handcrafted by Gillinder Glass, a historic company based in Port Jervis, New York. Using traditional glass-making techniques dating back to 1861, the team produced 2,688 unique glass tiles for the ball, which weighs nearly 12,000 pounds and spans 12 feet in diameter. FOX 5's Stephanie Bertini discovers how these artisans brought their expertise to one of the world’s most-watched celebrations.
NEW YORK - As the world prepares to ring in 2025, all eyes will be on Times Square’s iconic New Year’s Eve ball, sparkling with hand-crafted glass triangles made by Gillinder Glass, a historic company based in Port Jervis, New York.
Gillinder Glass, which has been producing high-quality glass since 1861, played a key role in creating the 2,688 crystal-clear triangles that adorn this year’s ball. Each piece was meticulously designed and crafted to ensure it could withstand the elements while adding a brilliant shine to the annual celebration.
A Historic Project
This year's ball, just revealed in Times Square, is a marvel of craftmanship. Weighing 11,875 pounds with a diameter of 12 feet, the ball is covered in glass triangles, each weighing about half a pound. These triangles feature two unique patterns—one representing the pole the ball will descend in Times Square, the other design consisting of three pairs of interlocking rings and the setting for the letter E, symbolizing unity and highlighting EVER, the new destination for vow ceremonies opening in 2025 at 1 Times Square.
"They’ve done an absolutely great job", Gillinder Glass President Jim Jones said about his team.
To complete the job, the Gillinder team made roughly 3,000 triangles, ensuring extras were available for any last-minute replacements.
While automation dominates much of the glass-making industry, Gillinder Glass continues to rely on traditional techniques.
"These are tried-and-true methods that come from hundreds of years of experience," said Eric Camacho, the quality manager.
The 2025 Times Square ball will shine brightly at midnight on New Year’s Eve.