Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 31, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Dec. 31, 1904, New York’s Times Square saw its first New Year’s Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance.
Here in Utah, little mention was made of big New Year’s Eve celebrations that year, as much of the news coverage was of the inauguration of new Gov. John Cutler, who would replace Gov. Heber M. Wells after two terms in office.
Utah had become a state in 1896, and Wells had served as the first governor. Cutler took the oath of office on Jan. 2, 1905.
In New York City, the Times Tower, home of The New York Times, had just opened and the city and newspaper’s owner, Adolph Ochs, wanted to show off. And show off they did.
Here are some facts about the annual bash:
- It is estimated more than 1 ton of confetti will rain down on Times Square at midnight.
- Some New Yorkers write wishes on paper and leave them there.
- In 1907, the city added a ball drop at midnight to replace fireworks.
- Some say the announced crowd totals of 2 million on some years is overblown.
In the early years, big band leader Guy Lombardo broadcast a special from Times Square as the new year approached and people counted down the seconds. In the early 1970s, “American Bandstand” star Dick Clark unveiled his “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” production, which continues to this day, although it now includes performances from other locales.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about New Year’s Eve, how we celebrate, and the history of celebrations:
“The 7 best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the U.S.”
“Was New Year’s Eve actually a Christian holiday?”
“Here’s what will happen at New York City’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve”
“A millennial first night: All over Utah, New Year’s Eve celebrations are raring to go”
“2 million in Times Square for New Year’s? Experts say no way”