Hundreds of thousands of people have witnessed the descent of the kaleidoscopic New Year's Eve ball in Times Square at midnight, celebrating a century-old New York tradition under an unprecedented level of security.
As many as two million people, surrounded by a ring of 40-ton sand trucks and 7,000 police, gathered to watch the glittering sphere complete its minute-long drop, marking the beginning of 2017.
With the throng counting down the seconds, the crystal-paned ball slid with smooth precision down its pole, mounted on a tower at the head of the plaza.
At the stroke of midnight, it touched home, illuminating a giant "2017" sign and sending a shower of fireworks into the sky.
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Many people, including tourists, arrived early to be entertained by live musical performances by Mariah Carey, Thomas Rhett and Gloria Estefan.
"It's a very special place, to be in the centre of everything tonight," said Marta Loygorra, 20, who came to Times Square from Madrid, Spain, with her father, Jose Loygorra, 54.
"I've always wanted to be here for this and it's great to be here with my Dad," she said, cuddling up to him for warmth.
Jess Smith, 22, of Perth, Australia, said that when she booked her New York hotel, she didn't realize it was just a few blocks north of Times Square.
"It's crazy. It's crazy good luck," she said with a grin.
John O'Leary, 57, his wife, Claire, 51, and their two children were passing through Times Square on Saturday afternoon during a visit from their native England.
"It's just amazing," O'Leary said. "I just can't believe how they can manage all this, in terms of security."
