Times Square Ball Has 288 New Crystals To Celebrate 2013

When the ball drops in Times Square tonight to usher in 2013, it will look even more sparkly than usual! The Waterford crystal ball received 288 new crystal panels with doves chiseled into them to mark the theme “Let There Be Peace.” The triangular panels replace 288 old ones on the 2,668-panel ball.

But that’s not all! The Irish crystal company is encouraging fans to send in their own personal messages of peace via social media. Some messages will be read during the live webcast and the rest will be posted on the Internet. More than 1 billion people are expected to see the New Year’s Eve festivities in telecasts and newscasts, so make sure to keep those messages family friendly!

Check out a video of the new and improved ball below!