16 Most Memorable Moments in Times Square History
For many of us, the meaning of Times Square is lights, billboards, and momentum in the air. It’s where celebration and protest, art and history have come together in a way not experienced anywhere else. However, it happens, at the turn of the year or in an unaccommodating manner, Times Square is dear to the hearts of millions.
The stories of Times Square are stories of pure jubilation, stories of life-changing occurrences, and historically important occurrences. It’s a kind of place that blends the ordinary and the extraordinary. Let’s take a look at 16 of the most unforgettable moments that made the landmark so iconic.
The V-J Day Kiss
On August 14, 1945, a sailor and a nurse jointly celebrated the end of World War II with an impromptu kiss. It was one of the most famous images of the 20th century and featured in a Dec. 26, 1945 photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt. There are still long debates about who the couple was, but the moment itself is joy and relief. The embrace was spontaneous and everyone around was happy, a war-worn nation.
The First New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball made its debut on December 31, 1907. 100 incandescent light bulbs lit the ball descending from a flagpole for what is now a beloved tradition. Today, it’s a global spectacle with millions tuning in. Fun fact: Today’s ball is almost 12,000 pounds, and is covered in more than 2,000 Waterford crystal triangles.
VE Day Celebration
The crowds in Times Square danced in crazed celebration when, on May 8, 1945, Europe had been won by Allied forces. Tens of thousands gathered in the streets, waving flags and dancing, New Yorkers. This moment was the perfect example of post-war relief and unity and sealed in Times Square as a place to celebrate.
The Great Blackout of 1965
In November 1965, when much of the Northeast was plunged into darkness by a massive power outage, Times Square’s famous neon lights went out as well. In fact, the blackout brought people together. Strangers helped each other get around. This was a minute when the square was bustling and then it stopped and human connection was everything.
Broadway Takes Center Stage
In 1972, Broadway’s best performances were first televised from Times Square. Then the revival decision reawakened people’s passion for the theater, and Times Square became very much the beating heart of Broadway. Since then the awards have become an annual event that celebrates the magic of live performance.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, the news of the Berlin Wall falling meant celebrations went on around the world, including in Times Square. Crowds at screens in Germany watched history. It was an impromptu tribute to Times Square holding the special place in history it maintains as a global confluence of news and events.
The Naked Cowboy
The Naked Cowboy first showed up in Times Square in 1998, guitar and a pair of tighty whities in hand. He has been for years an idiosyncratic icon of the square’s odd charm. You know creativity lives in Times Square, even if you don’t think he’s hilarious or baffling.
9/11 Memorial Vigil
After September 11, 2001, Times Square became a place for mourners to come together in the emotion-stricken aftermath of the attacks. Instead of boisterous candlelight vigils and heartfelt tributes, they filled the usual square. It was also a place to bring people together when in crisis.
Broadway After COVID 19
On September 14, 2021, Broadway officially reopened, 18 months almost without shows due to the pandemic. Fans, actors, and producers celebrated the return of live theater to Times Square. It was an enormous day for the recovery of the City of New York and for the arts.
The Billboards Go to T-Mobile
In 2014, T-Mobile made advertising history when it bought up every billboard in Times Square. The square was a magenta marketing spectacle for an hour, as the brand took over. It was notorious but effective — square had no peer in the advertising world.
Flash Mob Proposals
Grand gestures in Times Square aren’t new, but there’s something magical about flash mob proposals. One case that stood out in 2012 was a man who popped the question to his girl through pop hits while he too danced in a surprise. The crowd cheered even more, it was even sweeter.
Earth Day Celebrations
Earth Day events in Times Square have been drawing attention to environmental issues since 2009. The billboards on the square’s iconic square go dark for several minutes to symbolize energy conservation. It makes a striking visual statement that brings the square’s technological edge into line with global awareness.
The Fearless Girl
The Fearless Girl statue was placed there next to the famed Wall Street bull in 2017. That viral bronze sculpture started conversations on gender equality and empowerment. Her message was transplanted later but it is part of the heritage of Times Square.
Super Bowl Victory Celebrations
Times Square went wild when the New York Giants won the Super Bowl in 2008 and 2012. Blue jersey fans mobbed the area and the team was celebrating. It became the place where shared pride and excitement lived and game nights started becoming historic memories.
The First Midnight Run
The quirky Times Square New Year’s Eve tradition began in 1979 with the Midnight Run. Costumed runners jog through the streets in their hundreds to celebrate the new year with a bit of athleticism; a bit absurd. The tradition is a quirky joyous one that only adds to the quirkiness of the square.
The Taylor Swift Live Performance
Taylor Swift performed live from Times Square on New Year’s Eve in 2014. Her energy lifted the crowd and she is considered, today, one of the most memorable concerts in Time Square’s history. Millions tuned in worldwide to watch the square become one of the premier stages in the world during the global artists premier on EPA.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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