Sometimes people have masquerade balls, where guests dress up in costumes and cover their faces with masks. According to an old tradition, guests unmask at midnight. Many guests watch television as part of the festivals. Most of the television channels show Times Square in the heart of New York City . At one minute before midnight, a lighted ball drops slowly from the top to the bottom of a pole on one of the buildings.
People count down at the same time as the ball drops.
When it reaches the bottom, the new year sign is lighted. On January first, Americans visit friends, relatives, and neighbors. There is plenty toasting and drinking when you just drop in to wish your loved ones and friends the best for the year ahead. Many families and friends watch television together, enjoying the Tournament of Roses parade preceding the Rose Ball foot game in Pasadena California . In the warmer regions all around country there are other games whose names are characteristic of the state, like the Orange Bowl in Florida, the Cotton Bowl in Texas, and so on.