Every year when the clock nears midnight on December 31, the eyes of the world turn to the dazzling lights and bustling energy of Times Square. Volunteers began preparing 25,000 balloons for the New Year's Eve celebrations on Saturday. /VCG Photo

With temperatures forecast for 11 degrees at midnight in New York City, partygoers may have to weather the second-chilliest ball drop on record. /VCG Photo

Still, an estimated one million people were expected in Times Square. They and millions nationwide and over a billion watching throughout the world are united in a collective farewell to the departing year and welcome to the New Year. /VCG Photo