Tips for Watching the 2026 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square for Free
A view of the New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square in New York City on Dec. 31, 2024.
Credit :
TheStewartofNY/FilmMagic
NEED TO KNOW
- The iconic New Year’s Eve ball will begin its 60-second descent from the One Times Square flagpole on Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
- The first ball drop occurred in New York City in 1907.
- The event can be streamed for free on social media and various networks.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, nearly 1 million people are expected to gather in New York City on December 31 to witness the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, a tradition that draws over 1 billion viewers on television worldwide.
The legendary ball has been descending from the One Times Square flagpole since 1907, with the latest version, known as the Constellation Ball, making its debut in 2025.
Next year marks a significant occasion, as the ball will drop and then be relit in red, white, and blue colors, commemorating the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary. Following the drop, the ball will ascend above the “2026” sign and remain there until the Fourth of July, as reported by USA Today.
A variety of events will precede the ball drop, enhancing the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
In New York City, Ryan Seacrest will host the ABC special Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, featuring performances by Chance the Rapper, Chappell Roan, and Charlie Puth. Meanwhile, Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will lead the countdown on CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live.
Comedian Bert Kreischer and singer-songwriter HARDY will host the New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, showcasing performances from stars like Keith Urban and Jason Aldean.
As the clock approaches midnight, all eyes will be on Times Square for the momentous ball drop.
When was the first New Year’s Eve ball drop?
Crowds of people gather in Times Square to celebrate New Year’s Eve in N.Y.C. on Jan. 1, 1963.
Truman Moore/Getty
New Year’s Eve has been celebrated in Times Square since 1904, with the inaugural ball drop taking place three years later in 1907, according to the official Times Square website.
The original ball, designed by immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr, was five feet in diameter, weighed 700 pounds, and was crafted from iron and wood, adorned with 100 25-watt light bulbs.
Aside from the years 1942 and 1943, when festivities were subdued due to World War II, there has been a ball drop each year since 1907. During those two years, attendees observed a moment of silence instead.
The New Year’s Eve ball has undergone multiple redesigns, with the most recent being the Constellation Ball, which was introduced in November 2025. This iteration measures 12.5 feet in diameter, weighs 12,350 pounds, and boasts 5,280 handcrafted Waterford crystals and modern LED lights.
Comprised of variously sized circular crystals, the Constellation Ball departs from the triangular designs of the Millennium Ball from 1999.
Each crystal disk features a unique pattern symbolizing the theme of “Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, Infinite Beginnings” for 2025, reflecting a balance between reflection and renewal.
“It’s more than just an icon of celebration; it’s a canvas for artistry and light,” said Emily Brophy, senior brand activation manager and global brand ambassador for Waterford. “Each Waterford crystal disc is meticulously crafted to capture and reflect brilliance.”
What New Year’s Eve specials can I stream?
Ryan Seacrest hosts ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ in Times Square in N.Y.C. on Dec. 31, 2021.
Roy Rochlin/Getty
Multiple New Year’s Eve TV specials are lined up for the 2026 countdown.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest has been airing since 1973. Seacrest, returning for his 21st time, will be joined by Rita Ora, who co-hosts for the third consecutive year. The show will host several performances, including headliners Diana Ross and Mariah Carey, as well as acts from KPop Demon Hunter‘s ensemble, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. The broadcast is set to start at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with a subsequent airing on Hulu.
CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will return for its ninth installment, featuring comedic exchanges and performances by Robyn, Shakira, and Bryan Adams, among others. This show will be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on CNN and via its mobile app, debuting on the new CNN All Access streaming service.
Kreischer and HARDY will co-host the New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, with social media personality Haley Baylee serving as a correspondent in NYC. Featured performances will include artists like Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman. The five-hour event kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+.
The Jonas Brothers will also host a two-hour special countdown concert at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, featuring songs from their latest album. This concert begins at 10 p.m. ET and will stream exclusively on Samsung TV Plus.
Nexstar will deliver a nationwide telecast filled with live musical performances, fireworks, and coverage from New York City, Dallas, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. This broadcast will commence at 8 p.m. PT across 138 Nexstar-owned and partner stations.
What time is the New Year’s Eve ball drop?
People celebrate New Year’s Eve in N.Y.C.’s Times Square as confetti falls on Jan. 1, 2023.
Alexi Rosenfeld/ Getty
The New Year’s Eve ball will begin its 60-second descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square at precisely 11:59 p.m. ET, according to the Times Square official website.
Where can I watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop for free?
The “2026” numerals are displayed after an illumination ceremony in Times Square in N.Y.C. on Dec. 18, 2025.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty
Viewers can access multiple options to watch the New Year’s Eve ball drop for free. The Times Square official website provides commercial-free coverage starting at 6 p.m. ET, featuring the festivities leading up to the ball drop.
Live streams are also available via Times Square’s Facebook page and X (formerly Twitter).
Those holding subscriptions to platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV, or Fubo can enjoy the annual event through those services.
