Key Takeaways
- The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square is a tradition that dates back to 1904 and attracts millions of people from around the world.
- The event features a 12-foot diameter ball that weighs nearly 12,000 pounds and is covered in LED lights that can display a range of colors and patterns.
- Over one ton of biodegradable confetti is released at midnight, including personal wishes submitted by people from around the world.
- The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with viewing areas opening at 3pm and closing as they reach capacity.
- A surprise second ceremonial celebration will follow the traditional midnight countdown, officially welcoming 2026 and the start of America’s semiquincentennial year.
Introduction to the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square is one of the most iconic and widely-watched events in the world. As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the eyes of the world turn to Times Square to watch the famous ball drop. The tradition dates back to 1904, when the first ball was dropped in 1907. The ball was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr and was made of iron and wood, featuring 100 25-watt light bulbs. Over the years, the ball has undergone several transformations, with the current version being the ninth and largest, weighing nearly 12,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet in diameter.
The Ball and the New Year’s Numeral
The New Year’s Eve Ball is a marvel of engineering and design, featuring a range of colors and patterns that are displayed through its LED lights. The ball is accompanied by the New Year’s Numeral, which is made up of four numerals that use a total of 594 new LED pucks. The numerals are programmable and can display a range of colors and patterns, matching the choreography with the designs on the New Year’s Eve Ball. The New Year’s Numeral is a key part of the event, and its display is eagerly anticipated by the millions of people who watch the ball drop each year.
The Confetti and the Countdown
One of the most iconic parts of the New Year’s Eve celebration is the release of confetti at midnight. Over one ton of biodegradable confetti is released, including personal wishes submitted by people from around the world. The confetti is released during a test ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebration, and the event is carefully planned and executed to ensure that everything goes smoothly. The countdown to midnight is a highly anticipated event, with the ball drop marking the start of a new year and a fresh beginning for people around the world.
Event Details and Logistics
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is a complex event that requires careful planning and execution. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with viewing areas opening at 3pm and closing as they reach capacity. The MTA has announced its service schedules for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with extra subway and commuter rail service available on New Year’s Eve. The best travel option to Times Square is via mass transit, and pedestrians can enter the viewing areas via 6th or 8th Avenues. There are also restrictions on what items can be brought into the event area, including no backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs, picnic blankets, coolers, alcohol, drones, weapons, or obstructive objects.
Accessibility and Viewing Areas
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is accessible to people with disabilities, with a designated viewing area available for those who require it. Advance inquiries can be made via [email protected]. The event area is also equipped with facilities and services, including nearby Broadway shows, stores, and restaurants that may be open during the event. However, leaving a viewing spot forfeits re-entry, and attendees are advised to plan accordingly. The Times Square Alliance also provides text updates and flash alerts to keep attendees informed about local conditions and security.
Historic Second Celebration
For the first time ever, a surprise second ceremonial celebration will follow the traditional midnight countdown, officially welcoming 2026 and the start of America’s semiquincentennial year. The Times Square Ball will be relit in a red, white, and blue America250 design and rise above illuminated "2026" numerals. The moment will include a new video "America Turns 250," a first-ever post-midnight release of 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti, and a dynamic pyro finale set to Ray Charles’ rendition of "America the Beautiful." This historic event is a unique opportunity to celebrate the start of a new year and a new era in American history.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026
For those who cannot attend the celebrations in person, the ABC tradition continues with "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026." The show will go live on December 31st, beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST on Channel 7 and streaming the next day on Hulu. Diana Ross will headline the show, topping a record-breaking lineup of 39 performers who will perform live from New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and more. The show promises to be an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and entertainment, and is not to be missed.
America250 and the Semiquincentennial Celebration
America250 is a nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the celebration of the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The organization is teaming up with One Times Square to kick off the semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, which will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration will include a range of events and activities, including the surprise second ceremonial celebration in Times Square and the Fourth of July ball drop. America250 is committed to making 2026 the largest year of volunteer hours ever aggregated in the country, and is encouraging people to get involved and participate in the celebration.
