NEW YORK — As millions prepare to ring in 2026, attention turns to the iconic Times Square Ball Drop — one of the world’s most-watched New Year’s Eve traditions. The annual event in New York City’s Times Square will culminate with the famed crystal ball’s descent at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 31, marking the transition from 2025 to 2026. Wikipedia
Live in Times Square
While the spectacle is best experienced in person, thousands of spectators are gathering in Times Square to watch the event live amidst concerts, confetti and midnight celebrations. Revelers typically enter the viewing areas in mid-afternoon on Dec. 31, and the iconic ball begins its slow drop at 11:59 p.m. ET, followed by cheers, confetti and fireworks. CBS News+1
Television Broadcast Options
For those celebrating at home, major broadcast networks will provide live coverage throughout the evening with a mix of performances, ball drop countdowns and musical guest appearances: Time Out Worldwide+1
-
ABC: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026 — broadcast live from Times Square starting in the evening and continuing through the midnight countdown; features performances by top artists and special segments. Deadline+1
-
CNN: New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen — live from Times Square with commentary, interviews and countdown coverage starting in prime time.
-
CBS/Paramount+: New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash — musical celebration with country stars and live links to the Times Square ball drop.
-
NBC: Offers its own New Year’s Eve specials ahead of midnight with highlights and retrospectives leading into the countdown.
-
Univision: ¡Feliz! includes Spanish-language New Year’s Eve coverage with the ball drop countdown featured in the program.
Streaming and Free Online Options
Many streaming platforms and online services carry live coverage so viewers can tune in from anywhere:
-
The official Times Square website streams the ball drop live free of charge starting in the evening, with commercial-free coverage and additional commentary. Times Square NYC
-
Social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) broadcast the event live from Times Square.
Subscription-based streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream and fuboTV will carry network broadcasts that include the ball drop.
Timing and Tradition
The ball — in place on the flagpole atop One Times Square since the late afternoon on Dec. 31 — has been a centerpiece of New Year’s celebrations for more than a century, with festivities officially beginning as early as 6 p.m. ET and culminating in the drop at 11:59 p.m. ET.
0 Comments