Times Square's New Year's Eve celebration will look a little different as we ring in 2026. This year, One Times Square, home of the iconic midnight ball drop, has unveiled a brand new New Year's Eve ball! We got an up-close sneak peek:
Dubbed the "Constellation Ball," this glittering sphere's unveiling comes along with the opening of limited-time ticketed experiences that grant the public early access to One Times Square (ahead of its grand re-opening later in the new year). These experiences include early access to the new 360-degree wraparound Viewing Deck and an up-close look at the ball, with the chance to bring home a piece of the old one!
The Constellation Ball is the ninth ball to be introduced since the tradition started in 1907, and the biggest one yet. Stretching 12.5 feet in diameter, it weighs 12,350 pounds and is covered with 5,280 handcrafted Waterford crystals and LED lights that created mesmerizing, multi-colored designs.
Irish brand Waterford has provided the crystals that cover the ball for over 25 years. This year, the tradition continues, with a twist. 2025 marks the first time the crystals will be circular instead of triangular in shape. The new crystal designs come in three different sizes, each featuring a unique pattern to represent Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, and Infinite Beginnings. Those patterns are part of the new Infinite Edition series, which will present a new edition each year.
But what about the old crystals? You can take one home! At One Times Square's Premium Ball Experience, visitors get the opportunity to interact with the New Year’s Eve Ball up close and personal for the first-time in history. Not only can you touch the ball, but you can also help replace a 2025 crystal disc with a 2026 crystal and take home the 2025 crystal as a personal keepsake.
Check out photos from our visit below:
In addition to the new ball, Times Square will host a variety of time-honored New Year's Eve traditions. On Thursday, December 18 at 11:00 a.m. the giant, seven-foot-tall numerals for “2026” will arrive on the Broadway Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets. They will be there for a photo op until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23.
New Yorkers and visitors to Times Square can also write their wishes for the New Year on a piece of official event confetti that will be released at midnight. Get to the Wishing Wall before December 29, or submit your wish online.
Tickets for the preview experiences at One Times Square are available for purchase now online!
