The Prep to the Ball Drop: Times Square New Year Magic
Getting ready for the biggest event at Times Square is no easy feat, so take a look at how this beloved tourist hotspot becomes the epicenter of celebration.
The road to the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop has always been illuminated by crystals, confetti-filled wishes, and weeks of immersive entertainment that build toward the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31. While the festivities officially began on Dec. 18 with the unveiling of the 2026 numerals at 46th Street and Broadway Plaza, it was seeing the photocentric events for tourists and New Yorkers watching everything materialize.
On December 27, Times Square, home to the New Year’s Eve ball since 1907, showcased the installation of the 2026 Waterford crystals, and the famed Constellation Ball was unveiled. This year, the design features 5,280 Waterford crystals and carries the theme Infinite Life, Infinite Liberty, and Infinite Happiness, a shimmering symbol of hope as the world counts down to the new year.
On the big day, hundreds of thousands of people packed into the “Crossroads of the World,” to watch the ball drop at midnight to welcome in 2026. The world’s largest party in New York City was a night to behold, with the fireworks and confetti that filled the air afterward. Performances by Diana Ross, LE SSERAFIM, Robyn, Little Big Town, Maron Morris, and other artists made it an unforgettable night, thanks to their dynamic stage presence.
