Times Square ball will drop twice as 2026 begins. Here's why.
- - Times Square ball will drop twice as 2026 begins. Here's why.
Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY December 28, 2025 at 2:01 AM
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The "ball" is dropping twice to ring in 2026.
Days ahead of the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in New York City, America250 announced a "post-midnight moment" to mark America's 250th anniversary.
Shortly after the ball makes its 60-second descent to signal the start of the new year, the ball will be relit with an America250 design above the illuminated "2026" numerals and be dropped again at approximately 12:04 a.m. ET.
In addition to the second ball drop, a new video titled "America Turns 250," a red, white, and blue confetti drop and a "dynamic pyro finale set" to the tune of Ray Charles’ rendition of "America the Beautiful" is slated to occur.
1 / 8See the Patriotic crystal ball reveal for NYE Times Square ball dropA look at the Times Square New Year's Eve ball during a media tour in NYC's Times Square on Nov. 24, 2025.
America250 will build "anticipation" for the moment with a series of features over the course of the evening, including a reveal of the America250 Ball Design atop One Times Square during “The Star-Spangled Banner" beginning at 6:04 p.m. ET.
According to America250, the nonpartisan entity charged with organizing the celebration, the moment will also mark the start of a partnership that will include another Times Square Ball Drop on July 4.
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"America250 will kick off the semiquincentennial year on New Year’s Eve in Times Square — the most watched celebration on the planet — signaling that the largest and most inspiring celebration and commemoration in our nation’s history is underway in 2026,” Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, said in a statement. "Our goal is to inspire all 350 million Americans to join in this moment to celebrate our country.”
How to watch the Times Square ball drop
While major commercial networks, including ABC and CBS, will air the New Year's Eve celebrations live on their respective channels and streaming services, viewers also have the option to watch a live webcast on Times Square's official website starting 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.
"Enjoy commercial-free, webcast coverage of the festivities leading up to the Ball Drop at midnight, including backstage access, behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with performers and other celebrities," the agency said on its website.
A livestream with open captions and American Sign Language interpretation will also be available on YouTube.
Another ball drop scheduled for July 3
According to America250, Constellation Ball drop again on Friday, July 3. It will be the first time in history the ball won't only drop on New Year's Eve.
"The Fourth of July countdown moment will anchor America250’s nationwide Independence Day celebrations and reinforce New York City’s central role in the nation’s Semiquincentennial," the organization said.
1 / 9See the first look at the 2025 Times Square New Year’s Eve ballA newly created New Year's eve ball adorned with 5,280 Waterford crystals is raised for the first time above One Times Square ahead of the New Year's Eve ball drop in New York City, Nov. 24, 2025.
Contributing: Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Times Square ball drop will happen twice for 2026. Here's why
Source: “AOL Breaking”
