Times Square in New York City is preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025, which will also initiate the United States' 250th anniversary commemoration. America250, a nonpartisan organization authorized by Congress, is partnering with One Times Square to coordinate these events, including a dedicated post-midnight ceremony to mark the semiquincentennial and an additional ball drop scheduled for July 3, 2026, marking Independence Day.
America's 250th Anniversary Kickoff
America250, formally known as the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, was chartered by Congress in 2016. Its mandate is to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate local, state, national, and international activities for the observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and related historical events. The celebration of this semiquincentennial year will officially commence on December 31, 2025, during the New Year's Eve event in Times Square.
New Year's Eve 2026 Celebrations
The New Year's Eve event will feature traditional elements alongside specific commemorations for the 250th anniversary.
- Ball Drop Tradition: The descent of the Times Square Ball, a tradition that began in 1907, will occur at 11:59 PM EST, concluding a 60-second drop. The current "Constellation Ball" measures approximately 12 feet in diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds. For the 2026 event, the New Year's Numeral "2026" will illuminate upon the ball's descent. These four numerals incorporate 594 new LED pucks, designed to display various colors and patterns in synchronization with the Ball's designs.
- Confetti Release: Over one ton of biodegradable confetti, featuring personal wishes submitted by individuals globally, is scheduled for release at midnight. A confetti test was conducted prior to the event between West 45th and 46th streets.
- America250 Post-Midnight Ceremony: Approximately four minutes after midnight, a ceremonial second celebration will occur. This event will officially initiate 2026 as the start of the nationwide commemoration. The Times Square Ball will be relit with a red, white, and blue America250 design and ascend above illuminated "2026" numerals. This moment will include a video titled "America Turns 250," a post-midnight release of 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti, and a pyrotechnic display set to a rendition of “America the Beautiful” by Ray Charles. Rosie Rios, Chair of America250, stated that new technology will be utilized during this pyro display.
- America Gives Initiative: The midnight moment will also signify the official launch of "America Gives," a national service initiative by America250. This initiative aims to record the highest volume of volunteer hours in the country's history during 2026.
- Broadcast Coverage: "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026" is scheduled to broadcast live on Wednesday, December 31, starting at 8:00 PM EST on Channel 7. Diana Ross is scheduled to headline, performing alongside 39 other artists from multiple locations. The broadcast will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
Historical Overview of the Times Square Ball Drop
The Times Square Ball Drop tradition originated in 1904, with the first ball descent occurring in 1907. The initial ball, crafted by Jacob Starr, weighed 700 pounds and measured 5 feet in diameter, constructed from iron and wood and equipped with 100 25-watt light bulbs. The only periods without a ball drop were in 1942 and 1943 during World War II, due to a citywide "dimout," when celebrations involved a moment of silence and chimes.
Future Commemorations: Independence Day 2026
America250 has announced an additional Times Square Ball drop on July 3, 2026. This will be the first instance in 120 years that the Ball drops outside of New Year's Eve. This event is intended to be a central component of America250's nationwide Independence Day celebrations.
Attendee Information and Event Logistics
Thousands of individuals are expected to gather in Times Square for the New Year's Eve event.
- Viewing Areas: Optimal viewing locations are along Broadway (43rd-50th St) and Seventh Avenue (up to 59th St). Viewing areas are scheduled to open at 3:00 PM EST, with access points at 45th, 49th, 52nd, and 56th Streets from both 6th and 8th Avenues. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, with no tickets required for public viewing areas.
- Transportation and Access: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to provide additional subway and commuter rail service on New Year's Eve. Mass transit, including various subway lines, is recommended for travel. Subway station entrances, such as those at 42nd Street, may close early. Pedestrian entry will be restricted to 6th or 8th Avenues once streets are closed, prohibiting crossings of Broadway/7th Avenue.
- Street Closures: Seventh Avenue and Broadway will close to vehicular traffic from 38th to 59th streets at approximately 11:00 AM. By approximately 4:00 PM, Sixth and Eighth avenues within the event perimeter will close to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Pedestrian crossings will be maintained at specific cross streets.
- Prohibited Items: Items such as backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, folding chairs, coolers, alcohol, drones, and weapons are prohibited. Bag searches will be conducted, and public consumption of alcohol is illegal.
- Recommendations: Attendees are advised to dress in layers for weather protection and maintain hydration while avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
- Accessibility: A designated viewing area for individuals with disabilities is available. Inquiries can be directed to info@timessquarenyc.org.
- Alerts: Real-time updates on closures, weather, and transit are available by texting NEWYEARSEVE to 692692 (NYCNYC). Flash Alerts from the Times Square Alliance also offer notifications.