New Year's Eve 2026: Times Square Ball Drop, Special Celebrations, and Cold Forecast

Times Square Revelry for 2026

• 🥳 Approximately 1 million people are expected to gather in Times Square for the annual New Year's Eve ball drop to welcome 2026.
• 📍 Streets between West 34th and West 59th Streets, and between 6th and 8th Avenues, will be blocked off for the event.
• ⏰ The viewing area opens at 3:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

Special 2026 Celebration Details

• ✨ This year's celebration is extra special as it marks America's 250th birthday.
• 🔴 After dropping at midnight, the ball will rise again at 12:04 a.m. on January 1st, sparkling red, white, and blue and releasing confetti.
• 📝 Some confetti pieces will contain wishes for the new year written by attendees.

Safety and Traditions

• 🚫 NYPD has outlined prohibited items, including alcohol, lawn chairs, large bags, and backpacks.
• 🔍 All attendees will be screened before entering the viewing area for safety.
• 📜 The Times Square ball drop tradition dates back to 1907.

Holiday Forecast: Cold and Possible Flurries

• 🥶 Temperatures on New Year's Eve are expected to be bitterly cold, the coldest since 2018, with wind chills in the 20s.
• ❄️ There is a possibility of snow flurries, particularly in areas north and west of the city.
• 📺 Live coverage of the New Year's Eve celebration will be available for streaming on CBS News New York starting at 10:30 p.m.