New Year’s Eve Ball Drop 2026 – Times Square
December 31, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Times Square, Manhattan
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of New York City as the iconic Times Square Ball Drop welcomes 2027.
Every December 31, Times Square becomes the center of one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations. As midnight approaches, thousands of people gather along Broadway and Seventh Avenue to watch the illuminated ball descend from One Times Square and mark the beginning of a new year.
What to expect
The celebration builds throughout the evening with live entertainment, musical performances, appearances by special guests, and the traditional countdown to midnight. At 11:59 p.m., the famous New Year’s Eve Ball begins its descent before reaching the top of One Times Square at midnight.
The celebration continues into the first moments of 2027, creating one of the most recognizable New Year’s Eve scenes anywhere in the world.
Where is the Ball Drop?
The main celebration takes place around Times Square, between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, from 42nd Street through 47th Street.
There is no ticket required to watch the Ball Drop from the public viewing areas, although access is first-come, first-served and the area fills up many hours before midnight.
Tips for attending
If you want to experience the Ball Drop in person, plan to arrive very early. Large crowds begin gathering during the afternoon, and once viewing areas reach capacity, access can be restricted.
Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. You may spend several hours standing outdoors, and leaving the viewing area can mean losing your position.
Public transportation is generally the best way to reach Midtown Manhattan on New Year’s Eve, although subway entrances and exits around Times Square may be modified because of crowd-control measures.
A New York tradition
The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration has become one of the world’s most recognizable New Year’s Eve traditions. For visitors, seeing the Ball Drop in person is a uniquely New York experience—and one of the most memorable ways to welcome 2027.
Event: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Date: December 31, 2026
Location: Times Square, Manhattan
Admission: Free public celebration