The New York Times started the tradition in 1907, and this year’s ball drop will be a reminder that The Times played a role in making New Year’s Eve what it is.

New York City is getting ready to ring in New Year's Eve 2026 with the ball drop countdown in Times Square. Temperatures when the clock strikes midnight will likely be the coldest in eight years. We have everything to know about how to watch the ball drop in person or at home, and what to know about getting around the city on New Year's Eve.

For the first time ever, the Times Square ball will drop twice, once on New Year's Eve and again on July 4 for our 250th anniversary

It will mark the first time in 120 years there will be ball drop in Times Square that doesn’t occur on New Year’s Eve, she said.

Times Square's 2025 ball drop will sparkle in red, white and blue patriotic colors to kick off America's 250th birthday celebrations nationwide this year.