New York City’s Times Square is once again ready to take centre stage as millions around the world prepare to welcome 2026. The iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop will mark the close of 2025, continuing a tradition that dates back more than a century.
Organisers recently tested the newly updated Constellation Ball at One Times Square. The latest version features 5,280 Waterford crystals and advanced LED lighting technology, making it the largest and most technologically advanced ball in the event’s history. The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration began in 1904, with the ball drop tradition introduced in 1907. Today, it remains one of the most watched live events in the world.
CNN’s Live Coverage Returns for 2026
CNN’s popular special, New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, returns for its ninth consecutive year, with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen co-hosting live from Times Square. According to CNN, the broadcast will guide viewers into 2026 with live performances, celebrity guests and real-time coverage of celebrations across the United States and beyond. The show will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 31, and continue through midnight as the ball drops to signal the start of the new year.
How to Watch and Stream the Show
Viewers can watch New Year’s Eve Live on CNN through traditional cable. The broadcast will also stream exclusively on CNN’s subscription streaming service via CNN.com and the CNN mobile and connected TV apps. CNN reporters will provide live updates from multiple locations throughout the night. Coverage will include reports from Times Square, New Orleans, the Bahamas, Florida and Arizona, offering a broad look at how different regions ring in the new year.
When Does the Ball Drop?
The Times Square festivities officially begin at 6 p.m. ET, when the ball is raised atop One Times Square. At exactly 11:59 p.m. ET, the 12.5-foot-wide ball will begin its 60-second descent, reaching the bottom at midnight to welcome 2026.
This year’s celebration will also include a special post-midnight moment linked to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Organisers say the ball will briefly relight with a commemorative design shortly after midnight. Roughly 3,000 pounds of confetti, including handwritten wishes from people around the world, will be released as part of the celebration.
Who Is Performing on CNN?
CNN’s broadcast will feature appearances and performances from a wide range of artists and entertainers, including Stephen Colbert, Brandi Carlile, Patti LaBelle, Aloe Blacc and Florence + The Machine. Additional performances will take place from venues in New York City and across the country. For those not watching CNN, Times Square will also offer a free, commercial-free livestream on its official website, along with an accessible YouTube stream featuring open captions and American Sign Language interpretation.
