New York City rang in 2026 with its traditional ball drop in Times Square. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Midtown Manhattan to watch the lit sphere descend over the world-famous plaza at midnight, accompanied by music and colorful confetti. Many braved the harsh winter weather, spending hours in the cordoned-off streets around 'Times' Square, named after the editorial offices of The New York Times, which were formerly located in the adjacent building. The ball drop is broadcast live worldwide and has been a hallmark of New Year's celebrations in the US for over a century. The newly redesigned, crystal-encrusted ball, weighing several tons, took less than a minute to descend from a height of 43 meters. The ball was redesigned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which the United States will celebrate in 2026.
