where to watch ball drop 2026

The 2026 New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square, New York City, is a iconic tradition watched by millions worldwide, with the crystal-laden Constellation Ball descending at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 31. Free streaming options make it accessible from home, covering everything from official webcasts to major TV networks.

Official Free Streams

Tune into the commercial-free live webcast from Times Square starting at 6 p.m. ET, hosted by Jonathan Bennett and Jeremy Hassell with performances and countdowns.

• TimesSquareNYC.org, NewYearsEve.nyc, TimesSquareBall.net, and BallDropsHere.com offer direct mobile streaming.

• Follow Times Square's Facebook and X (Twitter) for live coverage without needing a login.

TV and Streaming Services

Major networks broadcast the event with celebrity hosts and musical guests.

• ABC's Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest (check local listings or stream via Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV).

• CNN's live coverage from Times Square (available on cable or Sling TV, DirecTV, Fubo).

• CBS New York and Nexstar stations air specials from multiple cities like NYC, Nashville, and Las Vegas starting at 8 p.m. PT.

In-Person Viewing Tips

Nearly 1 million gather in Times Square, but arrive by noon at 43rd Street for a spot; security is tight with bag checks.

Alternatives include Nashville's Big Bash with Keith Urban or other city fireworks.

Viewing Comparison

Option| Start Time (ET)| Cost| Highlights
---|---|---|---
Official Website/Social| 6 p.m.| Free| Ad-free, focused on ball drop 39
ABC/CNN TV| Varies (pre-show ~8 p.m.)| Cable or Live TV sub| Celebrities, music 1
YouTube Live (e.g., CBS NY)| Countdown-focused| Free| Real-time NYC feed 5

TL;DR: Best free bet is TimesSquareNYC.org at 6 p.m. ET for the pure ball drop experience—over 1 billion tune in globally.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.