You can watch the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop either on major TV specials or via the official free livestream online.

Main ways to watch

  • Major US networks air full New Year’s Eve shows that include the ball drop, such as ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” which carries the midnight moment live from Times Square.
  • Other channels like CBS, NBC, and cable news networks typically show the countdown and drop as part of their own New Year’s Eve coverage.

Official free livestream

  • The Times Square Alliance hosts a commercial‑free webcast of the entire Times Square celebration, including performances, interviews, and the ball drop at midnight Eastern Time.
  • This livestream is available worldwide through TimesSquareNYC.org and partner platforms that embed the official player, so you can watch even without cable.

Watching on YouTube and streaming platforms

  • News organizations and New York–based outlets also run live YouTube streams titled along the lines of “Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop LIVE” or “NYC Times Square New Year 2026 LIVE,” which show the crowd, performances, and midnight drop.
  • Many smart‑TV and streaming apps surface these live events in their “live” or “news” sections on New Year’s Eve, making it easy to tune in without traditional TV.

If you want the in‑person experience

  • The ball itself is atop One Times Square and is best seen from viewing areas on Broadway between 43rd–50th Streets and along Seventh Avenue, with streets opening to the public in the afternoon and the ball raising around 6 p.m. ET.
  • Crowds are large and security is tight, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early, dress for winter weather, and expect to stay in one spot until after midnight.

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