The Times Square Ball Drop for New Year's Eve 2025-2026, marking the transition from 2025 to 2026, offers numerous free and paid streaming options across major networks and platforms. Viewers can catch the iconic midnight countdown live without cable through official sites and apps. Coverage typically begins hours earlier with performances and festivities.

Free Streaming Options

The official Times Square website provides a commercial-free livestream starting at 6pm ET on December 31, focusing purely on the ball drop and backstage access. An accessible version with open captions and ASL interpretation streams on YouTube.

  • TimesSquareNYC.org (mobile-friendly, no login required).
  • YouTube for ASL/captioned feed.

Major Network Streams

ABC's "New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest" airs live at 8pm ET, featuring Ryan Seacrest, Rita Ora, and performers like Diana Ross—stream via iHeartRadio app or next-day on Hulu. CBS's "Nashville’s Big Bash" at 8pm ET streams on Paramount+ with country stars like Lainey Wilson.

  • CNN's special with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen requires CNN AllAccess subscription (CNN.com, apps) or cable; live TV options include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV.
  • NBC's "A Toast to 2025!" at 10:30pm ET streams on Peacock.

Alternative Celebrations

Don Lemon’s New Orleans special streams free on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, and Substack, including dual countdowns. ABC News offers additional live video coverage.

TL;DR: Free at TimesSquareNYC.org or YouTube; ABC/iHeartRadio, Paramount+, Peacock, or CNN apps for full shows.

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