The countdown to 2026 begins.
The new year is almost upon us and plans to welcome it have begun to roll out across the board with celebrations planned in most major cities, including New York City, which hosts the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Described as the "centerpiece" of the annual countdown celebration on Dec. 31, the new and updated Constellation Ball at Times Square, unveiled last month on Nov. 24, is ninth iteration of the ball since its debut in 1907. With 5,280 Waterford crystals and LED light pucks, the ball features nearly double the number of crystals as the previous ball, according to a One Times Square news release.
Organizers said the ball also "features new modernized technology, with state-of-the-art lighting, motion, and control system, as well as a new signature sound and interactive capabilities."
With the ball in place, here's what to know about this year's ball drop and how to watch.
