Overview
- At about 12:04 a.m. Eastern, organizers plan a second celebration with the ball lit in a red‑white‑blue America250 design, rising above the “2026” numerals with a first‑ever post‑midnight release of 2,000 pounds of confetti.
- A separate full Times Square Ball drop is scheduled for July 3, 2026, the first non‑New Year’s event in the tradition’s history.
- The new Constellation Ball measures roughly 12.5 feet in diameter, weighs about 12,350 pounds, and features 5,280 Waterford crystals plus LED and audio‑reactive systems.
- The century‑old ritual began in 1907 with a 700‑pound iron‑and‑wood ball inspired by maritime time balls and has paused only during World War II dimouts.
- One Times Square nears completion of renovations that will open public access through tours, an observation deck and a museum.