Overview
- After the traditional midnight countdown, the Constellation Ball will be relit in a red, white and blue America250 design at about 12:04 a.m. ET.
- The Constellation Ball is the ninth and largest version yet, measuring roughly 12.5 feet, weighing about 12,350 pounds, and featuring 5,280 Waterford crystals with LED light pucks.
- Pre‑event tests were conducted, with 3,000 pounds of confetti set for midnight and a separate 2,000‑pound red, white and blue release plus a pyrotechnic finale to Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful” for the America250 moment.
- Live coverage includes a Times Square Alliance webcast from 6 p.m. ET and network specials on ABC, CBS and CNN, with performances by Jenn O’Hagan, B.o.B, Tones and I, Robyn, Diana Ross and others.
- Organizers also plan a separate July 3, 2026 ball drop to anchor Independence Day observances, which would be the first descent outside New Year’s Eve.