Overview
- WalletHub’s latest ranking names Orlando, Las Vegas, New York City, Seattle and Los Angeles as the top U.S. destinations to ring in 2026 based on entertainment, costs and safety/accessibility.
- The Times Square Constellation ball has been enlarged to 12 feet and about 12,300 pounds with 5,280 crystals and LED light discs, and it will be re‑illuminated after midnight in an America250 design.
- Forecasters caution that rain and flood risks could affect parts of California as snow and Arctic air reach the Northeast, raising the chance of travel delays and challenging outdoor celebrations.
- The Times Square celebration is free with viewing zones opening at 3 p.m.; attendees should enter via designated points on 45th, 49th, 52nd and 56th streets between Sixth and Eighth avenues or watch the official livestream from 6 p.m.
- Beyond Times Square, New York City is staging free options such as Prospect Park fireworks on Dec. 31 and the Coney Island Cold Plunge on Jan. 1, while towns nationwide host quirky ‘drops’ including a musical note (Nashville), a cherry (Door County), a pierogi (Whiting), an acorn (Raleigh), a high heel (Key West) and a shrimp (Amelia Island).