The Tamesis
Indulge me – I love watching the ball drop in Times Square every New Year’s Eve.
Before you think I’m completely crazy, let me clarify that you won’t understand this The New Yorker competes to catch a glimpse of the madness in Manhattan. Not in this lifetime, anyway—and while more than a million people are rushing to catch a glimpse of the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere, I daresay that the geodesic sphere looks even smaller to the human eye. I learned my lesson the first time I ventured into the chaos of Times Square on New Year’s Eve—and I vowed to never do it again. Unless, of course, your idea of fun is standing outside for hours in the heart of New York City. (To be honest, revelers start gathering at 3pm)
But if you’re like me (with a small bladder and a strong aversion to frostbite), have no fear. I’ve since found easier ways to revel in the symbolism of the sparkling orb that heralds dreams and growth in the new year—whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party, heading to an indoor viewing area, or curling up in the comfort of your bed. Because there’s no need to sacrifice your style, sanity, or bladder when it comes to celebrating the countdown.
Here’s how to watch the ball drop from anywhere but Times Square—you can thank me later.
How to watch on TV
Ryan Seacrest celebrates 20 years as host with co-host Rita Ora returning for a third year. This year’s headliner is Diana Ross, who will perform a medley of her biggest hits just before midnight. Other acts include Ciara, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, LE SSERAFIM and BoB
The festivities will be broadcast live on ABC starting at 8pm ET and on Hulu the next day.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen return as co-hosts for the ninth consecutive year, broadcast live from Times Square. The special airs on CNN at 8pm ET and will feature musical performances by Robyn, Shakira, Bryan Adams and Florence + the Machine, while Tones and I will perform John Lennon’s “Imagine” before the ball drops at 11:55pm
The broadcast will be broadcast live on CNN All Access for subscribers, CNN Connected TV and the mobile app for pay TV subscribers.
This year’s Nashville bash features country music stars such as Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and CeCe Winans. The five-hour special will air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. You can also watch live and on-demand on Paramount+.
How to watch online
Hulu + Live TV offers more than 90 channels, including ABC, CBS and NBC. Plans start at $89.99 per month.
Live pitching and performances New Year’s Rockin’ Night Fu Bo on. FuboTV offers access to a variety of channels, with the Pro package now starting at $84.99 per month. (Other plans include the $94.99-per-month Elite plan and the $114.99-per-month Deluxe plan.)
YouTube TV offers a range of channels, including one that broadcasts New Year’s Eve events. The monthly subscription fee is $82.99. (Introductory price for new subscribers is $72.99 for the first three months ending January 4, 2026.)
Watch the 2026 New Year’s Eve webcast for free
Watch the Times Square 2026 webcast for a free, ad-free experience. You can watch the ball drop live at TimesSquareNYC.org or TimesSquareBall.net beginning at 6 PM ET on December 31, 2025, or follow key updates on social media.
