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Exactly 5,280 Waterford crystals cover the 2026 Times Square New Year's Eve ball, creating a glittering spectacle that will be viewed by millions this December 31. Already an icon, this year's ball—dubbed The Constellation Ball—is bigger and more beautiful than ever before.
For the first time in the ball's 118-year history, circular Waterford crystal discs cover its surface, rather than the triangular shapes from years past. Three different sizes of discs combine to form the design, each one emblazoned with an intricate pattern. This year's ball measures 12.5 feet in diameter, weighs 12,350 pounds and features double the amount of crystals compared to its predecessors. It will light up with vibrant colors as it drops from the 139-foot pole atop One Times Square to herald the start of a new year.
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For the renowned Irish crystal brand Waterford, this year's crystal discs symbolize infinite joy, infinite light and infinite beginnings, reflecting radiant optimism from every angle. Going forward, Waterford will change the design each and every year, reflecting themes to match the current moment.
"The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball represents hope, unity and new beginnings," said Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, during an unveiling event earlier today. "For well over a century, this iconic symbol has brought people together from all over the world to celebrate the turning of the calendar, filled with enthusiasm for the year ahead."
The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball represents hope, unity and new beginnings.
This is the ninth ball in Times Square history since New Year's Eve celebrations began there in 1907, per Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, which owns One Times Square.
To see the Times Square New Year's Eve ball from afar is a spectacle, one that millions of people catch on TV or on a midtown sidewalk every year. But to see the glittering ball up-close is a rare honor typically reserved only for those who work the event—until now.
Soon, anybody will be able to purchase tickets to see this Waterford crystal-bedecked stunner at eye level. A to-come premium-level experience will even offer a chance to replace a crystal on the ball from the previous year's celebration with a crystal for the next year. Ticket-holders will be able to take home the crystal they removed as a personal keepsake. (Join the waitlist here for more info on those experiences).
Today, a global icon becomes a quintessential New York City experience.
"Despite that iconic status, the ball has remained something to be admired from afar, visible to the world, but impossible to experience up close. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter of One Times Square, and for the New Year's Eve ball. Today, a global icon becomes a quintessential New York City experience," said Julie Coker, president of New York City Tourism and Conventions, during the sneak peek event.
The previous New Year's Eve ball, which made its final descent in January 2025, will be displayed inside One Times Square as part of the new Times Travel immersive history experience, opening to the public in 2026.
Until then, don't miss watching the 2026 Constellation Ball drop from One Times Square as it lights up in pink, blue and red lights amidst a blizzard of confetti, welcoming all to 2026 with optimism and joy.