New York’s world-famous New Year’s Eve Drop is set to undergo its first major change in more than a century as the city prepares to ring in 2026.
What’s new this time?
For the first time in more than a century, the New Year’s Eve ball will get a patriotic redesign to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The ball will shine in red, white and blue, with organizers adding a second confetti release and other patriotic enhancements to the celebration.
Celebration in New York’s Times Square
Every year, huge crowds fill Times Square to watch the illuminated ball slide down the flagpole at midnight, marking the end of one year and the beginning of another.
The New Year’s Eve ball first descended on Times Square in 1907. The original ball, made by a young immigrant metal worker, Jacob Starr, weighed 700 pounds, measured five feet in diameter, and was made of iron and wood, lit by 100 25-watt bulbs.
Last year, organizers unveiled the Constellation Ball — the ninth and largest version to date — which is roughly 12 feet in diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds.
(This is a developing story; check back later for updates)
