New Year's Eve preparations underway in Times Square

As New Year's Eve approaches, preparations are underway in Times Square for the iconic ball drop that will usher in 2026. The famous Times Square Ball, which has marked the transition into each new year since 1907, is being readied for its annual descent at midnight. This year's celebration comes as the United States also looks ahead to commemorating its 250th anniversary in 2026. The Times Square event, which draws over 1 million people to the area and millions more viewers worldwide, will feature the traditional ball drop at 11:59 PM EST on December 31, 2025. The ball itself weighs 11,875 pounds, measures 12 feet in diameter, and is covered with 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles. Security measures and crowd control plans are being finalized by New York City authorities for the massive gathering in Manhattan's Times Square.