🎊 Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Schedule and Official Channels
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is the signature countdown to 2026 — a bright, high-energy celebration in the heart of New York City. Whether you’re watching from a cozy couch, hosting friends at home, or following along from another country, the key is knowing when the countdown begins and where to watch the official coverage without missing the final 60 seconds.
The night’s festivities ramp up from early evening and build toward the famous moment at midnight Eastern Time. As the clock approaches 12:00 AM ET, the atmosphere shifts from party mode to full focus — the crowd counts down, confetti fills the air, and 2026 officially begins.
📺 Stream New Year’s Eve Live (NYC Countdown)
The Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is the moment the entire world counts down together. As the final seconds of the year tick away, the glowing ball descends and instantly turns midnight into a shared celebration of fresh beginnings.
▶️ Watch on Fubo🗽 What We Know for New Year’s Eve 2025–26
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Moment | The ball drop happens exactly at 12:00 AM ET (January 1, 2026) |
| Event Window | Festivities commonly run from 6:00 PM ET (Dec 31, 2025) until midnight |
| Location | Times Square, New York City |
| Ball Drop Duration | The descent lasts 60 seconds (11:59:00 PM → 12:00:00 AM ET) |
⏰ Exact Ball Drop Timing (ET)
If you only care about the “don’t-miss-this” moment, these are the most important timestamps:
| Time (ET) | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 11:59:00 PM | The illuminated ball begins its 60-second descent |
| 11:59:50 PM | Final countdown energy peaks (get your stream ready!) |
| 12:00:00 AM | Midnight strikes — Happy New Year 2026 🎉 |
🎥 Ready Streaming Option
Few New Year traditions are as iconic as the Times Square Ball Drop. From the bright lights of Manhattan to screens around the globe, this historic countdown signals the exact second a new year officially begins.
Stream NYE Coverage on Fubo📡 Official Channels & Viewing Options
New Year’s Eve coverage varies by network — some focus on live performances, others on reporting and crowd energy, while official streams keep it simple with a direct view of Times Square.
| Channel / Platform | Coverage Style | Typical Start (ET) | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC | Celebrity hosts + music + countdown moments | Evening (often around prime time) | Entertainment-heavy watch parties |
| CBS | Performances + New Year’s programming | Evening | Music & stage-show vibes |
| CNN | Live reporting + multiple cities + Times Square updates | Earlier in the night | News-style coverage and global check-ins |
| NBC | Special programming + highlights + festive segments | Late evening | Variety-show style celebration |
| Times Square Official Stream | Direct, minimal-distraction view of Times Square | Evening onward | Ball-drop-focused viewers |
| YouTube (Official Feeds) | Free livestream options (availability varies) | Evening onward | Mobile + international watching |
Tip: If you’re streaming, open your chosen channel early and keep it running before 11:59 PM ET. This avoids last-second buffering when everyone jumps online at once.
🚀 Quick Access: Ball Drop Streaming
When December 31 reaches its final minute, all eyes turn to Times Square. The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop marks the transition into a brand-new year with energy, excitement, and a countdown watched by millions worldwide.
🎬 Open Fubo & Start Watching🏁 Final Thoughts
The Times Square Ball Drop is all about the final minute — and that minute is perfectly timed. If you remember just one thing, it’s this: the ball begins descending at 11:59 PM ET and hits the bottom right at 12:00 AM ET on January 1, 2026. Pick your official channel early, start your stream ahead of time, and enjoy a clean, stress-free countdown into the New Year.