Each year, millions of eyes from all over the world are focused on the sparkling Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball. At 11:59 p.m., the Ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to countdown the final seconds of the year, and celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Download the 2026 New Year’s Eve Ball & Numeral Fact Sheet
The New Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball
The Constellation Ball, the ninth iteration of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball since its debut in 1907, was unveiled and made its inaugural ascent up the 139-foot mast atop One Times Square on Monday, November 24, 2025.
About the Constellation Ball
Biggest Ball Yet: Measuring 12.5 feet in diameter and weighing 12,350 pounds, the Constellation Ball features 5,280 Waterford Crystals and state-of-the-art LED light pucks.
Circular Crystal Design: A major design update replaces the triangular crystals introduced in 1999 with circular shapes. Circles symbolize unity, wholeness, and the nature of time, making them a meaningful centerpiece for a celebration of reflection and renewal. The circular shapes are nearly double the number of crystals from the previous Ball.
Celestial Inspiration: Circular crystals evoke celestial bodies, perfectly embodying the Ball’s Constellation theme, which celebrates infinite possibilities and the interconnectedness of humanity, much like stars shining in the night sky.
Modernized Technology & Features: The Constellation Ball is composed of fully programmable LED light pucks offering vibrant, customizable displays. The Ball also allows for interactive capabilities, including a real-time audio system that generates reactive designs based on music and other sounds.
Enhanced Visitor Experiences: For the first time, the public can access The Ball now through exclusive preview experiences before the full ticketed experiences (below) open in 2026:
The Ball Access Experience – Includes a guided tour with a NYC expert, access to a 360-degree wraparound viewing deck, and a photo moment with the Constellation Ball.
Premium Ball Experience – Includes all of the above, plus the opportunity to leave a custom light message in Morse code for New Year’s Eve and take home a commemorative Waterford Crystal.
About the Crystals
Crystal Sizes: Approximately 1.5 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches in diameter. Each size features a unique design that embodies the Ball’s spirit of eternal positivity.
2026 Themes: Infinite Life (1.5-inch), Infinite Liberty (3-inch), Infinite Happiness (4-inch)
The crystal designs are of interwoven curves and circular motifs to reflect the shared ideals at the heart of America’s story.
About the Infinite Edition: The 2026 crystals mark the second iteration of the Infinite Edition, a multi-year design series introduced in 2025 with the themes Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, and Infinite Beginnings. Each year, new designs explore the limitless possibilities of being infinite.
Waterford Craftsmanship: As the official crystal of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball, Waterford’s timeless artistry and legacy remain central to the nation’s most iconic New Year’s tradition.
About the new 2026 Numerals
New Color: The Numeral cabinets are painted gold for the first time, adding a sparkle of color to add contrast against the NYC landscape. This choice ensures the Numerals, which were previously painted black, remain visible and vibrant when viewed from all around Times Square.
New Lighting: Equipped with LED light pucks—the same technology used in The Constellation Ball—providing programmable lighting for a wide range of colors and
patterns and dynamic displays that can be choreographed to align with The Ball’s design.
LED Light Puck Count for each Numeral:
2: 145 pucks
0: 164 pucks
2: 145 pucks
6: 135 pucks
Numeral Height: 7 feet tall
Quick Facts: The Constellation Ball
Weight: 12,350 pounds
Diameter: 12.5 feet
Crystals: 5,280 total
2026 Crystal Count by Theme/Size:
Infinite Happiness Crystals (4-inch): 1,420
Infinite Liberty Crystals (3-inch): 2,840
Infinite Life Crystals (1.5-inch): 1,020
Quick Facts: 2026 Numerals
LED Light Puck Counts
2: 145 pucks
0: 164 pucks
2: 145 pucks
6: 135 pucks
Height: 7 feet tall
