New York City Welcomes 2026 With Iconic Times Square Ball Drop

NEW YORK, Jan 1 (Bernama-dpa) – New York City has rung in 2026 with its traditional ball drop in Times Square, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the Midtown Manhattan neighbourhood to watch the illuminated ball descend above the world-famous square at the stroke of midnight (0500 GMT), accompanied by music and confetti.

Many of them had been there for hours, braving winter temperatures in the cordoned-off streets around Times Square, which took its name from the editorial offices of the New York Times newspaper, formerly housed in the adjacent building.

The ball drop is broadcast live on television worldwide and has been a central symbol of New Year celebrations in the United States (US) for more than a century.

The newly redesigned crystal-studded ball, weighing several tonnes, took just under a minute for its 43-metre descent. 

The ball was redesigned to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which the US will celebrate in 2026.

The ball now features lighting and control technology, allowing it to be illuminated in the colours of the national flag – red, white and blue – at the turn of the year.

-- BERNAMA-dpa