Crowds brave the cold in Times Square to ring in 2026
ABC7 New York••general
Key Points:
- Thousands gathered in Times Square in freezing temperatures to celebrate the 2026 New Year with the traditional ball drop, featuring a 12,350-pound ball and a performance of John Lennon's "Imagine" by Tones and I.
- Visitors came from various places including Florida, Mexico, and South Korea, while NYPD implemented additional anti-terrorism measures, although no specific threats were reported.
- The ball drop tradition began in 1907 and was only paused during World War II; this year, over a ton of biodegradable confetti with global wishes was released at midnight.
- The midnight event also launched America Gives, a national volunteer initiative, and celebrated the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States with a patriotic display and pyro finale
