Archive · 1 Jan 2026
New Year's Eve Ball Gets Patriotic Redesign for 2026
The New Year's Eve Ball in Times Square is getting a big change for 2026.
For the first time in over 100 years, the ball will be red, white, and blue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
There will also be a second confetti release and other patriotic additions.
The ball drop is a big event where a huge ball slides down a pole at midnight to welcome the new year.
The first ball was made in 1907 and was much smaller and lighter than the one we have today, which is 12 feet wide and weighs 12,000 pounds.
The New Year's Eve Ball in Times Square will be redesigned for 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The ball will feature red, white, and blue colors, along with a second confetti release and other patriotic enhancements.
The ball drop is a traditional event where a large illuminated ball descends a flagpole at midnight to mark the new year.
The original ball was created in 1907 by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr.
The current ball, the ninth version, is the largest to date, spanning 12 feet in diameter and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds.
- Who
- Organizers of the New Year's Eve Ball Drop in Times Square
- What
- Redesign of the New Year's Eve Ball to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States
- When
- The change will be implemented for the 2026 celebration
- Where
- Times Square, New York City
- Why
- To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a patriotic redesign
- Event
- New Year's Eve Ball Drop
- Location
- Times Square, New York City
- Year of Change
- 2026
- Reason for Change
- 250th anniversary of the United States
- New Design
- Red, white, and blue colors
- Additional Feature
- Second confetti release
- Original Ball Year
- 1907
- Current Ball Weight
- 12,000 pounds
