How to watch the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration live, including the 2026 ball drop, free livestream details, hosts and performances airing December 31.
With just hours left before the calendar flips, the world-famous Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is ready to usher in 2026 with its iconic ball drop, live performances and global countdown. For viewers staying home, the entire event can be streamed live and free, bringing the excitement of New York City straight to screens everywhere.
The NYE 2026 livestream begins at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on Wednesday and will feature live musical performances, interviews, behind-the-scenes moments and hourly countdowns leading up to midnight in Times Square.
Returning to host the livestream are Jonathan Bennett and Jeremy Hassell. Bennett, known for his roles in Mean Girls and numerous Hallmark holiday films including A Keller Christmas Vacation, Happy Howlidays and The Holiday Sitter, has hosted the Times Square webcast for several years. His television credits also include hosting duties on Cake Wars, Halloween Wars and Holiday Wars. Hassell has been part of the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration since 2016 and has extensive experience hosting live events and celebrity interviews.
Music will once again be at the heart of the celebration. B.o.B is set to perform “Airplanes,” “Nothin’ On You” and “Incwadi,” while Tones and I will take the stage with “Gone Gone Gone,” “Fly Away,” “Dance Monkey” and a performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” New York dance group AGNEW will perform on the Planet Fitness Center Stage, adding local flair to the festivities.
Additional performances will take place on the Countdown Stage for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, with appearances by Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, Maren Morris and Diana Ross.
As midnight approaches, the mayor of New York City will push the crystal button to trigger the legendary ball drop. Once the clock strikes midnight and celebrations erupt, a surprise second ceremonial moment will follow to honor America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, with the Ball lighting up in a special America250 design.
Viewers can watch the NYE 2026 webcast by visiting the official Times Square website or tuning in via the Times Square Facebook page.
