Indulge me for a moment—I love watching the Times Square Ball Drop every New Year’s Eve.
Before you assume I’ve gone completely mad, let me clarify that you won’t catch this New Yorker competing for an unobstructed view of the Manhattan madness. Not in this lifetime, anyway—and certainly not when over a million people are jostling for a glimpse of the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere that, dare I say it, seems more petite in person. I learned my lesson the first time I ventured into the chaos of Times Square on New Year’s Eve—and I vowed never to do so again. Unless, of course, your idea of fun means standing outside for hours in the heart of New York City. (Seriously, revelers start gathering at 3 p.m.)
But if you’re like me (with a teeny tiny bladder and a strong aversion to frostbite), fear not. I’ve since found easier ways to revel in the symbolism of the glittering orb heralding a new year of dreams and growth—whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party, heading to an indoor viewing area, or cocooned in the comfort of your bed. Because when it comes to celebrating the countdown, there’s no need to sacrifice your style, sanity, or bladder.
Here’s how to watch the ball drop from anywhere but Times Square—you can thank me later.
How to watch on TV
Ryan Seacrest celebrates his 20th year as host alongside co-host Rita Ora, who is back for a third year. This year’s headliner is Diana Ross, who will perform a medley of her biggest hits just before midnight. Additional performances include Ciara, Maren Morris, Little Big Town, LE SSERAFIM, and B.o.B.
Catch the celebration live on ABC starting at 8 p.m. EST, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen return for their ninth consecutive year as co-hosts, live from Times Square. The special begins at 8 p.m. EST on CNN and will feature musical performances by Robyn, Shakira, Bryan Adams, and Florence + the Machine, while Tones and I will perform John Lennon’s “Imagine” just before the ball drop at 11:55 p.m.
The broadcast will stream live on CNN All Access for subscribers, CNN connected TV, and mobile apps for pay TV subscribers.
This year’s Nashville’s Big Bash features headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, and CeCe Winans, among other country music stars. The five-hour special begins at 8 p.m. EST on CBS. You can also stream it live and on-demand on Paramount+.
How to watch online
Hulu + Live TV offers over 90 channels, including ABC, CBS, and NBC. Plans start at $89.99 per month.
Stream the ball drop, plus performances on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on Fubo. FuboTV provides access to a variety of channels, and the Pro plan now starts at $84.99 per month. (Other plans include the Elite plan at $94.99 per month and the Deluxe plan at $114.99 per month.)
YouTube TV offers a range of channels, including those broadcasting New Year’s Eve events. The monthly subscription is $82.99. (New subscribers may find promotional rates of $72.99 for the first three months through January 4, 2026.)
Watch the NYE 2026 Webcast for free
Watch the Times Square 2026 Webcast for a free—and commercial-free–experience. You can watch the ball drop live starting at 6 p.m. EST on December 31, 2025, at TimesSquareNYC.org or TimesSquareBall.net, or just follow along on social media for the major updates.
