2026 is already looking to be a historic year. For the first time ever, Times Square will host two separate ball drops. The ball will drop on Jan. 1 and again this summer.
Per usual, the first time the ball will drop at One Times Square will occur at midnight on Thursday morning to ring in 2026. However, four minutes into the new year, the ball will be relit for a special celebration.
According to a press release from Times Square Alliance, the group that organizes the annual ball drop, the ball will be relit in a patriotic red, white, and blue design with illuminated “2026” numerals. This is to honor the fact that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful” will play as 2,000 pounds of confetti fall in this after-midnight celebration.
Meanwhile, the second ball drop of 2026 will take place on Jul. 3. This will mark the first time in history that the iconic sphere has descended outside of the New Year period. This summer event is intended to kick off the nation’s Fourth of July celebrations.
Times Square will debut the Constellation Ball this year for its festivities. This is the ninth ball to grace Times Square since the tradition began in 1907. It features twice as many crystal discs as its predecessors and synchronized LED lights designed to display patterns of “infinite joy.”