Older elements on the Times Square Ball have been swapped out for the latest themed crystals for the upcoming 2026 drop.
NEW YORK — Workers in New York are installing newly designed Waterford Crystal pieces—circular panels this year—onto the permanent Times Square Ball, carefully swapping out older elements for the latest themed crystals for the upcoming 2026 drop.
President of Waterford Crystal said the ball is decorated with 5,280 discs and each disc symbolizes “infinity”.
“The design this year is based in a circular fashion. So it’s a disc which really represents infinity. So it’s the idea of infinity, never ending, hope, always looking forward, innovation, looking ahead,” said Bentley Frost-Hardwick.
The ball remains atop One Times Square year-round, but in the days leading up to December 31, crews replace the crystals, transforming the everyday landmark into its iconic New Year’s Eve centerpiece for the final countdown.
“Each one of the discs, there are three different designs represent three different ideas, one: life, liberty and happiness to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. So we’re looking forward to a 2026 year of hope, happiness, love and good cheer,” Frost-Hardwick added.
Two ball drops for 2026
For the first time since the Times Square tradition started on New Year’s Eve 1907, there will be a second ball drop in 2026.
The second drop will happen on July 3, the night before Independence Day 2026. The festivities are part of the many celebrations planned for America’s 250th birthday.
The patriotic touches at this year’s New Year’s Eve Times Square gathering, including a second confetti drop, will offer an early glimpse of what’s ahead: hundreds of events and programs, big and small, planned nationwide to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
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