Patrick
As 2025 fades into history, Times Square is preparing to usher in 2026 with a spectacular update to its most iconic tradition.
This year marks the debut of a brand-new New Year’s Eve ball, the largest ever created since the celebration first began in 1907.
The Largest Ball Ever to Light Up Times Square
Named the Constellation Ball, the new centerpiece is the ninth version of the Times Square ball used to welcome a new year. It spans 12.5 feet in diameter and weighs more than 12,000 pounds, making it the biggest ball in the event’s long history.
The design features 5,280 Waterford crystal panels in three distinct sizes — 1.5 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches — combined with advanced LED lighting elements. Unlike the triangular crystals used since 1999, this year’s ball introduces circular crystal shapes, giving it a fresh and modern look.
Event organizers at One Times Square explained that each crystal size carries a unique design meant to reflect “eternal positivity,” reinforcing the celebratory spirit of the occasion.
A Symbol of Connection and Continuity
According to Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown, the company that owns and operates One Times Square, the Constellation Ball is designed to symbolize interconnectedness, unity, and tradition. Its circular form reflects the continuous flow of time and the enduring link between the past, present, and future.
This symbolism aligns perfectly with the role the ball plays for both the thousands gathered in Times Square and the millions watching around the world on television.
The Countdown That Captivates the World
The ball drop remains the heart of New Year’s Eve in Times Square. At 11:59 p.m., the illuminated sphere begins its slow descent down a pole as the crowd — joined by viewers at home — counts down the final 60 seconds of the year. When midnight strikes, cheers erupt, confetti fills the air, and many mark the moment with a celebratory kiss.
How the Times Square Ball Drop Began
The tradition dates back to 1907, when it was introduced by Jacob Starr, a Ukrainian immigrant and skilled metalworker, in collaboration with then–New York Times publisher Adolph Ochs. Ochs had already drawn crowds to Times Square using fireworks, but when city officials banned explosives, a new visual attraction was needed.
Starr, who worked for Strauss Signs (later known as Artkraft Strauss), was commissioned to design a replacement. Over time, the ball evolved from a simple iron-and-wood frame with light bulbs into today’s dazzling crystal sphere.
Inspired by Nautical Time Balls
The idea for the ball drop was rooted in 19th-century nautical time balls, which were used in harbors to help sailors synchronize ship chronometers. Each day, a large metal ball would drop at a precise time, allowing navigators to set their clocks accurately.
While both Adolph Ochs and the New York Times’ chief electrician, Walter Palmer, have been credited with the idea, Starr’s granddaughter, Tama Starr, believes her grandfather was the true originator.
She explained that the ball was meant to showcase the new electric lighting that had recently reached the neighborhood and was originally lowered by hand starting one minute before midnight.
A Magical Spectacle in the Early Electric Age
In the early 20th century, electricity was still a novelty. According to historical records, many American homes relied on gas lamps and candles well into the 1920s. Against a dark skyline, a glowing ball descending from above would have appeared almost magical.
When the ball reached the parapet, the illuminated year numbers would switch on as the ball lights shut off, creating the illusion that the ball transformed into the new year itself. Even nearby restaurants joined the celebration, with staff wearing battery-powered “1908” top hats during the first ball drop.
The Evolution of the Ball Over Time
Since 1907, seven different ball designs have been used, ranging from a 700-pound iron sphere to an aluminum version after World War II, and even a novelty “Big Apple” during the tenure of a former New York City mayor.
In 1995, the ball underwent a major modernization with rhinestones, strobe lights, and computer controls, signaling the end of traditional signmaking involvement in the event.
A “Minute Outside of Time”
Tama Starr, who later served as a timekeeper during several ball drops, described the final minute of the year as a deeply personal experience. The ball was lowered using an intricate pulley system, and the countdown felt suspended in time.
She compared that final minute to the moment when people form New Year’s resolutions — a brief pause where reflection and intention take center stage.
In her words, it felt like there was enough time in that single minute to reconsider life choices, reconnect with loved ones, and decide to become a better version of oneself.
The unveiling of the Constellation Ball for New Year’s Eve 2026 represents more than just a design upgrade. It reflects over a century of evolving technology, shared tradition, and human connection.
From its origins as a practical adaptation inspired by maritime timekeeping to its current form as a global symbol of hope and renewal, the Times Square ball drop continues to capture the imagination of millions.
As the largest ball in history descends to welcome 2026, it carries with it the timeless message that every new year offers a chance for change, reflection, and new beginnings.