How to Watch and Stream the Ball Drop: Start Time and Details
The countdown to New Year’s Eve is upon us!
The beloved tradition in Times Square, New York City, which dates back to 1907, is ready for another celebration as we prepare to usher in 2025.
Millions of viewers at home will join the crowd gathered in Times Square, Manhattan, to witness performances from some of the biggest names in music featured in various New Year’s Eve broadcasts.
The official festivities kick off at 6 p.m. ET at One Times Square, where the New Year’s Eve ball will be illuminated and raised. Representatives from Carnival Cruise Line, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and Times Square New Year’s Eve will flip a giant switch to light the ball.
The impressive ball, weighing 11,875 pounds and measuring 12 feet in diameter, is adorned with 2,688 crystal triangles. This new ball design is a far cry from the original made of iron, wood, and 25-watt light bulbs that dropped to ring in 1908.
Since 1907, revelers have gathered in Times Square every year to celebrate the ball drop, with the exception of 1942 and 1943 when the event was paused due to World War II “dimout” restrictions, as reported on the official site.
Here’s how you can catch the latest ball drop to celebrate the arrival of 2025.
What TV channel is the ball drop on? A guide to the many specials
Here’s a rundown of the TV specials that will provide viewers with live coverage of the ball drop to ring in the New Year.
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”
Ryan Seacrest is set to celebrate his 20th year as host, joined by singer Rita Ora in Times Square, according to a press release.
Country music sensation Carrie Underwood will headline the festivities, with the Jonas Brothers performing just after midnight as they mark their 20th anniversary together.
Additional performances will feature country artist Megan Moroney and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose classic hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” regained popularity after being featured in the movie “Saltburn.”
Other performers include TLC, Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morissette, Reneé Rapp, Blake Shelton, DJ Cassidy, Dasha, Ernest, Hardy, Kesha, Natasha Bedingfield, T-Pain, and Luis Fonsi.
How to watch: The broadcast starts at 8 p.m. live on ABC, streaming on the iHeartRadio app. It will also air on iHeartRadio stations and be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
“New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash”
This CBS special showcases some of the biggest names in country music celebrating the New Year.
Grammy winner Keith Urban and Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith will co-host this five-hour event.
Expect more than 40 performances, as noted in a news release.
In addition to Urban, performers will include Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Brittney Spencer, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Lainey Wilson.
How to watch: The show starts at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and will also stream on Paramount+.
“New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen”
CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Bravo’s Andy Cohen return for their eighth consecutive year to host the CNN New Year’s Eve special.
Expected special guests include 50 Cent, Sting, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Diplo, Lil Jon, Mickey Guyton, Patti LaBelle, and various comedians.
After midnight, CNN’s Sara Sidner, Harry Enten, and Cari Champion will take over hosting duties, with CNN correspondents reporting live from New Year celebrations worldwide.
How to watch: The special begins live at 8 p.m. ET on CNN and will be available for streaming on CNN.com, Max, and mobile apps for pay TV subscribers.
“A Toast to 2024!”
TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager will co-host a two-hour special on NBC featuring highlights from the past year.
This celebration occurs just ahead of Hoda’s final week on TODAY before her departure on Jan. 10.
Music legends Snoop Dogg and Reba McEntire, along with judges from “The Voice,” are expected to appear.
How to watch: The special airs from 9 to 11 p.m. ET on NBC.
“The Day Drinking with Seth Meyers New Year’s Eve Special”
Following Hoda and Jenna’s special, NBC late-night host Seth Meyers will celebrate the New Year by looking back at memorable segments from his “Day Drinking” series.
Meyers will revisit fun moments with guests like Rihanna, Post Malone, Will Forte, Kelly Clarkson, Kristen Stewart, Kevin Hart, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lizzo, and Dua Lipa.
How to watch: The special airs from 11:30 p.m. to 12:35 a.m. ET on NBC.
How can I stream the ball drop online for free?
You can watch a live, commercial-free webcast of the ball drop starting at 6 p.m. ET, available on the Times Square website.
The webcast includes behind-the-scenes access and interviews with celebrities and performers ahead of the midnight drop.
An accessible livestream with open captions and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available on YouTube.
