What’s Going Down at Times Square NYE 2025 (And How to Make It Silly Nice)

It’s that time again. Over a hundred years strong, Times Square on New Year’s Eve isn’t just a New York tradition—it’s a global moment. The first ball drop happened in 1907. Since then, millions of people have gathered to count down the last seconds of the year, bundled up in the cold, waving balloons, and watching the iconic crystal ball drop from 90 feet above the city that never stops moving.

If you’re pulling up to Midtown on December 31, or just watching the madness from home, here’s the full breakdown of what’s happening in Times Square this New Year’s Eve. No fluff—just the schedule, the music, the fireworks, and when to look up.

The Schedule: December 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 12:15 AM

6:00 PM – The Ball gets lit and raised above One Times Square, fireworks crack the sky, and it’s on.

6:03 PM – Jenn O’Hagan hits the Planet Fitness Stage with a live rendition of the National Anthem, followed by more rooftop fireworks.

6:06 PM – 6:13 PM – You’ll hear stories from everyday people on what America means to them and what brought them to Times Square this year.

6:20 PM – The hat and swag drop. Planet Fitness and Carnival Cruise Line are passing out custom NYE hats, necklaces, and balloons. Get yours while supplies last.

6:28 PM – Highlights from Good Riddance Day—a pre-NYE cleansing ritual where people shred the worst parts of their year and keep it moving.

6:30 PM – 6:43 PM – B.o.B is live with a set including “Airplanes” and “Nothin’ On You,” plus his new track “Incwadi.” A whole vibe.

6:45 PM – 6:48 PM – The New York Times celebrates 175 years. A quick moment to reflect before the party continues.

6:57 PM – The first hourly countdown begins. Colorful fireworks light up the sky while confetti wishes mix into the crowd.

7:40 PM – Ciara hits the Countdown Stage with a medley of her classics. Expect movement.

7:51 PM – 8:00 PM – 2025 gets recapped with a video reel from the Associated Press, followed by the second hourly countdown.

8:03 PM – 8:14 PM – Tones and I steps up with “Dance Monkey,” “Fly Away,” and more.

8:26 PM – 8:32 PM – LE SSERAFIM brings their K-pop energy to the Countdown Stage.

8:41 PM – 8:46 PM – NYC’s own AGNEW dance crew brings their moves to the Planet Fitness Stage.

8:56 PM – 9:00 PM – Another ten-second countdown to 9 PM, with confetti flying and pyrotechnics overhead.

9:18 PM – 9:31 PM – Robyn hits the stage with “Dancing On My Own” and other essentials.

9:35 PM – 9:42 PM – Little Big Town joins the party with a mix of country hits.

9:56 PM – 10:00 PM – Planet Fitness runs the 10 PM countdown. Purple and yellow confetti drops heavy.

10:02 PM – 10:08 PM – Xavi brings his Spanish-language hits to the crowd for Univision’s ¡Feliz 2026!

10:33 PM – 10:41 PM – Maren Morris steps up with a live performance for ABC’s primetime NYE lineup.

10:56 PM – 11:00 PM – Telemundo’s Raúl de Molina leads the 11 PM countdown.

11:02 PM – 11:08 PM – Ana Barbara performs for ¡Feliz 2026! on the Planet Fitness Stage.

11:37 PM – 11:46 PM – Diana Ross graces the Countdown Stage with her legendary vocals.

11:55 PM – 11:58 PM – Tones and I returns with her take on John Lennon’s “Imagine” just before midnight.

11:59 PM – The official 60-second countdown begins. The NYC Mayor hits the crystal button and the Waterford Ball drops as millions count down the final seconds of 2025.

12:00 AM – Happy 2026
As the Ball dims, the new “2026” lights burst to life. Confetti floods the sky. America250 kicks off with patriotic visuals, Ray Charles sings “America the Beautiful,” and red, white, and blue confetti covers the square from top to bottom. If you’re there, you’ll feel it.

12:15 AM – Show officially ends, but the energy always spills into the streets.

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Quick Heads Up: Getting There

Planning to attend live? Get to Midtown early. Street closures start as early as the afternoon, and entry is only permitted from 38th Street heading north via 6th and 8th Avenues. Public transportation is your best move—MTA trains will be packed but running.

Skip the car. Times Square traffic is already next-level, and NYE turns it into gridlock. Bundle up, charge your phone, and bring some patience. The experience is worth it.

The Wrap-Up

From fireworks to Ciara, Tones and I to Diana Ross, this year’s lineup goes hard. Whether you’re crowd-surfing in a sea of confetti or chilling on the couch with the crew, one thing’s for sure: the countdown to 2026 is going to hit different.

Make it yours. Make it Silly Nice.