Missed the 2025 Times Square ball drop and New Year’s Eve celebration? Watch the highlights here

NEW YORK — An estimated 1 million people packed Times Square to watch the New Year’s Eve 2025 ball drop Tuesday night.

New Year’s Eve ball drop live stream

A Times Square Alliance live feed went live at 6 p.m. from the Crossroads of the World, and it will stay up as the clock strikes midnight. You can watch the feed in the video player embedded above.

Lonnie Quinn was in Times Square as part of “Nashville’s Big Bash” on CBS at 8 p.m., and our stream had live shots from the ball drop countdown starting at 10:30 p.m. after an early edition of our late night news.

If you missed the celebration, you can watch a replay of our live stream in the video player below.

When and where to watch the ball drop in Times Square

Viewing areas opened at 3 p.m. Entry was first-come, first-served at checkpoints located at 49th, 52nd and 56th streets on Sixth and Eighth avenues. One million people were expected to ring in 2025 in Times Square.

Organizers say the best views are along Broadway from 43rd to 50th streets, and along Seventh Avenue as far north as 59th Street. 

The show officially started at 6 p.m. when the lights on the ball were flipped on and it was hoisted into place atop One Times Square. The evening featured live performances from Carrie Underwood, the Jonas Brothers, Mark Ambor, Mickey Guyton, Rita Ora, TLC and more. 

At 11:59 p.m., the 60-second countdown began and the confetti started to fly. At the stroke of midnight, the lights on the ball were flipped off, and the “2025” numerals came to life. 

The show wraps up at 12:15 a.m., when the cleanup effort begins. Sanitation crews will be standing by to remove more than 1 ton of confetti. 

Here’s our full guide for what to know about getting around the city.

Pouring rain doesn’t keep spectators from Times Square on New Year’s Eve

Spectators began lining up before dawn, including one group of friends who flew in from Tokyo. Some packed blankets, ponchos and handwarmers, while others had snacks — even a rotisserie chicken. 

“I’m geeked out about it. I’m really excited to be here. I’ve never done it. I’ve always wanted to do it since I was a kid, so here I am,” Los Angeles resident Shauntay Sheppard said.

“We’re really excited. We waited for this trip for months because we really want to see what people talk about when you tell about, you know, New Year’s Eve in New York,” said Elisa Corliano, an Italian tourist.

“I come for the first time here to see. That it was my dream for one year, I just planned to come. I didn’t expected to be so organized, and I am happy for that … [I’m feeling] very safe. I want to dance tonight,” said Carmen Hutuleac, a Romanian tourist.

Even the pouring rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd.

“It was one of those things that we decided it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Florida resident Rita Civil said.

“Lifetime experience. Never again. But I’m glad I did it so I can be proud to see how crazy I am with my friend and my family,” Upper West Side resident Samuel Do said.

Security for New Year’s Eve in NYC

The New York City Police Department says they had a “tremendous” amount of police resources around Times Square and beyond as the city prepared for the world famous New Year’s Eve ball drop.

The department said there is currently no credit threat, and the agency is operating in what it calls a “heightened threat environment” to ensure the night goes off without a hitch.

“We’re going to have plain clothes officers, as well as uniformed officers who are going to be doing persistent sweeps. We have our drones helping out with the aerial perspective and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear detection and mitigation capabilities. Counter drones, heavy weapons teams, K-9s, you name it,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner said.

Meanwhile, despite rain in the forecast, those heading to Times Square were not allowed to bring umbrellas, backpacks or large bags past security checkpoints.