NEW YORK — In a meticulous process, workers are outfitting the permanent Times Square Ball with newly designed Waterford Crystal panels. This year, the focus is on circular designs, reflecting the theme for the upcoming 2026 drop.

Bentley Frost-Hardwick, President of Waterford Crystal, explained that the ball is adorned with 5,280 discs, each one symbolizing the concept of “infinity.”

“This year’s theme revolves around a circular design, representing infinity,” Frost-Hardwick noted. “It embodies the idea of endless hope, forward-thinking, and innovation, always looking ahead.”

The Times Square Ball, a fixture atop One Times Square throughout the year, undergoes its transformation in the days leading up to December 31. Crews replace the crystals, turning the everyday structure into the centerpiece of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Each of the discs features one of three designs, symbolizing different themes: life, liberty, and happiness, in honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” added Frost-Hardwick. “We anticipate a 2026 filled with hope, happiness, love, and good cheer.”

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.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.