As 2025 draws to a close, millions of Americans face the annual question: where should I watch the ball drop? Whether you prefer staying cozy at home, streaming on your phone, or catching highlights between party activities, this year offers more viewing options than ever before. Here's your complete guide to watching New Year's Eve celebrations across every major platform.
The Simplest Option: Times Square's Official Stream
For those who want the ball drop without celebrity commentary or commercial breaks, the Times Square Alliance provides the most straightforward solution. Their free webcast begins at 6:00 PM ET when the ball is raised to the top of One Times Square. The commercial-free stream continues for 6.5 hours straight through midnight, featuring backstage access and interviews with performers and celebrities in Times Square.
Access the stream directly at TimesSquareNYC.org without any login required. The same feed broadcasts on the Times Square Alliance's YouTube channel, making it easy to watch on any device. For viewers needing accessibility features, a separate stream with open captions and American Sign Language interpretation is available.
This stream focuses entirely on the Times Square experience itself—the crowd energy, the countdown, the confetti, and the ball drop—without the distraction of studio hosts or cross-promotions. It's perfect for viewers who want to feel like they're actually standing in Times Square.
ABC: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest
The most-watched New Year's Eve broadcast returns for its longest edition ever, running from 8:00 PM ET until 4:00 AM ET. Ryan Seacrest hosts from Times Square alongside co-host Rita Ora, marking another year of the tradition he inherited from Dick Clark.
This year's broadcast expands beyond Times Square to include multiple locations and time zones. Chance the Rapper hosts the Central Time Zone countdown from Chicago's Riverwalk, marking the first time in 50 years that America closes the year in Chicago on national television. Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough co-host from Las Vegas, while Roselyn Sánchez hosts from Puerto Rico.
The performance lineup is stacked with 42 artists across all locations. Diana Ross headlines the Times Square midnight performance, with additional Times Square performances from Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, and Maren Morris. Post Malone performs from Nashville, while Chappell Roan takes the stage in Kansas City.
The West Coast party features an extensive lineup including Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Demi Lovato, Charlie Puth, New Kids on the Block, OneRepublic, Pitbull with Lil Jon, Madison Beer, and dozens more artists spanning multiple genres and generations.
How to Watch: Live on ABC starting at 8:00 PM ET. Cable-cutters can stream via Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, or DirecTV. The broadcast replays on Hulu starting January 1.
CNN: New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
For viewers seeking a more adult-oriented celebration with less polish and more spontaneity, CNN's coverage provides the perfect alternative. Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen return for their ninth consecutive year hosting from Times Square, starting at 8:00 PM ET and continuing until 12:30 AM ET.
Their broadcast has become famous for its unpredictable moments, genuine friendship dynamic, and yes, on-air drinking. The duo's chemistry and willingness to let loose creates must-see television that spawns viral moments year after year. Expect laughter, heartfelt conversations, and the occasional chaotic tangent.
This year's musical lineup includes Robyn performing live from Times Square (her first single in seven years dropped last month), Shakira from Florida, Brandy and Monica from their tour, Bryan Adams from Madison Square Garden, and Florence + The Machine. Comedy comes from Stephen Colbert, while other guests include Amy Sedaris, mentalist Oz Perlman, Brandi Carlile, Patti LaBelle, Sarah Sherman, and more.
After midnight, Sara Sidner and Cari Champion take over from Austin, Texas, counting down to the Central Time Zone's midnight with performances from Vince Gill and other artists.
How to Watch: Live on CNN starting at 8:00 PM ET. This year marks the first time CNN's New Year's Eve programming streams exclusively on their new subscription platform at CNN.com/AllAccess, available on mobile apps and smart TV apps. Pay TV subscribers can log in with their cable credentials. Also available via Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, and Sling TV (with news add-on).
NBC: A Toast to 2025!
NBC returns to New Year's Eve coverage after skipping last year, reuniting beloved TODAY personalities Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager for a two-hour special from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM ET. Rather than focusing solely on live performances, this special blends celebrity appearances, comedic commentary, and reflections on the year's biggest moments.
The broadcast brings together NBC's news and entertainment universe. TODAY anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, and Al Roker drop by, along with legendary skier Lindsey Vonn (gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics), figure skating commentator Johnny Weir, and Sunday Night Football host Maria Taylor.
Entertainment comes from NBC and Peacock stars including Howie Mandel, Kristin Chenoweth, Ethan Slater, Jim Gaffigan, David Alan Grier, Tiffany Haddish, and cast members from various network shows. The format creates a nostalgic, uplifting retrospective of 2025's most memorable moments while counting down to midnight.
How to Watch: Live on NBC starting at 10:30 PM ET. Stream via Peacock or live TV streaming services carrying NBC.
CBS: New Year's Eve Live - Nashville's Big Bash
For country music fans or those seeking an alternative to Times Square, CBS broadcasts from downtown Nashville with a five-hour celebration focused on live performances. The special airs in two segments: 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT and 10:30 PM-1:30 AM ET/PT.
Comedian Bert Kreischer and country artist HARDY host the festivities from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The lineup features headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, with special guests including CeCe Winans, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Marcus King, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Nashville celebrates with its own Music Note Drop at the Bicentennial Stage, offering a distinct alternative to the traditional Times Square ball. Social media correspondent Haley Baylee reports from New York City to count down with the East Coast at midnight before returning focus to Nashville's Central Time Zone celebration.
How to Watch: Live on CBS starting at 8:00 PM ET. Stream on Paramount+ or via live TV services carrying CBS.
Other Streaming Options
Fox 5 NY Live Coverage: Fox 5 New York provides unanchored, commercial-free coverage of Times Square via their YouTube channel and FOX LOCAL app. This raw feed gives viewers the purest Times Square experience available with professional camera work but without the celebrity hosting.
PBS: From Vienna - The New Year's Celebration 2026: For those wanting something completely different, PBS airs the traditional Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Day concert at 8:00 PM ET on January 1. Available via PBS.org and the PBS app, this highbrow alternative celebrates classical music in elegant style.
Don Lemon's New Year's Eve Special: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon hosts his own celebration streaming free across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitch, and Substack. The special includes both East Coast and Central Time Zone countdowns, with the main celebration at midnight New Orleans time. Find links at DonLemon.com.
Regional Broadcasts
Chicago hosts the Central Time Zone countdown as part of Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve, with free public festivities at the Riverwalk featuring fireworks over the Chicago River. Minors must be accompanied by adults due to city curfew policies. The event streams on ABC starting at 7:00 PM Chicago time.
New Orleans, Austin, Nashville, Las Vegas, and other cities also host significant celebrations, many of which receive coverage on the major network broadcasts or regional television stations.
International Coverage
CNN dispatches correspondents worldwide to capture celebrations as the new year arrives in different time zones. Coverage includes Sydney, Tokyo, Harbin, Hong Kong, Paris, Luanda, Madrid, Edinburgh, Rio de Janeiro, and other cities. This allows viewers to experience how the world celebrates across cultures and continents.
Mobile and Smart TV Apps
Most major broadcasts are accessible via network apps on smart TVs, phones, and tablets:
- ABC app with cable login
- NBC app or Peacock for NBC content
- CBS app or Paramount+ for CBS programming
- CNN app with subscription or cable credentials
- YouTube for Times Square Alliance and Fox 5 NY streams
- FOX LOCAL app for Fox coverage
Replay Options
Can't stay awake until midnight? Several options offer next-day replays:
- Dick Clark's Rockin' Eve replays on Hulu starting January 1
- NBC's A Toast to 2025 becomes available on Peacock
- CBS content appears on Paramount+ after airing
- YouTube streams often remain available for viewing
Choosing Your Experience
Your ideal viewing option depends on your preferences:
For tradition and biggest stars: ABC's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest delivers the classic experience with top-tier performers.
For adult humor and spontaneity: CNN's Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen provide unpredictable entertainment with a cocktail.
For country music: CBS takes you to Nashville for a honky-tonk New Year.
For nostalgia and reflection: NBC's retrospective with Hoda and Jenna celebrates the year's highlights.
For pure Times Square: The official Times Square Alliance stream offers unfiltered access without commercial interruption.
Technical Tips
Ensure smooth streaming by:
- Testing your internet connection beforehand
- Downloading apps in advance
- Confirming your cable/subscription login works
- Having a backup streaming option ready
- Starting early to catch pre-midnight performances
With near-freezing temperatures forecast for New York City, watching from home offers comfort without sacrificing the experience. Multiple screens let you sample different broadcasts simultaneously—have the Times Square stream on your TV, Cooper and Cohen on your tablet, and check in on Nashville via your phone.
No matter how you choose to watch, 2026 arrives at the same moment for everyone. The only question is: which celebration will you join to welcome it?
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