On December 31st, the world-renowned landmark, known as the “Crossroads of the World,” New York City’s Times Square once again became the global focal point. As night fell, people from around the world flocked to Midtown Manhattan, gathering to participate in the grandest New Year’s Eve countdown event of the year. A young traveler from Japan expressed his hopes for the new year, wishing to “become a stronger, kinder, and more sincere person.”
The crystal ball used on New Year’s Day 2026 was designed as the ninth generation, featuring a circular crystal structure cut into three different sizes symbolizing “infinite joy, infinite brightness, and infinite beginnings.” Through the combination of light and technology, the crystal ball shone brightly in the night sky.
Early afternoon, a large number of spectators crowded the streets of Midtown Manhattan, including many Asian faces. Many traveled from far and wide, some even taking flights specifically to witness this globally anticipated moment. Saul Cuerquis from the Philippines, along with his family of eight from New Jersey, secured a prime spot near the building where the crystal ball rises and descends. The family posed for a photo in front of the camera, unable to contain their excitement. Saul shared that his family had lived in New York for 6 years, and now being able to return to Times Square with his family felt like “coming home,” wishing his family health, happiness, and success in all endeavors.
Many young faces experiencing their first New Year’s Eve countdown could be seen at the scene. Three female university students from South Korea stood under the crystal ball for the first time to welcome the new year, displaying a mix of excitement and nervousness. Kim Riwon hoped for a smooth year ahead and academic success, while Kim Damhee wished to spend more time with her family and travel together, blessing them with happiness and health. Yook Yeeun candidly expressed her biggest wish for the new year was to “save more money to make life better.” The trio exchanged blessings, adding warmth to the cold night.
The story of another group of Korean students was equally touching. Some arrived from Canada, while others flew directly from Korea to New York. Though initially strangers, they became friends at the event sharing the same dream of celebrating the New Year. Heejin Kim mentioned they had arrived at the venue at 9:30 in the morning, realizing a dream nurtured over many years, hoping for luck, safety, and health of their families in the upcoming year. Hanna Pak described it as a wonderful journey, meeting many friends while traveling alone. In the crowd, a Korean girl, Gyeongmin Jeong, publicly professed her love to her partner, Jung Eunwoo, eliciting cheers and applause from all around.
Another young traveler from Japan, Daichi Kurihara, also fulfilled his New Year’s wish. He arrived at the scene at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and barely ate anything throughout the day to secure the best viewing spot. Standing and waiting for the crystal ball to descend was a significant and unforgettable experience for him. His journey spanned Japan, Canada, and the United States, starting with admiring the magnificent Northern Lights in Canada and ending in New York to ring in the new year. He aspired to become a stronger, kinder person in the new year, achieve success in his career and financial aspects, and wished for the well-being of his family.
The long wait was a common memory of the New Year’s Eve at Times Square. Wang Weimin from Taiwan entered the viewing area at 2 p.m. and stood in place for over 9 hours. He described himself as “very lucky to have a great position,” although he had to time his restroom breaks and avoid drinking water to keep his spot, as once lost, it couldn’t be regained. Wang expressed that such an experience was “once in a lifetime,” yet still worth it, making a New Year’s wish for world peace, peace in Taiwan, and the good health of his family.
Ivy, an exchange student from China currently studying in New York, arrived at 9:30 in the morning on the same day with her Japanese classmates, welcoming her first New Year’s Eve celebration at Times Square. Having lived in Japan for around 10 years, she aspired to become a translator and pursue a career in Japan. Her greatest wish was for her family’s safety and health, hoping to succeed in her studies in 2026 and blessing those around her with happiness every day.
Furthermore, a mother and her two daughters from Canada arrived at the venue at 11:30 in the morning, huddling together in the cold wind while waiting for the countdown. The elder daughter Nevaeh and her sister Jakoya were both students, and their mother Tanya specially accompanied them from afar. Tanya offered sincere blessings, hoping for everyone to have a safe, healthy, brave, and strong new year, emphasizing that every person has a unique mission to fulfill.
This year’s New Year’s Eve held historical significance as the organizers arranged two celebration events for the first time. After the crystal ball descended at midnight, it was lit up again and ascended at 12:04 a.m., symbolically starting the celebration of the United States’ 250th founding anniversary with red, white, and blue lights and confetti.
As the approximately six-hour-long performance neared its end, approaching 11:59 p.m., the whole venue gradually fell quiet, waiting with bated breath. The numbers on the giant screen started the 60-second countdown, and as the crystal ball slowly descended amidst the countdown, cheers erupted as 2026 officially arrived, with confetti falling like snow, people embracing each other, exchanging blessings.