Photos: New Year celebrations in New York as Big Apple welcomes 2026
Photos capture New Year celebrations in New York as crowds gather in Times Square for the iconic ball drop, welcoming 2026 with confetti, cheers and bright city lights.
Staying in New York, Times Square turned into a sea of colour as confetti filled the air and crowds rang in the new year. Smiling faces, raised hands and bright lights took over the heart of the city, setting the scene for what will surely be a massive clean-up once the celebrations fade on New Year’s Day. (Pic source: AP)People hugged, laughed and posed for photos as confetti stuck to jackets, hats and hair. Giant screens flashing “Happy New Year” glowed behind the falling paper, while the famous billboards lit up the night sky. (Pic source- AP)At exactly midnight, the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball dropped in Times Square, marking New York’s official entry into 2026. Fireworks burst overhead, confetti rained down, and cheers echoed through streets packed wall to wall with revellers. (Pic source- AP)Despite chilly weather, the crowds showed up in force. Around one million people were estimated to have gathered in Times Square to watch the ball drop, according to CBS News.(Pic source- AP)Cold night, warm energy — Times Square packed shoulder to shoulder for the countdown. (Pic source- AP)Billboards blazing, confetti floating, and a new year officially underway. (Pic source- AP)When the clock hits midnight and the whole city throws a party at once. (pic source- AP)Earlier in the day, New York police had shared road closures and entry points, reminding everyone that safety was the top priority as the city prepared for one of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve gatherings. (Pic source- X/NYPD)While New York celebrated, some parts of the world were still counting down. Cities like Mexico City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Honolulu were waiting their turn as the clock slowly ticked toward 2026. (Pic source- AP)
