New York rings in 2026 at Times Square

From Time Square to the streets of London, Madrid, and Rio, millions around the world rang in 2026 with spectacle, tradition, and reflection. Here's a look at how the world welcomed the new year with the US marking a historic milestone. New York City rang in 2026 with a fame Time Square ball drop. Crowds bundled up against the chilly temperatures as the ball, covered in more than 5,000 crystals, descended down a pole. [Applause] The revelers were treated to a surprise as the ball was reit, white, and blue before rising again to mark the start of the United States 250th year. It was a significant moment for many among the thousands who are there to witness it. >> Oh, I think it's awesome. We both serve the country, so it's special to us as veterans, so it's cool to be here. Well, our our country is strong and it's it's amazing that we've been here for 250 years and we're hopeful to be here for another 250 years going forward. >> Happy to be American. Proud to be here. Proud to welcome people from all over the world. >> Across the Atlantic 5 hours earlier, London Mayor Sadi Khan welcomed in 2026 along thousands of merry makers by the river temps. Khan said the city had been working on the celebration for months. With more than 12,000 fireworks as well as lights and animation, spectators watch as the iconic London Eye took center stage. [Applause] [Music] >> For me, it's one of my dream to look at the celebration in this um because of the building and the the fair work together. So, it's really excited we just do did here and yes, I just achieved one of my dream. I'm so excited of that. [Music] >> And in Madrid, Spain, a unique tradition to ring in the new year. As the clock struck 12 on the Rio Kasa de Coros, the headquarters of Madrid's regional government, revelers ate one grape for every chime of the bell. Compare that to the more than 2 million partygoers who gathered at Rio de Janeiro's famed Copa Cabana Beach. An estimated 15,000 people squeezed into the square. It's amazing. It's the first time I came. It's beautiful. I can't describe it. It's very emotional. >> Rio's New Year's Eve celebration has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the biggest New Year's Eve celebration in the world.