Waterford’s Global Head Bentley Hardwick Photo: Brad Balfour
Report by Brad Balfour, Arts Editor
As everyone who watched New Year’s Eve in New York City this 2025/26, a newly redesigned Times Square Ball –again with Waterford crystals was revealed. Unveiled in November, 2025, the new Ball — called The Constellation Ball — is adorned with 5,280 crystals and LED light pucks, nearly double the number of crystals as the previous Ball. It features circular crystals for the first time, provided by the official crystal maker of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball, Ireland’s Waterford. There are three different crystal sizes on the Ball: 1.5-inch, three-inch, and four-inch in diameter. Each crystal size features its own unique design, which will change annually and be installed anew each year.
The 2026 Waterford crystals celebrate the themes of Infinite Life, Infinite Liberty, Infinite Happiness. The design comes to life through interwoven curves and circular motifs which symbolize the shared ideals at the heart of America’s story.
These 2026 crystals mark the second installment of Waterford’s Infinite Edition, a multi-year design series created for the Ball. Launched in 2025 with the debut theme of “Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, Infinite Beginnings,” the series of three circular crystal disc sizes are all unified by an exploration of what it means to be infinite. As the official crystals of the Times Square Ball, Waterford’s craftsmanship, legacy, and design remain central to the nation’s most iconic New Year celebration.
The Constellation Ball is the ninth iteration of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball since its debut in 1907. Measuring 12.5 feet in diameter and weighing 12,350 pounds, it is the largest New Year’s Eve Ball yet.
In addition, earlier this month, One Times Square launched limited-time, ticketed experiences, inviting visitors inside the re-imagined building for a special holiday preview. Available through January 4th, 2026, the preview experiences include an opportunity for visitors to be among the first to see the famed New Year’s Eve Ball up-close ahead of the attraction’s grand opening later in 2026.
There’s also a take-home commemorative 2025 Crystal. Guests can also take in the Crossroads of the World from an elevated perspective on the 360-degree wraparound viewing deck featuring expansive river-to-river views overlooking Times Square. One Times Square is a 26-story building located at the intersection of 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue, and Broadway in the heart of Times Square. Originally built as the headquarters for the New York Times at the turn of the 20th century, the building is being re-imagined as a destination for experiential entertainment. The building has served as the focal point for the iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Celebration since 1907 and continues to play a central role in the world’s New Year’s Eve traditions.
Said Waterford’s Global Head Bentley Hardwick, ““For Waterford, being part of Times Square New Year’s Eve is about marking a moment that resonates far beyond midnight,”As the official crystal of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball, Waterford is proud to continue this partnership that brings our longstanding legacy of craftsmanship to this iconic symbol of global celebration.”
In her remarks at a media preview of the Ball, she noted, “For generations, the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball has marked a shared moment of reflection, hope, and renewal, watched by millions around the world. For more than 25 years, our crystal has illuminated this iconic celebration, and our continued collaboration with Times Square feels especially fitting as we unveil this year’s new design. Waterford has always been at the center of life’s most meaningful moments, and few moments are more powerful than welcoming a new year together.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief in craftsmanship, heritage, and the idea that what we create should carry meaning far beyond a single night. This year’s crystal design is a beautiful expression of that philosophy. Each piece is meticulously crafted, honoring Waterford’s centuries-old tradition of crystal making. The design reflects themes of continuity, unity, and forward momentum, and helps kick off America’s 250th- anniversary celebration. It is both a tribute to where we have been and a hopeful look toward what lies ahead.”
Added Times Square Alliance President and Times Square New Year’s Eve co-organizer Tom Harris, “Times Square New Year’s Eve is a moment the world shares, and the Ball is its most recognizable symbol,” “Installing the first crystals on the Ball is a big moment as we prepare to kick off the new year—one that brings the spirit of the celebration to life, right here in Times Square.”
The Times Square Alliance and One Times Square are the organizers of Times Square New Year’s Eve. The Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square so that it retains the energy, edge and distinctiveness that have made it an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life.
To visit the building or for further information go to: https://onetimessquare.com/ or onetimessquare.com