How to Watch the Times Square Ball Drop in 2025

Indulge me for a moment—I love watching the Times Square Ball Drop every New Year’s Eve.

Before you assume I’ve gone completely mad, let me clarify that you won’t catch this New Yorker competing for an unobstructed view of the Manhattan madness. Not in this lifetime, anyway—and certainly not when over a million people are jostling for a glimpse of the 11,875-pound geodesic sphere that, dare I say it, seems more petite in person. I learned my lesson the first time I ventured into the chaos of Times Square on New Year’s Eve—and I vowed never to do so again. Unless, of course, your idea of fun means standing outside for hours in the heart of New York City. (Seriously, revelers start gathering at 3 p.m.)

But if you’re like me (with a teeny tiny bladder and a strong aversion to frostbite), fear not. I’ve since found easier ways to revel in the symbolism of the glittering orb heralding a new year of dreams and growth—whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party, heading to an indoor viewing area, or cocooned in the comfort of your bed. Because when it comes to celebrating the countdown, there’s no need to sacrifice your style, sanity, or bladder.

Here’s how to watch the ball drop from anywhere but Times Square—you can thank me later.

How to watch on TV

Ryan Seacrest celebrates his 20th year as host alongside co-host Rita Ora, who is back for a second year. This year’s headliner is Carrie Underwood, who will perform a medley of her biggest hits just before midnight. Additional performances include Lenny Kravitz, Teddy Swims, Tinashe, Cody Johnson, and Thomas Rhett. Dayanara Torres returns to host the Spanish-language countdown from Puerto Rico.

Catch the celebration live on ABC starting at 8 p.m. EST, with next-day streaming on Hulu.

Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen return for their eighth consecutive year as co-hosts, live from Times Square. The special begins at 8 p.m. EST on CNN and will feature musical performances by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Sting, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, Diplo, Lil Jon, and Mickey Guyton, who will perform “Imagine” live from Times Square. Comedians Whitney Cummings, Amy Sedaris, Sasheer Zamata, Ziwe, and Adam Devine are also slated to appear. At 12:30 a.m., Sara Sidner and Cari Champion will take over the celebration, counting down to the new year as the Central Time Zone rings in 2025 from Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas.