New Year 2027 Countdown — New York
New Year 2027 arrives in New York (EST, UTC−5) on Friday, January 1, 2027 at midnight local time. The Times Square Ball Drop marks the moment for over a billion viewers worldwide.
until midnight in New York (EST, UTC-05)
New Year's Eve in New York
New York's Times Square Ball Drop began on December 31, 1907, replacing fireworks banned due to fire concerns. The iconic crystal ball weighs nearly 12,000 pounds, measures 12 feet in diameter, and is covered with 2,688 crystal panels and 32,256 LED lights capable of creating over 16 million colors.
More than 100,000 people fill Times Square in person for New Year's Eve each year, enduring hours in cold temperatures. Surrounding blocks are sealed off for over a mile, creating a pedestrian celebration zone.
The tradition of dropping a ball at midnight was inspired by 19th-century naval time-balls used by sailors to synchronize their chronometers. New York's version was devised by newspaper publisher Adolph Ochs when fireworks at the new Times Tower building were banned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is New Year in New York?
New Year arrives in New York at midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5). In 2027, that is 05:00 UTC on January 1, 2027.
What is the Times Square Ball Drop?
The Times Square Ball Drop is a tradition dating back to December 31, 1907. A 12-foot crystal ball covered in 32,256 LED lights descends 70 feet down a flagpole atop One Times Square over exactly 60 seconds, reaching the bottom at midnight.
How many people watch New Year's Eve in Times Square?
Over 100,000 people gather in Times Square on New Year's Eve, with an estimated 1 billion viewers worldwide via television and live streams.
What time zone is New York on New Year's Eve?
New York is on Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5) on New Year's Eve. Daylight Saving Time ends in early November, so EST is in effect on December 31.