The patriotic touches at this year's New Year's Eve Times Square gathering, including a second confetti drop, will offer an early glimpse of what’s ahead: hundreds of events and programs, big and small, planned nationwide to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Backpacks are banned in the viewing areas, as are alcohol, large bags, umbrellas, chairs, picnic blankets, drones, large coolers and weapons.

From jumbo shrimp to giant shoes, some cities celebrate the new year with their own unique ball drop centered around the area and its quirks.

The annual popcorn ball drop began in 2012 and has since become one of the most distinctive New Year’s Eve celebrations in the region. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the six-foot popcorn ball is displayed outside the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop, drawing visitors who stop to take photos and ask questions about the tradition.

It will mark the first time in 120 years there will be a ball drop in Times Square that doesn't occur on New Year's Eve.

Celebrate 2026 in style with these five Arizona New Year's Eve events. From pinecone to taco drops, Arizona has a little bit of everything.

Celebrate the end of 2025 with a night filled with live music, comedy shows, town ball drops and even a few rounds of bowling. Here are local venues hosting New Year's Eve parties to ring in 2026: Revelers gather in Lindenhurst for the village’s annual New Year’s Eve ball drop celebration. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara