2026 Times Square Numerals: When They Arrive & Where to See Them -

Bold, bright, and full of promise, the shining Times Square Numerals are one of the most iconic symbols of New Year’s Eve in New York City. Every year, millions wait for the moment they light up alongside the ball drop, confetti, and fireworks, marking the final countdown to midnight.

What most people don’t know: you can actually see, and strike a pose next to, these 7-foot-tall 2026 numerals, each made up of 500+ LED bulbs, weeks before New Year’s Eve, right in Times Square.

2026 Numeral Arrival in Times Square

Before they take their place atop One Times Square, the 2026 Times Square numerals go on public display at Duffy Square in Times Square. Here’s everything you need to know:

🗓️ They arrive on December 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. and will be displayed until December 22, 2025
📍Duffy Square, 7th Ave & 46th Street, New York

Get a close-up look at one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve symbols in NYC, weeks before the countdown begins ✨

💡Pro tip: Visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds, or just before sunset to see the 2026 Times Square numerals glow beautifully against One Times Square.

New Year’s Eve in Times Square

At the stroke of midnight, on December 31, 2025, the 2026 Times Square numerals illuminate alongside the Times Square Ball Drop, officially welcoming the new year with fireworks and cheers from around the world.

Planning to attend? Check out my New Year’s Eve in Times Square guide for local, firsthand tips on what to expect, where to stand, and how to survive the night.

Fun Facts About the Numerals

🌐 Eco-Friendly: The LED lights used in the 2026 Times Square numerals consume about the same amount of energy as a household hairdryer.
🔥 Global Reach: More than 1 billion people worldwide tune in to watch the numerals light up on New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
🎨 Repurposed: After New Year’s Eve, previous-year numerals are often reused for special events, installations, or exhibitions.