It’s almost time to send 2020 packing and ring in the new year with the annual Ball Drop at Times Square in New York. Like most things, this year’s celebration is going to look a little different than usual since there will be no live audience allowed at the square. Instead, the event is taking a virtual turn with everything streaming online.
“One thing that will never change is the ticking of time and the arrival of a New Year at midnight on December 31st,” said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance, in a press release. “But this year there will be significantly new and enhanced virtual, visual and digital offerings to complement whatever limited live entertainment or experiences — still in development — will take place in Times Square.”
Jonathan Bennet is set to host the night’s events, with commercial-free coverage and performances from rising pop-stars and entertainers throughout the night.
“We will miss everyone this year, but we will bring our celebration to you, whether you want to turn off and turn away from the bad news of 2020, or turn to the new year with a sense of hope, renewal, and resolution, you’ll be able to join us virtually like never before as part of the Times Square 2021 celebration,” Jeff Strauss, president of Countdown Entertainment, which co-produces the event, said in the news release
When to Watch
The festivities begin December 31st at 6:00 PM EST.
Where to Watch
It airs on NBC from 10 to 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET. One of the least expensive ways to watch the show will be by using an antenna. A site like AntennaWeb will let you know which channel is your local NBC affiliate and what type of antenna will give you the best reception.
You can watch NBC without an antenna or cable with one of these streaming services:
YouTube TV ($65/month)
Hulu + Live ($65/month)
fubo TV ($65/month)
ATT TV Now ($55/month)
You can also stream the live webcast directly on their site here, and on your phone on NewYearseve.nyc and TimesSquareBall.net. You can also watch on social media via their Facebook and Twitter pages.