New York City’s preparations for the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration took a major step forward this week with the arrival of the giant numerals that will mark the coming year above Times Square. On Thursday morning holiday visitors and residents alike gathered to see the seven-foot tall “2026” numerals arrive at Broadway Plaza between 46th and 47th Streets ahead of the December 31 celebration at One Times Square.
The numerals were placed on the plaza in Duffy Square this morning and will remain there for public viewing and photos through the morning of Tuesday, December 23. Members of the public have already been stopping by to take pictures and share their excitement for the approaching holiday.
Each figure stands seven feet tall and together they create a bold and festive reminder that the New Year countdown is just weeks away. According to local reports there are 589 bulbs across the four numerals with individual counts of 145 in each of the two, 164 in the zero and 135 in the six. Officials performed a practice lighting to ensure that all of the bulbs shine brightly when the time comes.
After their public display period in Duffy Square the numerals will be taken down briefly before being hoisted up to the top of One Times Square, where they will form the final part of the illuminated “2026” sign. That sign will light up at the stroke of midnight on December 31 to officially welcome the new year in a moment broadcast around the world.
The arrival of the numerals is one of many steps in the annual build up to the famed Times Square ball drop, a tradition dating back to 1907 when the first ball was dropped atop One Times Square during a New Year’s Eve event organized by the New York Times.
In addition to the numerals, the city is preparing other elements of the celebration, including ticketed preview experiences at One Times Square that give visitors closer access to the New Year’s Eve ball and a new viewing deck overlooking the event. The arrival of the “2026” numerals is a visible sign that the holiday season is in full swing in the city.
