New Years Eve shows are the heart of how millions of Americans celebrate the transition from 2025 to 2026, featuring star-studded television broadcasts, live concerts, iconic countdown traditions, community celebrations, and jaw-dropping national spectacles. From Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve to local fireworks displays, this in-depth guide covers all of the confirmed New Years Eve shows across the United States, with real-time updates and verified details designed for a U.S. audience.
Whether you plan to watch at home, stream your favorites, attend live performances, or enjoy fireworks in your city, here is everything you need to know about the most current lineup of New Years Eve shows this season.
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What Are New Years Eve Shows — And Why They Matter in the U.S.
New Years Eve shows are more than just television broadcasts — they are cultural touchstones that unite families, friends, and entire communities across the country.
Every year, broadcasters, event organizers, and local governments produce an array of special programming that combines music, live countdowns, comedy, news commentary, and iconic traditions like the Times Square ball drop.
For millions of viewers, these shows provide a shared moment of energy and excitement as the clock ticks down to midnight and a fresh year begins.
In 2025, those traditions remain alive and evolving, with new features, historic celebrations, and updated programming spread across television, streaming platforms, and city events.
Nationally Televised New Years Eve Shows
Here are the major New Years Eve shows confirmed for broadcast across the U.S. this December 31, 2025:
🎤 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest
One of the most famous New Years Eve shows in television history returns for 2025.
Network: ABC
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Hosts: Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora
Coverage: Live from Times Square, with filmed segments and countdown celebrations from cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, and more
This year’s edition of Rockin’ Eve is set to be the longest and most expansive in the show’s history. It includes:
- Headlining performances from legendary artists like Diana Ross and Mariah Carey
- Guest appearances and sets from Demi Lovato, Post Malone, Charlie Puth, Zara Larsson, AJR, Madison Beer, The All-American Rejects, Pitbull, and others
- Return performances by iconic acts including New Kids on the Block, 4 Non Blondes, and the Goo Goo Dolls
- Dance-centric segments featuring DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live! with artists like Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean
- A new Central Time countdown hosted from Chicago Riverwalk by Chance the Rapper
- Additional satellite broadcasts from Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, and more
The show airs from 8:00 p.m. Eastern and continues late into the early morning on January 1, making it one of the most jam-packed New Years Eve shows of the year. It also streams on platforms like Hulu the next day and audio simulcasts on iHeartRadio stations nationwide.
This version of Rockin’ Eve marks a highly anticipated night of performances and festivities for viewers across the country.
🎼 New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
For country music fans, this is one of the top New Years Eve shows of the season.
Network: CBS
Hosts: Comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY
Theme: A full night of country music, jams, and party vibes
The Big Bash highlights Nashville’s musical roots, featuring major country artists including Jason Aldean and Lainey Wilson, along with surprise guests and live performances from Music City.
This show blends concert energy, humor, and a midnight countdown atmosphere that contrasts the pop-centric feel of Times Square.
The Nashville Big Bash airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+, giving country music lovers a full night of entertainment leading into 2026.
📺 CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
One of the most talked-about New Years Eve shows combines news coverage with spontaneous entertainment.
Network: CNN
Hosts: Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Style: Live news meets entertainment, from the heart of Times Square
This broadcast stands out because it balances real-time crowd interaction, celebrity guests, humorous commentary, and live performance clips from around the U.S. and the world.
This year’s show features performances from artists like Shakira, Patti LaBelle, Florence + the Machine, Robyn, and celebrity appearances by Stephen Colbert and others. Cooper and Cohen bring a lively and spontaneous feel, giving audiences both laughs and coverage of the midnight countdown.
CNN’s broadcast also continues its tradition of making the experience feel like a party at home, with lots of unscripted moments that distinguish it from other New Years Eve shows.
📺 NBC’s A Toast to 2025!
NBC’s New Years Eve show takes a slightly different approach.
Network: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Rather than focusing on performances alone, A Toast to 2025! offers a pop culture retrospective of the year’s biggest moments — from entertainment milestones to memorable viral sensations — with commentary from celebrity personalities.
The broadcast culminates with the midnight countdown for viewers who enjoy a reflective and celebratory wrap-up of the year along with live moments from Times Square.
🎉 Jonas Brothers New Year’s Eve Countdown
If you want a New Years Eve show with a fun, youthful party vibe, this is a great option.
Platform: Samsung TV Plus
Hosts: The Jonas Brothers
Start Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Location: Live from Florida
This music-heavy show is geared toward fans who enjoy pop performances, DJ sets, and a high-energy countdown leading up to midnight.
The Jonas Brothers’ special brings in a fresh audience and adds variety to the mix of traditional network New Years Eve shows.
📺 Univision’s ¡Feliz 2026!
Spanish-language viewers also have a long-running tradition to watch.
Network: Univision
Program: ¡Feliz!, the annual New Years Eve special that combines music, celebrity appearances, and countdowns from multiple U.S. cities.
This show typically begins in the evening and blends Spanish-language artists and cultural elements into its celebrations, offering a vibrant alternative for millions of viewers.
Times Square and the 250th Anniversary Celebration
One of the most exciting updates for New Years Eve shows in 2025 is tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. As the country prepares for the Semiquincentennial in 2026, the 2025–2026 Times Square ball drop has taken on historic significance.
🗽 Times Square Ball Drop Gets Historic Upgrade
For the first time in over a century, the iconic Times Square ball drop is undergoing major changes.
The new “Constellation Ball” is the largest in history, measuring 12.5 feet in diameter and adorned with more than 5,000 Waterford crystals. It symbolizes a new era of celebration designed to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Not only will the ball drop at midnight on December 31, but for the first time, organizers plan a second ball drop on July 3, 2026, as part of the official America250 festivities — marking a shift in how New Years Eve shows can connect to broader national milestones.
To salute the anniversary, the ball’s design will feature patriotic lighting and LED animations, invoking American themes as the nation enters 2026. This moment is expected to be one of the most watched and shared elements of New Years Eve shows this year.
Live Performances and On-Site Event Updates
🎙 Times Square Main Stage Schedule
This year’s Times Square lineup includes an expansive roster of performers and live activities throughout the evening. The Stars and showcases have confirmed performances at Times Square’s stages, including:
- Mark Ambor, Mickey Guyton, Rita Ora, Carrie Underwood, and the Jonas Brothers
- Sets from world music acts like Sophie Ellis-Bextor, TLC, Megan Moroney, and others
- Cultural showcases, dance performances, and special tributes integrated into the celebration
The Times Square event also features hourly countdowns, interactive crowd experiences, and thematic segments celebrating the spirit of New Year’s Eve shows.
Programming begins early in the evening with festivities, music, and special announcements, building momentum toward the midnight drop and confetti finale.
Regional and Local New Years Eve Shows Across America
National broadcasts are only part of the story. Many local celebrations also serve as cornerstone New Years Eve shows that are free to the public or community focused.
🔥 Seattle Center New Year’s Eve at the Center
Seattle’s New Year’s Eve show at the Center offers a night of music, light, comedy, and one of the nation’s most iconic fireworks displays. With live music and immersive entertainment leading into midnight, it’s one of the Pacific Northwest’s flagship New Years Eve shows.
This event — presented by Alaska Airlines — includes performances on outdoor stages, laugh-filled segments from local comedians, and a fireworks spectacle synchronized to light and music.
🎆 Fireworks in Major U.S. Cities
Across the country, cities like Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and others host their own New Years Eve shows with major fireworks displays:
- Las Vegas rolls out one of the country’s largest coordinated fireworks shows above the Strip
- Miami hosts waterfront celebrations and fireworks cruises on Biscayne Bay
- New Orleans features its famous fleur-de-lis drop and fireworks at Jackson Square
- Philadelphia and other cities light up harborfronts, parks, and downtown areas with family-friendly festivals
These shows may not always be major television broadcasts, but they are huge attractions for locals and visitors alike, often paired with live music, food festivals, and downtown parties.
Live Concerts: The Heart of New Years Eve Shows
Beyond televised specials, major concerts form a significant part of New Years Eve entertainment:
- Headlining concerts occur in arenas, theaters, and outdoor venues across large cities
- DJs and musical acts perform extended countdown sets before midnight
- Many venues host multi-artist lineups that transition into officially recognized New Years Eve shows
From country to pop to rock, live music amplifies the excitement of New Years Eve shows and provides a dynamic, immersive way to welcome 2026.
How and When to Watch New Years Eve Shows
Here’s a simple timeline in Eastern Time to help you plan your viewing:
| Time (ET) | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. | Times Square livestream kickoff |
| 7:00–8:00 p.m. | Early New Years Eve shows begin |
| 8:00 p.m. | Major national TV broadcasts start |
| 10:00 p.m. | Music-focused countdown events begin |
| 11:50 p.m. | Final live segments before midnight |
| 11:59 p.m. | Times Square Ball Drop and Midnight Countdown |
| After Midnight | Encore performances and wrap news |
Television: ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, Univision
Streaming: Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, Samsung TV Plus, News apps
Online: Times Square webcast, social media live streams
Choosing the Right New Years Eve Shows for You
With so many options, deciding where to ring in the New Year can be fun but overwhelming.
Consider your preferences:
- Music lovers: National specials with star performers
- Country fans: Nashville’s Big Bash
- Pop & youth audiences: Jonas Brothers countdown
- Spanish-language viewers: Univision’s ¡Feliz!
- Local energy: City fireworks and community shows
- News & commentary: CNN’s live broadcast
Each show offers a different flavor of celebration, so you can slice and match events based on how you want to welcome 2026.
The New Years Eve shows of 2025–2026 are shaping up to be some of the most exciting in recent memory — blending tradition with fresh performances, historic upgrades to iconic moments, and celebrations that reflect the full diversity of U.S. entertainment.
Which New Years Eve show will you watch this year? Let us know in the comments below!