T
his New Year’s Eve a larger, newly designed Waterford crystal sphere will fall from a freshly renovated tower over Times Square, heralding a fresh chapter for the iconic ball drop. The building, now a 21‑floor interactive hub, aims to serve as a 21st‑century visitor’s center for the bustling square.
Guests can book intimate wedding ceremonies at Ever, indulge in sweets at iCandy, explore the structure’s history through exhibits and virtual tours, stroll across a glass balcony, and enjoy panoramic river‑to‑river views that will be especially striking during June’s Manhattanhenge sunsets. A “not shlock” gift shop and a pay‑per‑use restroom on the seventh floor add quirky touches.
A select few will touch the new ball, which will feature round, bubble‑shaped crystals instead of the current triangular pattern. The sphere will be officially unveiled later this year, while three earlier balls will remain on display. Those who opt for the Ball Access Experience receive guided tours, exclusive access to the 19th‑floor viewing deck, and photos with the 25‑floor ball as it descends its 139‑foot pole for visitors to touch. The pricier Premium Ball Experience, available to 5,200 guests, adds the chance to take home a Wedgwood crystal from the 2025 ball, place a new 2026 Waterford crystal on the sphere, and broadcast a personalized New Year’s message that will flash in Morse code on the building’s historic news ticker. The ticker, operational since 1928 and used to announce the end of World War II, originally served the New York Times newsroom, which employed Morse code for global communication.
The new visitor center, dubbed Times Travel, opens in 2026 and offers a “time‑flies” narrative with virtual rides culminating at a 360‑degree deck. Visitors can inscribe a message on confetti that will be part of the 3,000‑pound drop at midnight. Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, praised the building’s role as the crossroads of the world and its new public access, noting the innovative experiences that will welcome hundreds of thousands of daily visitors.
During a recent tour, the reporter stepped onto the Skywalk’s glass floor encircling the building, enjoying a sweeping east‑to‑west view from river to river. The new terraces provide expansive vistas of the Bow‑Tie area, including a two‑level observation deck that will host some New Year’s Eve festivities. Glass safety barriers enhance viewing while minimizing billboard glare.
OneTimesSquare.com is already accepting expressions of interest for Ever Vow engagements, promises, vow renewals, and weddings next year. Packages, ranging from $500 to $2,500, cater to groups of ten or fewer. Phillips described the wedding experience as “dynamic and iconic,” with photos taken on the 15th‑floor balcony before heading into the city for celebration—a hybrid of City Hall and a Las Vegas chapel.
The iCandy NYC complex, spanning floors ten to thirteen, showcases dazzling, Instagram‑ready displays, unique sweets, and a candy store. Phillips called it a “90‑minute experience” that embodies Times Square 3.0. Harris added that the development will be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood, congratulating Jamestown on this milestone.
