As the world prepares to usher in a brand new year, one tradition remains a constant on millions of television screens: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Now in its 54th annual edition, the iconic celebration returns on December 31, 2025, promising an eight-hour extravaganza of music, celebrity appearances, and, of course, the legendary Times Square ball drop. Hosting duties fall once again to Ryan Seacrest, who has helmed the event since 2008, with a star-studded roster of co-hosts and performers set to make this the longest—and perhaps most memorable—special in the show’s storied history.
According to Billboard, the broadcast kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC, with Seacrest joined on the Times Square stage by British singer and actress Rita Ora. The duo will guide viewers through the final hours of 2025, culminating in the midnight countdown that signals the dawn of 2026. But the party isn’t confined to New York: Chicago native Chance the Rapper will lead the first-ever live Central Time Zone countdown from his hometown, while former NFL star Rob Gronkowski and "Dancing With the Stars" host Julianne Hough take the reins in Las Vegas. This multi-city approach ensures that the celebration resonates from coast to coast.
The musical lineup is nothing short of dazzling. Headlining the night is none other than music legend Diana Ross, whose decades-spanning career and unmistakable voice make her a fitting choice for such a milestone occasion. She’ll be joined by an array of A-list performers, each bringing their own flavor to the festivities. Among the confirmed acts are Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, 50 Cent, Demi Lovato, Charlie Puth, Mariah Carey, Zara Larsson, and New Kids on the Block. The west coast will see DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic Live! featuring Busta Rhymes, T.I., and Wyclef Jean, while Post Malone is set to perform from Nashville and Chappell Roan from Kansas City. Other notable appearances include Pitbull, 4 Non Blondes, 6lack, AJR, BigXthaPlug, Filmore, Goo Goo Dolls, Jess Glynne, Jessie Murph, Jordan Davis, KPop Demon Hunters (featuring the singing voices of Huntrix – EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), Leon Thomas, Lil Jon, Madison Beer, OneRepublic, Rick Springfield, Russell Dickerson, The All-American Rejects, and Tucker Wetmore. As The Hollywood Reporter notes, "dozens more" are slated to appear, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste.
With such a sprawling lineup, it’s no wonder that Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve remains the most-watched New Year’s Eve celebration in the United States. Last year’s special drew more than 29 million total viewers at midnight, according to Nielsen live plus same-day data cited by The Hollywood Reporter. The show’s enduring appeal lies not just in its celebrity wattage but also in its ability to bring people together—whether in person at Times Square or virtually from living rooms across the country.
For those wondering how to tune in, the options are plentiful. The event will be broadcast live on ABC, but cord-cutters need not worry. Multiple streaming platforms are offering free trials or special discounts for the occasion. According to Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter, viewers can watch live via DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo TV (also with a five-day free trial and promotional pricing), Sling TV (half off the first month for new users), and Hulu + Live TV (which currently offers three months at $64.99 per month, bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+). After the promotional period, Hulu + Live TV subscriptions start at $82.99 per month. Sling TV’s Blue package, which includes ABC, is available at $50.99 per month, with the Orange & Blue combo discounted to $33 for the first month. DirecTV’s packages start at $29.99 per month after the trial, with regular pricing at $45.99 for the first month and $55.99 monthly thereafter. Fubo TV’s plans begin at $45.99 for the first month, rising to $55.99 in subsequent months, and include features like 1,000 hours of DVR and the ability to stream on up to 10 devices.
As The Wrap points out, this year’s special is the longest in the show’s history, running from 8 p.m. ET on December 31 until 4 a.m. EDT on January 1, 2026. While the live broadcast focuses on the East Coast’s midnight moment, the production’s reach spans all U.S. time zones. For those who miss the live airing, performances will be available to stream on Hulu beginning January 1, 2026, giving fans a chance to relive the night’s highlights at their leisure.
Each city brings its own unique flavor to the event. In New York’s Times Square, Seacrest and Ora will preside over the iconic ball drop, a tradition dating back to 1907. Chicago’s Central Time Zone countdown, helmed by Chance the Rapper, marks a first for the special, reflecting the show’s ongoing evolution and commitment to inclusivity. Out west, Las Vegas hosts Gronkowski and Hough, with a slew of high-energy acts lighting up the Strip. And with Nashville, Kansas City, and other locales joining the festivities, the celebration truly becomes a nationwide affair.
The production itself is a mammoth undertaking. The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the show is produced by Dick Clark Productions, with Seacrest, Michael Dempsey, and Barry Adelman serving as executive producers. The company, now under the umbrella of Penske Media Corporation, has maintained the event’s legacy while continuously updating its format to keep pace with changing viewing habits and audience expectations.
Beyond the music and spectacle, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve holds a special place in American pop culture. Its annual presence has made it a touchstone for generations, even popping up in beloved TV shows like "Friends." The blend of nostalgia and novelty—classic performances alongside contemporary hits—ensures that each year’s edition feels both familiar and fresh.
As midnight approaches and the world counts down together, the show’s enduring message of hope, unity, and celebration resonates more than ever. Whether you’re braving the cold in Times Square, dancing in your living room, or streaming from afar, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve invites everyone to be part of the moment. And with a lineup this stacked, 2026 is set to start on a high note.
With every detail in place—from the hosts and performers to the streaming options and city-by-city celebrations—this year’s special promises to deliver the energy, excitement, and sense of togetherness that viewers have come to expect. As the clock ticks down and the ball drops, one thing is certain: the tradition continues, and the party is just getting started.
