Times Square unveils new crystal ball ahead of 2026 NYE Celebration

NEW YORK (CBS, KYMA) - The annual New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square is getting a makeover this year.

Organizers unveiled a new crystal ball Monday, only the ninth iteration since the holiday tradition began in 1907. The new ball was covered in 5,280 Waterford crystals, nearly twice as many as the previous one.

It debuted during a special ceremony at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, marking its inaugural ascent up the 139-foot pole atop One Times Square.

The ceremony also included a ribbon cutting for a new 360-degree viewing deck overlooking Times Square.

The previous ball has been retired and will be on display as part of a new Times Travel immersive experience that's set to open in 2026, organizers say.

Also happening Monday, Saks Fifth Avenue unveiled its holiday window displays in Manhattan. The store's iconic holiday light show is set to return following a hiatus last year.

Monday's lighting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern at the flagship location on Fifth Avenue.

The American Museum of Natural History is also opening its annual Origami holiday tree Monday, called "New Beginnings."

The museum says this year's tree celebrates the species that evolved after an asteroid ended the dinosaur age, ushering in new life.

New York City is getting into the holiday spirit, as the city prepares for the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this week, as well.