Get Ready for the Ultimate Countdown: 2025 Times Square NYE Reveals Star Performers

Times Square in New York City revealed its lineup and schedule for Thursday’s 2025 New Year’s Eve Celebration.

For nearly 120 years, Times Square has been the iconic destination for New Year’s Eve countdowns. Known for its dazzling displays and vibrant atmosphere, the area draws approximately 50 million visitors annually, with over 1 million people gathering in the square each New Year’s Eve to ring in the new year.

The Times Square New Year’s Eve event is famous for its star-studded performances, featuring some of the biggest names in music. Last year, the stage saw performances by Sabrina Carpenter, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion. The event has also welcomed global stars, including Psy in 2012, BTS in 2020, and J-Hope in 2023.

This year’s celebration promises another exciting lineup: Rita Ora, Carrie Underwood, Jonas Brothers, Megan Moroney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, TLC, Greeicy, De La Ghetto, and Kapo.

A special highlight of this year’s festivities is the Spring Festival Celebration, presented by the Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA). This cultural performance will celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, which was added to the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 5. The showcase will feature traditional Chinese dances, opera, and a stunning red and gold fireworks display to cap off the performance.

The celebration will also include several special segments throughout the night. One of the key moments will be a commemoration of New York City’s 400th anniversary, complete with interviews from attendees. The Associated Press will also present a video compilation of 2024’s Most Memorable Events.

The Hourly Kia Countdown will begin at 6:00 PM. It will feature live performances and a countdown to midnight every hour. The countdown will be marked by fireworks from the top of One Times Square, and the Kia Motors logo will be displayed as part of the celebration.

At midnight, Times Square will once again host its iconic Ball Drop, a New Year’s Eve tradition that has become a symbol of the holiday. The performance features a crystal ball descending from the top of the One Times Square building, revealing the numerals for the new year. The moment will be accompanied by fireworks and a shower of wish papers—colorful scraps of paper filled with New Year’s wishes from visitors. These colorful papers will flutter through the air, creating a captivating scene as the new year begins.

The event will run from 6:00 PM on December 31 to midnight on January 1. Throughout the evening, additional screens will be set up along the streets of Times Square to provide live coverage of the performances, allowing everyone in the area to enjoy the celebration.