As the iconic ball descended in New York City's Times Square, nearly one million jubilant celebrants welcomed the dawn of 2026 with unprecedented enthusiasm and collective hope.

The massive crowd gathered in the heart of Manhattan represented a powerful symbol of global unity, marking the start of a new year with dazzling fireworks and shared excitement.

From the West Coast's Seattle Space Needle to Australia's stunning Sydney Harbor Bridge, international celebrations illuminated the night sky, demonstrating the world's synchronized joy.

NBC's Emilie Ikeda captured the electric atmosphere for TODAY, highlighting the remarkable scenes of festivity that transcended geographical boundaries.

The celebrations in Times Square—a time-honored tradition—served as a beacon of optimism, with revelers bundled against the winter chill but united in their anticipation of new beginnings.

As the massive crystal ball completed its descent, cheers erupted, confetti swirled, and a collective sense of possibility filled the air, symbolizing humanity's enduring spirit of hope and renewal.