2026 is off to ugly start with bizarre NYC party glasses

The new year is getting off to an ugly start.

New Yorkers and tourists alike are slamming the bizarre latest rendition of the Big Apple’s kitschy 2026 New Year’s party glasses.

The $3.99 shiny shades being hawked at Times Square gift shops show off a massive “200!” with both zeros serving as the lenses — with the “26” for some reason dangling above them.

“That’s trash! Can’t do it!” said Katie Barling, who is visiting the Big Apple from Northern California, on Tuesday.

“It’s not working, we have to stop,” the 43-year-old said of the gimmick. “Even 2010 might’ve been too much.” 

Another Manhattan passer-by named Merill described the new eyeglass wear as “pretty tacky.

“Are you supposed to add the zeros to the ‘26’? Like am I doing math now?” they griped.

Izzy Leonard agreed that the annual glasses are “getting out of hand.

“I liked it in the beginning, and now it’s just getting worse and worse,” said Leonard, 28, who is celebrating the new year at a party in downtown Manhattan.

“Why is the 26 near my forehead? And why do we need the exclamation mark?”

Lilian Redd of South Carolina said, “They’re a little goofy looking to me.

“I think I’ll stick to the necklaces and hats.” 

Even more recognizable versions of new-year “2026” glasses were not enticing to many, mostly because they leave little room to actually see out of them.

A woman named Alexis brought her Irish grandparents to a gift shop and reached for a pair of glasses that simply said, “Happy New Year” across the top.

“I think they like these better because they can actually see through it,” she said of her older relatives, adding that she was planning to watch the ball drop from home.

“I prefer the shot-glass chain or the Minnie ears,” she said. “After a couple [drinks], it’s hard to peek through the number 2.” 

Still, the bizarre “200!26” glasses were not without their fans.

Giovanna Nobre, 22, who came to the Big Apple from Brazil to watch the ball drop in Times Square, said she preferred the option.

“It’s much more funkier than the regular version,” Nobre said.

Sherry Williams of Maryland said she hopes the overall tradition of the glasses continues — even if the numbers grow increasingly complicated.

“It’s incredible. It really connects you to the New Year.” Williams said.

“The glasses should go on forever!”