The countdown to 2026 at Times Square showcased an impressive display featuring four larger-than-life numerals, constructed using precisely 589 LED bulbs. This unique detail ignited enthusiasm within the crypto community, including remarks from former regulators now involved in the industry.
Highlighting the 589 LED Experience
Local broadcasts and behind-the-scenes videos revealed the installation of the 2026 numerals mounted at One Times Square, which comprised a total of 589 eco-friendly LED lights.

The numerals, towering at nearly seven feet, captured attention during the preparations for the New Year, with their performance and luminosity being tested in the hours leading up to the midnight celebration.
Crypto Enthusiasts’ Reactions to the Number
Community members engaged rapidly on social media, noting the specific count of XRP as they shared images, snippets, and vibrant discussions across various platforms.
A particularly viral post posed the question, “589 bulbs for 2026 in NYC—how likely is that?” This observation caught fire thanks to numerous XRP-centric accounts amplifying the discussion. The number itself holds significant meaning within the XRP community and fueled the rapid dissemination of this topic.
— Caroline D. Pham (@CarolineDPham) December 28, 2025
Building on a Social Buzz
Tracking posts generated by crypto news platforms, Caroline Pham, who previously held the Acting Chair position at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and now serves as the chief legal officer for MoonPay, responded enthusiastically on social media using rocket emojis.
While no official connection to XRP was made in her comments, her engagement received notable attention from community enthusiasts and was widely discussed across crypto news outlets.
Can you guess how many LED bulbs illuminate the New Year’s Eve sign in Times Square this year… pic.twitter.com/dVqpoJPM5n
— NotFinancialAdvice.Crypto (@NFAdotcrypto) December 27, 2025
Market Implications and Community Messages
This occurrence appears to stem predominantly from grassroots community enthusiasm rather than any formal alliances between Times Square event organizers and cryptocurrency platforms. While major media outlets concentrated on logistical aspects of the event, they did not find any concrete ties to XRP.
However, the surge in social media engagement led to an uptick in shares and interactions in crypto forums as users circulated memes, videos, and various theories related to this coincidence.
Contexts Created by Observers
Many users characterized this coincidence more as playful serendipity than a definitive financial indication. Experts and journalists involved in crypto analysis cautioned followers to treat such coincidences with skepticism and not to interpret them as financial advice.
From the current coverage, it seems evident that this moment represents simply social media chatter, portraying how vibrant online communities identify and communicate perceived patterns.
Clarification on Official Stance
Reports have indicated that there was no formal statement from Times Square event organizers or their broadcasting partners regarding any direct connections to XRP or other cryptocurrencies.
The specifics surrounding the 589 bulbs were shared purely as a design feature for the event, not intended as an encoded message. This distinction is essential for understanding the narrative trajectory of this event within the community.
Featured imagery sourced from NYCTourism, graph from TradingView