New Year’s Eve tradition will kick off the US’ 250th birthday. Times Square’s Ball Drop Is Going Patriotic

When the New Year’s Eve ball drops in New York City, it will shine in red, white, and blue to welcome 2026 and launch a months-long celebration leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary, according to the Associated Press. Patriotic elements at this year’s Times Square event — including an additional confetti drop — are meant to preview the nationwide observances planned to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that,” said Rosie Rios, chair of America250, the bipartisan commission established by Congress in 2016 to organize the semiquincentennial. “It’s going to be one for the ages — the most inspirational celebration this country, and possibly the world, has ever seen.”

Rios said America250 partnered with the Times Square Alliance and One Times Square, the building from which the ball is dropped, to incorporate the new elements into this year’s ceremony. The group is also planning a second ball drop on July 3, the night before Independence Day. It will be the first non–New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square in nearly 120 years.

Midnight on New Year’s Eve will also mark the official launch of America Gives, a national service initiative created by America250. Organizers aim to make 2026 the largest single year of volunteer participation in U.S. history.

On New Year’s Day, America250 will continue the celebration by taking part in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, featuring a float themed “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years.”

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