After the iconic crystal ball drops on New Year's Eve in New York City, it will rise again, adorned in red, white, and blue, to welcome in 2026 and commence the nationwide celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday. This year’s Times Square gathering will feature patriotic elements, including a second confetti drop, previewing the myriad events that are being planned to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Rosie Rios, the Chair of America250, emphasized the enormity of the upcoming celebrations organized by the bipartisan commission established by Congress in 2016. She stated, “I’m telling you right now, whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that. It’s going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen.” This enthusiasm reflects the commission’s commitment to ensuring that citizens gather to honor such a significant milestone in American history.
The collaboration between Rios’s team, the Times Square Alliance business district, and One Times Square, where the ball is traditionally dropped, includes a second ball drop on July 3, marking the eve of the nation’s birthday. This event will mark the first time in 120 years that Times Square will witness a ball drop that is not on New Year’s Eve. The original ball drop tradition began in 1907, founded by Jacob Starr, a young immigrant metalworker, who created a 700-pound ball featuring light bulbs that has evolved into a much grander spectacle over the years. The latest iteration is the Constellation Ball, which reveals its grandeur in a 12-foot diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds.
Historically, the ball drop has been on hiatus during only two years: 1942 and 1943, due to World War II dimout regulations. In those years, the New Year was honored with a moment of silence followed by chimes from the base of One Times Square. This tradition speaks to the resilience and spirit of the nation, which continues to find ways to celebrate its history even in challenging times.
As the clock strikes midnight to usher in the New Year, it will also symbolize the official launch of “America Gives,” a national service initiative spearheaded by America250. This initiative aims to aggregate the largest number of volunteer hours in the country’s history during the year 2026. Following the New Year’s festivities, America250 will be involved in the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, featuring a float themed “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” which will depict three larger-than-life bald eagles representing the nation’s past, present, and future.
Rios expressed her vision for this massive, community-driven celebration, emphasizing its grassroots nature by stating, “We want to ring in this new year from sea to shining sea. What better way to think about it than going from New York to California?” This wide ranging involvement spans from Guam to Alaska and from Fairbanks to Philadelphia, showcasing a unified effort across the country.
Moreover, the “Freedom 250” initiative announced by former President Donald Trump aims to coordinate additional events for the upcoming 250th anniversary. Rios envisions the diverse celebrations and activities planned—from grand fireworks displays to simple potluck gatherings—as an opportunity to unite citizens in a politically divided nation. She believes that creating “menus of options” for participation will engage a wide audience and help connect 350 million Americans through the celebration of their shared heritage.
