Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Times Square to feature patriotic crystal ball for New Year's Eve 2025
This New Year's Eve, Times Square will have a special crystal ball that sparkles in red, white, and blue to start the celebrations for the US's 250th birthday.
After the ball drops, it will rise again at 12:04 am on New Year's Day to mark the beginning of 2026.
There will also be a second ball drop on July 3, 2026, the eve of the nation's birthday.
This is all part of a big plan to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary with events all over the US.
The celebrations aim to bring people together and make 2026 the largest year of volunteer hours ever.
There will be fireworks, potluck suppers, student contests, and more to make sure everyone can join in the fun.
Times Square will feature a patriotic crystal ball drop on New Year's Eve 2025 to kick off the US's 250th birthday celebrations.
The ball will rise again at 12:04 am on New Year's Day 2026, creating a second ceremonial moment.
A second ball drop event is planned for July 3, 2026, the eve of the nation's birthday, marking the first time in 120 years a ball drop occurs on a date other than New Year's Eve.
America250, a bipartisan commission, is organizing the celebrations, which include a national service initiative called America Gives and a float in the New Year's Day Rose Parade.
President Donald Trump has also announced the Freedom 250 initiative to coordinate additional events for the 250th anniversary.
- Who
- America250, a bipartisan commission, and the Times Square Alliance
- What
- A patriotic crystal ball drop in Times Square to kick off the US's 250th birthday celebrations
- When
- New Year's Eve 2025 and July 3, 2026
- Where
- Times Square, New York City, and nationwide events
- Why
- To celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and unite a politically divided nation
- Event
- Patriotic crystal ball drop in Times Square
- Date
- New Year's Eve 2025
- Significance
- Kicks off US's 250th birthday celebrations
- Organizer
- America250, a bipartisan commission
- Additional Event
- Second ball drop on July 3, 2026
- National Service Initiative
- America Gives
- Rose Parade Float
- Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years
- President's Initiative
- Freedom 250
- Ball Design
- Red, white, and blue
- Second Ceremonial Moment
- Ball rises at 12:04 am on New Year's Day
