Ava McDonnell
As millions across the world prepare to ring in 2026, New York City’s iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is set for a historic and patriotic twist. Organizers announced that this year’s ball drop will feature special red, white, and blue elements to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding – a milestone known as the Semiquincentennial.
For more than a century, the annual Times Square ball drop has marked the start of a new year. This December 31, after the traditional descent at midnight, the crystal ball will rise again and sparkle in red, white, and blue, symbolizing the beginning of yearlong celebrations across the country.
America250 is the official organization appointed to lead the Semiquincentennial celebrations and collaborated with the Times Square Alliance and One Times Square building management on the redesigned moment. The enhanced presentation is meant to set the tone for the historic anniversary year.
A Year of Celebrations Ahead
In addition to the New Year’s festivities, plans are in place for a second Times Square ball drop on July 3, 2026, the eve of Independence Day. This will be the first time in the over 100-year history of the Times Square celebration that the ball will descend on a date other than New Year’s Eve. The July event is conceived as a capstone to the national birthday celebration.
The patriotic New Year’s Eve moment is just the beginning of a broader slate of Semiquincentennial events across the U.S.
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