Overview
- At approximately 12:04 a.m. on Jan. 1, the Times Square Ball will relight in an America250 red, white and blue design with a new video titled “America Turns 250,” a release of 2,000 pounds of confetti, and a pyro finale to Ray Charles’ “America the Beautiful.”
- Organizers have scheduled a July 3 ball drop to mark the nation’s 250th birthday, which they say would be the first Times Square ball drop outside New Year’s Eve in more than a century.
- New York City Hall says operational plans for the July event are still being negotiated, with details not yet finalized.
- America250 is partnering with One Times Square owner Jamestown and the Times Square Alliance, with the Constellation Ball and newly color‑changing 2026 numerals providing the patriotic presentation.
- The midnight moment will also launch America Gives, a national service initiative, as America250 rolls out wider 2026 programming that includes a Rose Parade float and nationwide engagement efforts.