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Washington Monument Lights Up Tonight as '250th Birthday Candle' to Launch U.S. Semiquincentennial

Freedom 250 says the nonprofit’s display opens a yearlong nonpartisan commemoration.

Overview

  • A six-night projection program runs Dec. 31 through Jan. 5, presenting nightly patriotic visuals on the monument.
  • Opening night features a 250-foot candle effect with projections from 7 p.m. to 12:06 a.m. and a fireworks finale at midnight.
  • Attendance on the National Mall is free with no tickets required, and organizers will livestream the show online.
  • Organizers describe a sweeping visual narrative with imagery such as George Washington crossing the Delaware and Christopher Columbus’ voyage.
  • Freedom 250, operating under the National Park Foundation, plans follow-on events including a Memorial Day tribute, a Great American State Fair, the Patriot Games, and a major July 4 fireworks show.