Year-Long Partnership with One Times Square and the Times Square Alliance to Include Second Ball Drop in 2026 to Ring in the Fourth of July Celebration

As the clock strikes midnight in Times Square, America will celebrate turning 250. America250, the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, together with One Times Square and the Times Square Alliance, today announce a surprise second post-midnight moment on New Year’s Eve to mark the start of the Semiquincentennial year. The moment will feature the Ball lighting up with an America250 design and a cascade of 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251226561417/en/

America250, One Times Square, and Times Square Alliance Reveal Ball Designed in Honor of Nation’s Semiquincentennial Year

New Year’s Eve will be the start of a year-long partnership that will build to a historic second Times Square Ball Drop to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s birth on the eve of the Fourth of July.

“America250 will kick off the Semiquincentennial year on New Year’s Eve in Times Square — the most watched celebration on the planet — signaling that the largest and most inspiring celebration and commemoration in our nation’s history is underway in 2026,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “Our goal is to inspire all 350 million Americans to join in this moment to celebrate our country.”

Historic Second Celebration to Ring In Semiquincentennial Year

For the first time ever, a surprise second ceremonial celebration will follow the traditional midnight countdown, officially welcoming 2026 and the start of the Semiquincentennial year.

At approximately 12:04 a.m. EST, the Times Square Ball will be relit in a red, white, and blue America250 design and rise above illuminated “2026” numerals. The moment will include a new video “America Turns 250,” a first-ever post-midnight release of 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti, and a dynamic pyro finale set to Ray Charles’ rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

This New Year’s Eve moment reflects deep collaboration among America250, One Times Square, and the Times Square Alliance, reinforcing the partnerships guiding the Semiquincentennial.

“One Times Square has long been a place where the world comes together to celebrate pivotal moments—from the end of World War II to the moon landing,” said Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown, the owner and operator of One Times Square. “We’re proud to serve as the starting point of this historic year, showcasing the nation’s celebration on a global stage.”

“Every year in Times Square on New Year’s Eve we unite the crowds cheering in the streets with the millions of people around the country and the world to celebrate one of the most iconic moments together as one,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “It’s perfect that this moment will be in partnership with America250 and the very first moment of a year’s worth of moments to celebrate our country's 250 great years.”

Anticipation for the post-midnight moment will build throughout the evening with a series of America250 features, beginning at 6:04 p.m. EST with the reveal of the America250 Ball Design atop One Times Square during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As the countdown approaches, at approximately 11:15 p.m. EST, Chair Rosie Rios will invite Americans to take part in America Gives, America250’s newest initiative aimed at making 2026 the largest year of service ever recorded.

America250 to Return to Times Square on July 3, 2026 for Fourth of July Ball Drop

America250 is also revealing that the decorated Times Square Ball will drop again on July 3, 2026, marking the first time in history the Ball drops outside of New Year’s Eve. The Fourth of July countdown moment will anchor America250’s nationwide Independence Day celebrations and reinforce New York City’s central role in the nation’s Semiquincentennial.

America250 Drives Momentum from Sea to Shining Sea

America250 is entering the Semiquincentennial year with strong momentum built throughout 2025. New Year’s Eve marks the close of a year of progress while setting the stage for an ambitious national effort in 2026. America250 has achieved the following:

• Received thousands of student entries for America’s Field Trip to historic and cultural landmarks.
• Completed more than 15 stops on the Our American Story tour to preserve our nation’s unique stories. The most recent stop was at the Iron Bowl to kick off integration with U.S. colleges and universities.
• 56 State and Territory Commissions planning events posted to the America250 Calendar.
• More than 350 members in the Congressional America250 Caucus, the largest caucus in U.S. history.
• Announced major corporate sponsorships and nonprofit partnerships, demonstrating public-private collaboration.

About America250

America250 is the official nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to engage every American in celebrating and commemorating the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its sole-supporting nonprofit organization, America250.org, Inc., together known as America250. This multi-year effort kicked off with America’s Invitation on July 4, 2023: a national public engagement campaign inviting all Americans to share their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future of this country. Leading up to July 4, 2026, America250 is working to provide opportunities for all Americans to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look to the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. Learn more at www.America250.org.

About One Times Square

One Times Square is a 26-story building located at the intersection of 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue, and Broadway in the heart of Times Square. Originally built as the headquarters for the New York Times at the turn of the 20th century, the building is being reimagined as a destination for experiential entertainment. The building has served as the focal point for the iconic New Year's Eve Ball Drop Celebration since 1907 and continues to play a central role in the world's New Year's Eve traditions. For more information, visit onetimessquare.com.

About the Times Square Alliance

The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square - cultivating the creativity, energy and edge that have made the area an icon of entertainment, culture, and urban life for over a century. Founded in 1992, the Alliance keeps the neighborhood clean and safe, promotes local businesses, manages area improvements and produces major annual events with partners including New Year's Eve, Solstice in Times Square and Taste of Times Square. As the custodians of Times Square, the Alliance works every day to improve the quality of life for the neighborhood residents and businesses while driving economic growth in New York City. www.TSq.org

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251226561417/en/