On New Year's, right after the clock hits midnight and everyone’s done screaming “Happy New Year,” Times Square is doubling down. Not only are red, white, and blue confetti raining down, but it’s officially the kickoff for America’s 250th birthday party. Yep, quarter of a millennium — we’re practically ancient.
America250, the group Congress picked to run the big anniversary bash, teamed up with One Times Square for the semiquincentennial (let’s just say 250th) celebration. The new ball, called the “Constellation Ball,” is a 12.5-foot glitter bomb decked out with thousands of Waterford crystals and LEDs. It’s apparently the ninth version since 1907, because yes, even New Year’s balls get upgrades.
After the countdown, there’s a special fireworks show set to Ray Charles’s “America the Beautiful.” Then, mark your calendar for another ball drop on July 3, 2026, when the whole thing happens again to celebrate Independence Day. Twice the sparkle, twice the confetti, zero excuses to skip the party.
More about the great American double-dip of 2026 HERE!