NEW YORK CITY, New York: The customary crystal ball that rises over Times Square in New York City on every New Year's Eve and disperses confetti over revellers, will go up a second time in 2026 – on the country's 250th birthday.
It will be the first time in 120 years that the ball will drop in Times Square on a second occasion the same year.
"I'm telling you right now, whatever you're imagining, it's going to be much more than that," said America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who oversees the bipartisan commission created by Congress in 2016 to organize the semiquincentennial anniversary. "It's going to be one for the ages, the most inspirational celebration this country and maybe the world has ever seen."
Rios and her group worked with the Times Square Alliance business district and One Times Square, the building from where the ball is dropped, to ensure the changes to this year's ceremonies. They are also planning a second ball drop event on July 3, the eve of the nation's birthday.
The first New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square took place in 1907. It was created by a young immigrant metalworker, Jacob Starr, and weighed 700 pounds with a diameter of five feet. Made of iron and wood, it was lit by 100 25-watt bulbs.
Last year, the ninth and largest version, known as the Constellation Ball, was unveiled. It measures about 12 feet in diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds.
The ball did not drop in 1942 and 1943 during World War II, when celebrations were limited for safety reasons. Instead, crowds marked the new year with a moment of silence followed by chimes from the base of One Times Square.
This year, midnight will also mark the official launch of America Gives, a national service initiative by America250. Organizers hope 2026 will become the biggest year for volunteer hours in the country.
On New Year's Day, America250 will take part in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, with a float called "Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years," featuring three large bald eagles symbolizing the nation's past, present, and future.
Rios said the celebrations aim to unite communities across the country, from New York to California and from Guam to Alaska.
President Donald Trump has also announced the "Freedom 250" initiative to organize additional events marking the 250th anniversary.
