The Washington Monument 250th celebration will transform the iconic landmark into the “world’s tallest birthday candle” as the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The event begins on New Year’s Eve, with projections illuminating America’s history and future starting at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250, said the lighting marks “the beginning of a momentous year for our nation.” He invited Americans and friends of the U.S. to join in celebrating “the triumph of the American spirit.”
Freedom 250, a nonpartisan national organization created by President Donald Trump, is coordinating with the White House and federal agencies to plan the anniversary celebrations. The New Year’s Eve illumination is free to the public and will continue through Monday, with different nightly projections from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
The projections will highlight key periods of U.S. history, including the founding, the American Revolution, western expansion, the Industrial Revolution, and modern times, while offering a glimpse into the nation’s future. On New Year’s Eve, the Washington Monument will feature a 250-foot birthday candle display, accompanied by a drone and fireworks show. Testing and previews of the projections began earlier in December.
This event is described as the “first signature moment” in a series of activities commemorating America’s 250th birthday. Upcoming events include a Great American State Fair in June and a Fourth of July parade of ships in New York Harbor featuring vessels from over 30 countries.
In New York City, the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop will also celebrate the milestone. A patriotic crystal ball will be lowered at midnight Eastern Standard Time, illuminated in red, white, and blue, with 2,000 pounds of matching confetti released to welcome 2026.
The Washington Monument lighting and Times Square celebrations aim to honor the nation’s past while looking forward to its future, creating a festive start to a historic year. Visitors can experience the projections and displays for free, making this milestone accessible to Americans across the nation.