At a Glance
- The Times Square ball will descend again on New Year’s Eve, lighting up the sky with red, white, and blue as the nation gears up for its 250th birthday.
- A second ball drop will take place on July 3, 2026, the first non-New Year’s Eve drop in 120 years.
- The midnight launch of America Gives aims to make 2026 the largest volunteer-hour year ever.
- Why it matters: The events celebrate the U.S. 250th birthday and unite the nation through shared celebrations and service.
The iconic Times Square ball will descend once more on New Year’s Eve, lighting up the sky with red, white, and blue as the nation gears up for its 250th birthday. Behind the glittering spectacle, a host of events-from a July 3 ball drop to a nationwide volunteer launch-promise to bring Americans together for a historic celebration.
A New Era of Ball Drops
The 2026 ball drop, held at midnight on December 31, 2025, will be followed by a second drop on July 3, 2026. This marks the first time in 120 years that Times Square has hosted a drop outside of New Year’s Eve.
Rosie Rios, chair of America250, says the celebrations will be “much more than” the past.
> “I’m telling you right now, whatever you’re imagining, it’s going to be much more than that,”
Rosie Rios stated:
> “If we can find something for everyone … having those menus of options that people can pick and choose how they want to participate,”
> “That’s how we’re going to get to engaging 350 million Americans.”
- The July drop will echo the iconic style of the annual event.
- The initiative aims to inspire nationwide participation.
America Gives and National Service
At the stroke of midnight, the ball drop also launches America Gives, a national service initiative created by America250. Organizers hope 2026 will be the largest year of volunteer hours ever aggregated in the country.
Celebrations Across the Nation
America250 will join the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in Pasadena with a float titled “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years,” featuring three bald eagles representing the nation’s past, present, and future. President Donald Trump has announced the Freedom 250 initiative to coordinate additional events.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Eve Ball Drop | Dec 31, 2025 | Times Square |
| July 3 Ball Drop | Jul 3, 2026 | Times Square |
| America Gives Launch | Dec 31, 2025 | Nationwide |
| Rose Parade Float | Jan 1, 2026 | Pasadena, CA |
Rosie Rios emphasized the breadth of planned activities-from fireworks and potluck suppers to student contests and oral histories-to unite a politically divided nation and engage 350 million Americans.
Key Takeaways
- The iconic ball drop will return for the 250th birthday, with a second drop on July 3, 2026.
- America Gives will launch at midnight, aiming to record the largest volunteer-hour year.
- Nationwide events, including the Rose Parade float and Freedom 250 initiatives, will bring the country together.
With its glittering ball drops, volunteer launch, and nationwide celebrations, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for the United States, inviting every citizen to partake in a shared moment of pride and service.
