Politics
WATCH: Washington Monument Display’s Stunning Light Show To Kick Off America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations
The National Parks Service (NPS) officially kicked off America’s 250th anniversary celebrations just hours before midnight with an impressive New Year’s light show displayed on the Washington Monument.
The light display, titled “The Illumination of America,” served as the nation’s official kickoff of America 250 celebrations to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Organized by Freedom 250 — President Donald Trump’s nonpartisan working group appointed to coordinate anniversary celebrations — announced that the famed monument will serve as the “world’s tallest birthday candle” from New Year’s Eve through January 5, 2026.
“This Washington Monument illumination is the opening signature moment of a year-long series of marquee national events celebrating the triumph of the American spirit,” America 250 announced on its website.
It began at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on New Year’s Eve with roughly 25-minute shows repeating at the top of each hour until after midnight. The display was accompanied by fireworks and additional projections when the clock struck midnight.
From January 1 to 5, projections are set to run nightly from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with shows scheduled at the top of every hour and additional fireworks displays planed for the final evening.
Beginning tonight through January 5, a narrative projection will illuminate the Washington Monument every hour on the hour from 7pm-11:30pm. It is the opening of a year-long series of events celebrating 250 years of American independence. Learn more at https://t.co/Ooj2t6PII3 pic.twitter.com/W82XHilzkC
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) December 31, 2025
The display featured immersive projections narrating America’s story through custom animations, covering themes of discovery, the American Revolution and independence, westward expansion, the Industrial Revolution, modern achievements, and visions for the future. Iconic moments highlighted included the Apollo 11 moon landing, excerpts from the Declaration of Independence such as “they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” the War of Independence, and more.
In addition to the Washington Monument light show, the iconic New Year’s ball in Times Square is set to drop when the clock strikes midnight on July 4, marking the first time the ball has been used for an occasion other than New Year’s Day. It will be adorned in red, white and blue and was previewed during last night’s celebrations.
In addition, Trump recently unveiled plans for a new national monument for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration next year. Models shared by the president depict a near identical construction of Paris’ iconic Arc de Triomphe.
Other planned events include Smithsonian and National Gallery exhibitions exploring 250 years of American history, Revolutionary War reenactments (including key Battles of Lexington and Concord in April), and a large international naval fleet review in New York Harbor. Hundreds of local displays have also been planned by federal agencies and state governments across the country.
