New York City’s Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration this year will incorporate a strong patriotic theme. The organizers announced that after the descent of the crystal ball at midnight on New Year’s Eve, it will rise again and shine in the colors of the American flag – red, white, and blue, symbolizing the upcoming months-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
These patriotic designs, including a specially arranged second round of confetti, are seen as a prelude to a nationwide celebration. Related events will take place across the United States, ranging from large fireworks displays and state-level gatherings to community and campus activities, all commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Rosie Rios, the chair of “America250” responsible for coordinating the national celebration, stated that this will be an unprecedented event. She described it as “regardless of how everyone imagines it now, the actual realization will far exceed expectations. This will be a groundbreaking, highly inspirational celebration, possibly even world-class.”
Rios explained that America250 is partnering with the organizers of the Times Square New Year’s Eve event to introduce a new design for this year’s countdown. At the same time, the organizers also plan to hold another special “crystal ball descent ceremony” in Times Square on the eve of the U.S. Independence Day on July 3, 2026. This will be the first crystal ball descent ceremony outside of New Year’s Eve in 120 years.
The Times Square crystal ball made its first appearance in 1907, crafted by the young immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr. The original ball weighed around 700 pounds, had a diameter of about 5 feet, and was made of iron and wood, adorned with 100 25-watt light bulbs. The “Constellation Crystal Ball” used this year is the ninth generation and the largest version ever, with a diameter of about 12 feet and weighing nearly 12,000 pounds.
Only in the years 1942 and 1943, due to the blackout regulations during World War II, the ball descent ceremony was not held, and the public observed the new year with moments of silence and the tolling of bells in remembrance.