Post-midnight celebration marks first time Times Square Ball rises after traditional New Year countdown
Unprecedented Post-Midnight Celebration
For the first time in Times Square history, the New Year’s Eve festivities continued past the traditional midnight countdown with a surprise second ceremonial celebration. At approximately 12:04 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, the Times Square Ball would be relit in a patriotic red, white, and blue America250 design and rise above illuminated “2026” numerals. This historic moment officially welcomed 2026 and marked the beginning of America250’s yearlong celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Confetti, Pyro, and America the Beautiful
The second celebration included a first-ever post-midnight release of 2,000 pounds of red, white, and blue confetti cascading from above. A dynamic pyro finale set to Ray Charles’ iconic rendition of America the Beautiful provided musical accompaniment. The combination created a patriotic spectacle that channeled the historic moment into visual and audio elements resonating with spectators.
America250 Commission Leadership
Rosie Rios, chair of America250, spoke about the significance of marking the semiquincentennial in Times Square. The nonpartisan organization America250, also known as the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, was established by Congress in 2016 to lead the celebration of the 250th year.
July Fourth Ball Drop
America250 also revealed that the decorated Times Square Ball would drop again on July 3, 2026, marking the first time in history the Ball drops outside of New Year’s Eve. The Fourth of July countdown moment would anchor America250’s nationwide Independence Day celebrations and reinforce New York City’s central role in the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Congressional Authorization
Congress authorized America250 in 2016 to provide for the observance and commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through local, state, national, and international activities. The collaboration between the Times Square Alliance and America250 represented a unique partnership celebrating both New Year’s traditions and national historical commemoration. For information on America250 and the semiquincentennial celebration, see the America250 official website. For more on Congressional resolutions and national commemorations, see the U.S. Congress official website.
