The White House announced on Wednesday, Dec. 31 that U.S. President Donald Trump will officially launch a nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding on New Year’s Eve. The first signature event will be the illumination of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The White House’s official X account posted: “Tonight: ‘Light Up America’ Washington Monument light show officially kicks off the 250th anniversary year of the United States.”
‘Light Up America:’ five nights of projections and New Year’s fireworks
Freedom 250, the organization responsible for planning the 250th anniversary celebrations, stated that the Washington Monument will feature projection displays for five consecutive nights. Using projection mapping technology, the monument will be transformed into an “immersive canvas of light and shadow,” telling the story of America’s discovery, expansion, independence, and vision for the future.
Freedom 250 described the light show as the “opening signature moment” of a year-long series of national celebrations, symbolizing the “triumph of the American spirit.”
According to the schedule, the light show will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with programs on the hour until 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day. From Jan.1 to 5, the show will run daily from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1 and at 7:55 p.m. on Jan. 5.
Apollo moon landing and Declaration of Independence featured in projections
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The White House and Freedom 250 released photos on social media showing test projections. Officials said tests were conducted Monday and Tuesday nights.
One projection displayed images of the Apollo 11 moon landing on one side of the monument, while the other side showed a famous line from the Declaration of Independence: “They are endowed by their Creator.”
Axios reported that this six-day art installation is the first major event in the Trump administration’s year-long “America 250” celebrations. Freedom 250 described the Washington Monument as the “world’s tallest birthday candle.”
Trump plans more high-profile celebration projects
Last week, Trump said he is fulfilling his promise to create “the world’s biggest birthday party” for America. In addition to the light show, he proposed building a triumphal arch near the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery.
In a Wednesday interview with Politico, Trump said the triumphal arch project “will break ground at some point in the next two months.” He added: “It hasn’t started yet, but it will soon. It’s going to be amazing, everyone will love it… They like ballrooms, but they’ll love the triumphal arch even more.”
Axios also reported that Trump will play a central role in some of the 250th anniversary events, including a UFC match at the White House on June 14—coinciding with his 80th birthday—as he previously promised.
Trump also plans to tie the “America 250” celebrations to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. The Atlantic reported on the plans in June.
Meanwhile, even for those not in New York for New Year’s, the Times Square crystal ball will be re-lit on July 4. Times Square organizers said the ball will be illuminated in red, white, and blue, featuring “America 250” design elements and the number “2026.”
