America’s 250th Birthday Begins With Illumination Of Iconic Monument On New Year’s Eve

America’s 250th celebration is getting underway with the illumination of the Washington Monument in the nation’s capital.

In a historic first, the monument will be illuminated on all four sides starting on New Year’s Eve.

“America’s 250th birthday kicks off on New Year’s Eve! Come join other patriots starting tomorrow night at the Washington Monument to celebrate @250Freedom,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said.

America’s 250th birthday kicks off on New Year’s Eve! Come join other patriots starting tomorrow night at the Washington Monument to celebrate @250Freedom_! pic.twitter.com/LUUvpBn62f

— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) December 31, 2025

“As America turns 250, the Washington Monument will stand as the world’s tallest birthday candle. This New Year’s Eve, Freedom 250 — the national organization announced by President Donald J. Trump to lead our nation’s 250th birthday celebration — will debut its first signature moment: a six-night projection-mapping spectacle that will transform the Washington Monument into an immersive, luminous canvas telling the story of the nation’s discovery, expansion, independence, and future,” Freedom 250 stated in a press release.

“The opening night, December 31, 2025, will feature a special New Year’s Eve countdown moment, illuminating the Washington Monument with a 250-foot birthday candle and marking the official arrival of America’s 250th year — launching a national celebration,” it continued.

The illumination will continue through January 5th.

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 Hill has more:

“I’m excited about the fireworks, the lights, the celebration,” said Matthew Chavez, a Maryland resident who gathered near the monument ahead of the festivities.

The roughly 20-minute projection show is designed to retell key moments in U.S. history through custom animation, transforming the iconic landmark into what organizers describe as a living painting.

“What we’ve got is a really fun, custom animated retelling of the country’s history,” said Kyle Barrett with Freedom 250, the organization tasked by the president with leading America’s 250th birthday celebrations. “Think of all the biggest and best moments that have made America great.”

TONIGHT: The Illumination of America on the Washington Monument kicks off the celebration of America’s 250th birthday year pic.twitter.com/uGQlE3r2e7

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 31, 2025

“The illumination of the Washington Monument marks the beginning of a momentous year for our nation—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” said Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250.

“We invite every American—and every friend of America—to join this historic celebration of the triumph of the American spirit,” Krach added.

FOX 5 DC shared further:

“Everybody thinks of New Year’s Eve as, you know, Times Square, ball drop, there’s a lot of different celebrations throughout the country in different cities. But for our 250th anniversary as a country and trying to unify the country and bring everybody together and reignite this American pride and American spirit, this is why these events are happening,” explained Chris Wyllie, veteran spokesperson for Freedom 250.

“I think it’s just a wonderful thing to have, a wonderful purpose,” he added, “and I can’t wait to be a part of it and see it happen.”

On New Year’s Eve, the projections will run from 7 p.m until 12:06 a.m., with a fireworks show at midnight. The event is free, and no ticket is required. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the event online.

NBC4 Washington provided video coverage: