The Washington Monument in downtown Washington, D.C., lit up with a historic light display on Wednesday night, as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026.

The monument will be illuminated with projections depicting American history, focusing on the country's founding and its future, across a six-night celebration that runs from Dec. 31, 2025 through Jan. 5, 2026. 

Wednesday, which is New Year's Eve, will also see the monument turn into a giant 250-foot birthday candle and a special countdown to the New Year. The first night's display will run from 7 p.m. to 12:06 a.m. Eastern.

“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,” Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250, which is organizing the country's 250th birthday celebrations nationwide, said in a statement. “We invite every American—and every friend of America—to join this historic celebration of the triumph of the American spirit.”

Freedom 250 also announced last week that there will be an unprecedented ball-drop in Times Square in July to celebrate the country's birthday. 

There will also be a second celebration just after the country rings in the new year at midnight Wednesday, which will take place at approximately 12:04 a.m. Eastern. The second celebration will see the ball lit up in red, white and blue and rise above the 2026 sign to prepare for the July 3 drop. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.