Times Square Ball to Drop in Patriotic Colors for U.S. 250th

The famous New Year's Eve ball in New York City's Times Square will feature a special red, white, and blue color scheme this year. The display will mark the start of nationwide celebrations for the United States' 250th birthday. The event, known as the "Semiquincentennial," commemorates the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers say the patriotic ball drop will officially kick off a year of national festivities. The iconic crystal ball is covered in thousands of LED lights. For the 2025 drop, these lights will shine only in the colors of the American flag. The change is a one-time departure from the ball's usual multicolored patterns. Millions of people are expected to watch the event live and on television.