WATCH LIVE: Trump Kicks off America’s 250th Year with New Years Show and Washington Monument Lighting to Tell the Story of America

The Washington Monument is the home of a New Year’s Eve show in Washington, D.C. tonight, and it will serve as the “world’s tallest birthday candle” as America enters its 250th year since the country’s founding on July 4, 1776. 

“Tonight, we’re marking a once-in-a-generation moment of our country, and the Washington Monument is going to be lit up as the world’s tallest birthday candle,” Keith Krach, CEO of Freedom 250, the presidential committee planning the country’s 250th birthday celebration, said.

“This is only the second time in the history of the Washington Monument that it’s been lit up like this,” he continued.

“President Trump pledged that America’s 250th birthday would be a celebration worthy of our history, our values, and our future, so you know, freedom 250 was created to help deliver on that promise, and tonight kicks that off, and it’s really about bringing Americans together to celebrate the triumph of the American spirit.”

WATCH:

Tests of the light show earlier in the week showed a phenomenal display as the White House prepared to tell the story of America.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Tuesday shared a photo of the monument lit up with stars, stripes, and a vertical “250” displayed on the National Mall.

“America’s 250th birthday kicks off on New Year’s Eve! Come join other patriots starting tomorrow night at the Washington Monument to celebrate,” he 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

Video from the test run has a narration of the nation’s beginnings, from Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America.

WATCH

The White House communications team shared additional photos of the projections that will be shown, including excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and footage from the moon landing.

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

Per the New York Post:

A spokesperson for the group told The Post revelers can expect imagery of George Washington crossing the Delaware River and Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the New World.

A “sweeping visual narrative” of the country’s founding and history will be projected on the Washington Monument every night through Jan. 5.

According to the event flyer, fireworks shows will be held at 12:01 am ET on New Year’s Eve and at 7:55 pm ET on January 5. Live acts will play “at the top of every hour” starting at 7 pm ET tonight.

Tonight, in honor of our Nation’s 250th year, Freedom 250, the organization President Trump (@realDonaldTrump) announced to lead our 250th celebration, will transform the Washington Monument into the world’s tallest birthday candle. From New Year’s Eve through Jan. 5, a six-night… pic.twitter.com/gKN9T3EBUY

— Freedom 250 (@250Freedom_) December 31, 2025

Watch live below:

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