1:13The Freedom 250 projection tests illuminate the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., on Dec. 30, 2025. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc., via Getty Images
President Donald Trump’s initiatives for extensive festivities to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary commence on New Year’s Eve with the lighting of the Washington Monument on the National Mall, as announced by the White House on Wednesday.
"TONIGHT: The Illumination of America on the Washington Monument marks the beginning of the celebration for America’s 250th birthday year 🇺🇸" an official White House X account shared.
The Freedom 250 projection tests illuminate the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., on Dec. 30, 2025.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc., via Getty Images
The lighting of the monument will take place over five nights, featuring a "projection-mapping spectacle that will light up the Monument, creating an immersive, radiant canvas that recounts our Nation’s exploration, growth, independence, and aspirations for the future," according to Freedom 250, the organization responsible for coordinating the nation’s birthday festivities. "This illumination of the Washington Monument serves as the inaugural highlight of a year-long series of prominent national events celebrating the resilience of the American spirit."
The ‘Illumination of America’ lighting event will commence at 7 p.m. ET, with performances occurring at the top of each hour until 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day, as announced by Freedom 250. Performances will also take place from 7:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET from January 1 to January 5. Fireworks are scheduled for Thursday at 12:01 a.m. and again on January 5 at 7:55 p.m., according to the organization.
On social media, Freedom 250 and the White House shared images of the National Monument illuminated, captured during testing. The displays were evaluated on Monday and Tuesday nights, as per a White House official.
The Washington Monument will be lit for New Year celebrations in Washington, D.C., Dec. 31, 2025.Scott Vaughan/Reuters
One image depicts a side of the monument showcasing an illustration from the Apollo 11 mission and another featuring a quote from the Declaration of Independence: ‘they are endowed by their Creator.’
Last week, Trump outlined the celebrations the White House is organizing for next year to honor the nation’s anniversary, stating he is fulfilling his commitment to provide America with "the most magnificent birthday party the world has ever witnessed."
In this Oct. 15, 2025, file photo, President Donald Trump holds models of an arch while delivering remarks during a fundraising dinner in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, FILE
Another of the planned festivities includes the construction of a "triumphal arch," which he mentioned is expected to be built near the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, set to commence “sometime in the next two months,” according to an interview shared by Politico on Wednesday.
In the interview, Trump remarked: “It hasn’t begun yet. It will start sometime in the next two months. It’ll be fantastic. Everyone loves it…They adore the ballroom as well. But they are really fond of the Triumphal Arch.”
Sourse: abcnews.go.com