The Washington Monument will transform on New Year’s Eve into what organizers are calling the “world’s tallest birthday candle” to kick off celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, the iconic obelisk will be illuminated with projected images depicting America’s history, from the founding era to the present day, culminating in a special countdown to the nation’s semiquincentennial.

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

The free public event will continue through Monday, with different projections displayed each night. Wednesday’s New Year’s Eve display will run until just after midnight, while subsequent evenings will feature projections from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

The visual storytelling will be organized thematically, covering discovery, the American Revolution and independence, Western expansion, the Industrial Revolution, modern times, and visions of America’s future. Testing for the projections began earlier in December, giving locals a preview of what’s to come.

Freedom 250, a nonpartisan organization established by President Donald Trump, is coordinating with the White House and other federal agencies to plan a series of events commemorating America’s 250th birthday in 2026. The Washington Monument illumination represents the “first signature moment” in this series of celebrations.

The New Year’s Eve spectacle will also feature a drone and fireworks show, adding to the festivities on the National Mall, which typically draws large crowds for holiday celebrations.

Other planned events in the lead-up to 2026 include a Great American State Fair in June and a parade of ships from more than 30 countries in New York Harbor for the Fourth of July, highlighting the international significance of America’s founding anniversary.

Meanwhile, America250, a separate nonpartisan commission created by Congress in 2016 specifically to prepare for the semiquincentennial, has announced its own New Year’s celebration in New York City. After midnight, the iconic Times Square Ball will be illuminated in red, white, and blue, followed by the release of 2,000 pounds of patriotically colored confetti to usher in the countdown year to America’s 250th birthday.

The dual celebrations in Washington and New York represent the beginning of what will likely be a year of national reflection and commemoration. Historical anniversaries of this magnitude typically prompt discussions about national identity, historical legacy, and visions for the future.

The Washington Monument, standing at 555 feet tall, has long served as one of the nation’s most recognizable symbols. Completed in 1884, it honors George Washington, the Revolutionary War general and first U.S. president whose leadership was crucial during America’s founding era. Its transformation into a “birthday candle” creates a visual metaphor linking the monument’s historical significance to the upcoming national milestone.

Visitors to the National Mall during the illumination period can expect crowds similar to other major holiday events in the capital. The multi-day nature of the projections will provide multiple opportunities for the public to witness this unique historical tribute as America begins the countdown to its quarter-millennial anniversary.