From USA TODAY.

Days ahead of the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in New York City, America250 announced a “surprise second post-midnight moment” to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

Shortly after the ball makes its 60-second descent to signal the start of the new year, it will be relit with an America250 design, rising above the illuminated “2026” numerals at approximately 12:04 a.m. ET.