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Miami is getting ready to welcome the New Year with the installation of the iconic Neon Big Orange, the city's official countdown clock, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The iconic luminous sphere is now installed outside the InterContinental Miami Hotel, in the heart of the city, and will mark a key moment in the lead-up to the year-end festivities.
Since its creation, the massive 35-foot, 2,000-pound LED sculpture has established itself as one of the most recognizable symbols of the New Year's celebration in Miami.
More than just a simple clock, the neon sphere has become a piece of public art that welcomes the new year by ascending to the top of the hotel just as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Day.
"We've had an amazing run. It works every year; every now and then, we had a small issue: we had to take it apart, maybe a transformer would break, put in another one and reassemble it, but it has worked for 39 years," said Steve Carpenter, owner of Mr. Neon, to WSVN.
"It's incredible, when I built it and designed it to fit in this building, I never dreamed it would last this long, it's amazing," he added.
Improvements for the clock and a distinction from the city for its creator
This year's installation stands out not only for the countdown marking the arrival of the new year but also for the commemoration of its 40 years, reflecting the tradition and evolution of the city under the motto "From Fruit to Future."
Additionally, the Neon Big Orange will feature a revamped look with enhanced lighting effects that will shine as more than 100,000 people count down the final seconds of 2025.
Each year, the clock draws the attention of locals and tourists alike, serving as a visual landmark that brings the community together in a collective celebration.
Authorities announced a show featuring entertainment, food trucks, and family activities for attendees to spend the evening celebrating.
A culminating moment will be when the new mayor of Miami, Eileen Higgins, presents a key to the city to Carpenter as a reward for the four decades during which the Neon Big Orange has helped Miami residents bid farewell to the year.
On December 31st, the iconic clock will again be the center of attention during New Year's Eve, where residents and visitors can take part in the famous countdown, reaffirming its role as one of the most important cultural and festive symbols of the city.
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