New Year's Eve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids New Year's Eve
New Year celebration in Eberhardzell, Germany, 2018
Also called	Hogmanay (Scotland) Calennig (Wales) Shchedryi Vechir (Ukraine) Ambang/Malam Tahun Baharu/Baru (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore) Yangi Yil, Yılbaşı arifesi, Yeni İl ərəfəsi (Uzbekistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan) Karamu (African diaspora) Silvester (Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland) Réveillon (Algeria, Angola, Brazil, France, Macau, Morocco, Mozambique, Portugal, Romania, Tunisia, Wallonia, and French-speaking locations in North America) Kanun Novogo Goda (Russia) Ōmisoka (Japan) Pele ga Ngwaga o Mosha (Botswana) Nochevieja (lit. Old Night) (Spain and other countries where Spanish is mostly spoken)
Observed by	Users of the Gregorian calendar
Type	International
Significance	The last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar
Celebrations	Reflection; late-night partying; family gatherings; feasting; gift exchanges; fireworks; countdowns; watchnight services; social gatherings, during which participants may dance, eat, enjoy festive drinks, and watch or light fireworks
Date	31 December
Next time	31 December 2025 (2025-12-31)
Frequency	Annual
Related to	New Year's Day

New Year's Eve is the last day of the year, December 31st, according to the Gregorian calendar. It's a special time when people around the world say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. Many celebrate with dancing, delicious food, and exciting fireworks displays. Some Christians go to a special church service called a watchnight service to pray and give thanks. The fun often continues into New Year's Day, January 1st, after midnight.

The time zone of each place decides when the New Year officially arrives. The first places to celebrate are islands in the Pacific Ocean, like parts of Kiribati, Samoa, and Tonga. The very last places to welcome the New Year are also islands in the Pacific, such as American Samoa.

New Year's Eve Celebrations Around the World

Africa's Festive Traditions

Algeria's Family Gatherings

In Algeria, New Year's Eve is usually a time for family and friends. In big cities, you can see fireworks at midnight. The Martyrs' Memorial is a popular spot for celebrations.

Egypt's Evening Parties

In Egypt, New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks. People often have evening parties with their friends and family.

Ghana's Church Services and Fireworks

In Ghana, many people celebrate New Year's Eve by going to church. Others visit nightclubs, pubs, or celebrate in the streets. At midnight, fireworks light up the skies in cities like Accra and Tema.

Morocco's Joyful Celebrations

In Morocco, New Year's Eve is a happy time spent with family and friends. Moroccans gather to eat cake, dance, and share laughter. Many celebrate at home, but some go to nightclubs. At midnight, fireworks are displayed in Ain Diab, along the coast of Casablanca.

Nigeria's Lively Events

In Nigeria, many people celebrate New Year's Eve by going to church. Others enjoy nightclubs and parties organized by communities.

In Lagos, a big year-end festival called Lagos Countdown (now One Lagos Fiesta) started in 2012. It helps make New Year's celebrations more like those in other major cities.

Rwanda's Midnight Address

In Rwanda, people celebrate New Year's Eve by going to church, joining social gatherings, and having family activities. Church services usually start in the evening. At midnight, the president gives an end-of-year speech broadcast live on TV and radio. Fireworks have become popular recently, with big displays at places like Kigali Convention Centre.

South Africa's Music and Fireworks

In South Africa, people vote for their favorite songs in a music countdown before December 31st. When the number one song is announced, it plays on all radio stations. Fireworks are lit all around the country. South Africans also enjoy festive treats and braais (barbecues).

South Sudan's Blessed Start

In South Sudan, people attend church services in Juba. The service begins at 9 PM. At midnight, the famous carol "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is sung to mark the new year with a blessing. The service ends around 12:30 AM.

Tunisia's Family Feasts

In Tunisia, people celebrate by going to restaurants and hotels, or by exchanging gifts and flowers. Many Tunisians prefer to celebrate at home with family and friends.

They buy or make cakes and prepare big dinners. Roast chicken is often the main dish. Families stay up until midnight to eat cake as the new year begins. A popular Tunisian film, 'Choufli Hal, New Year's Eve [fr], is often shown on TV every year, ending just before midnight.

Asia's Diverse Celebrations

Azerbaijan's Solidarity Day

In Azerbaijan, January 1st is a public holiday. December 31st is also International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis. Celebrations are influenced by the country's past. At midnight, the national anthem plays on TV after the President's message.

Bangladesh's City Festivities

In Bangladesh, public celebrations of the Gregorian New Year are called 31st night. They happen in major cities and at beaches like Dhaka and Cox's Bazar Beach. Hotels host parties and events. For safety, there are rules about fireworks and outdoor events in big cities.

China's Urban Displays

In China, while the main Lunar New Year celebrations are later, some cities celebrate the Gregorian New Year. For example, Beijing has fireworks and concerts. Shanghai has a light and sound show at The Bund just before midnight.

Hong Kong's Harbour Lights

In Hong Kong, many people gather in shopping areas like Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. A special version of A Symphony of Lights, the nightly light and sound show over Victoria Harbour, includes fireworks on New Year's Eve.

India's Modern and Traditional Mix

In India, New Year's Eve combines modern parties with traditional customs. Big cities like Mumbai and Delhi have parties, concerts, and colorful fireworks. Places like Goa and Manali celebrate with beach parties and winter festivals. Many people also pray and perform rituals, reflecting India's diverse culture.

Israel's Social Gatherings

In Israel, New Year's Eve is called Silvester to tell it apart from the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. It is mostly celebrated with social gatherings and parties. Another celebration, Novy God, brought by immigrants, has also become more known.

Japan's Bell Rings and Concerts

In Japan, New Year's Eve is a time to prepare for and welcome the New Year's god, Toshigami. People clean their homes and set up special decorations. Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight in a tradition called Joya no Kane. These rings represent 108 mental states that can lead to unhelpful actions.

Many cities in Japan have concerts, countdowns, and fireworks. In Tokyo, people gather at the Zojoji Temple to release balloons with wishes and watch the Tokyo Tower light up.

Since 1951, NHK has shown the Kōhaku Uta Gassen ("Red and White Song Battle") on New Year's Eve. This is a music competition between two teams of popular singers.

Kazakhstan's Soviet Influences

In Kazakhstan, New Year's Eve celebrations are similar to those in Russia, influenced by Soviet traditions. The national anthem plays at midnight, following a presidential address.

Korea's Bell Ringing and Age Changes

While the traditional Korean New Year (Seollal) is very important, December 31st is also celebrated in both North and South Korea. Many cities host New Year's Eve gatherings.

In South Korea, big celebrations happen in Seoul. The Bosingak bell rings 33 times at midnight, and there are fireworks at Myeong-dong. The Lotte World Tower also has a light and fireworks show. Until 2022, South Koreans added a year to their age at New Year's midnight, but this practice ended for 2023.

In Pyongyang, North Korea, the clock at the Grand People's Study House chimes, and fireworks light up Kim Il-sung Square.

Lebanon's Dinner and Games

In Lebanon, people celebrate New Year's Eve with a dinner with family and friends. Traditional dishes like tabouli and hummus are often served. Celebrations also happen in restaurants and clubs. Game shows are sometimes organized. The New Year's countdown is shown on TV, and fireworks light up the night.

Malaysia's Countdown Parties

Ambang Tahun Baru is a government-sponsored celebration. In the past, it was held at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. Now, the countdown is shown live on TV from Putrajaya, with concerts and fireworks at the Petronas Towers.

Many cities also have New Year countdown parties, often organized by private groups.

Mongolia's Public Holiday

Mongolians started celebrating the Gregorian New Year during the Socialist period. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are now big public holidays. Families celebrate together. Like in the past Soviet Union, the National Anthem of Mongolia plays at midnight on TV after the President's holiday message.

Pakistan's City Fireworks

New Year's Eve is usually celebrated with fireworks in big cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Musical nights and concerts are also held. Many young people enjoy these celebrations.

Philippines' Midnight Feasts and Noises

In the Philippines, New Year's Eve is a special holiday. Filipinos usually celebrate with family or close friends. Many households attend church and then have a big midnight feast called the Medianoche. Dishes often include pancit (noodles for a long life) and hamón (cured ham). Some avoid chicken, as it's thought to bring bad luck. Many Filipinos use firecrackers and fireworks to scare away bad luck.

People often wear new, bright clothes with circular patterns, like polka dots, or display round fruits. These are believed to attract money. At midnight, people scatter coins, jump to grow taller, or eat twelve grapes for good luck each month. Filipinos also make loud noises with horns, pots, and pans to scare away evil spirits.

Saudi Arabia's New Festivities

In the past, public celebrations of the Gregorian New Year were not common in Saudi Arabia due to local customs. However, in recent years, with changes in the country, public New Year's festivities have become more common, especially in cities like Riyadh. The Riyadh Season festival, for example, has included New Year's celebrations with fireworks and concerts.

Singapore's Marina Bay Show

In Singapore, New Year's Eve is usually celebrated with public events like fireworks shows. The biggest one is traditionally at Marina Bay. Other celebrations happen in places like Clarke Quay and Sentosa. The state broadcaster Mediacorp also organizes and shows a New Year's concert.

Taiwan's Skyscraper Fireworks

The most famous New Year's event in Taiwan is a huge fireworks show from the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei. In 2018, the show got even better with a new LED lighting system on the tower. This helped reduce pollution while still being amazing.

Thailand's Family Dinners

Besides their traditional Thai New Year (Songkran) in April, Thais also celebrate the Gregorian New Year on January 1st. They have family dinners and follow different customs. It's a public holiday. Many cities in Thailand have countdowns, fireworks, and concerts. In Bangkok, popular spots include CentralWorld Square and the Chao Phraya River.

Turkey's Festive Decorations

In Turkey, New Year's Eve (Yılbaşı) celebrations include many decorations and customs. Homes and streets are lit with sparkling lights. People exchange small gifts and have big family dinners with special dishes like stuffed turkey. Even though Christmas is not widely celebrated, decorating New Year trees is a growing tradition.

TV and radio channels show special New Year's Eve programs. Cities organize events like concerts and family shows. Big parties happen in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, with dancing, music, and fireworks. The president also gives a New Year's message.

United Arab Emirates' Tallest Building Show

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, hosts an amazing annual fireworks display. It's known for being one of the most spectacular in the world. Sometimes, instead of fireworks, they have a huge light and sound show using the tower's lighting system.

Europe's Unique Customs

Albania's New Year's Tree

In Albania, preparations for New Year's Eve start with decorating a "New Year's Tree" or "New Year's Pine." At midnight, Albanians toast, greet each other, and light fireworks.

Austria's Blue Danube Dance

In Austria, New Year's Eve is usually celebrated with friends and family. At midnight, all TV and radio stations play the sound of the Pummerin bell from St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. This is followed by the "The Blue Danube" waltz. Many Austrians dance to this music at parties or in the street. Big crowds gather in Vienna, where the city organizes concerts. Fireworks are set off by both cities and individuals.

Belgium's Good Luck Greetings

In Belgium, New Year's Eve (Oudjaar) is celebrated with family parties. On TV, a comedian reviews the past year, and then a music show leads up to midnight. Belgians kiss, exchange good luck greetings, and toast the New Year with sparkling drinks. Many light fireworks or watch city displays, like the famous one at Mont des Arts in Brussels.

On January 1st, children read their "New Year's letter" and give decorated greeting cards to their parents and godparents.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Decorated Streets

New Year is widely celebrated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Streets are decorated, and there are fireworks and concerts in bigger cities. Restaurants, clubs, and hotels host New Year's Eve parties.

In Sarajevo, people gather in the Square of Children of Sarajevo for live music. At midnight, there is a big fireworks show.

Czechia and Slovakia's Noisy Celebrations

New Year's Eve (Silvestr/Silvester) in Czech Republic and Slovakia is the noisiest day of the year. People gather with friends at parties, in pubs, or in city squares to eat, drink, and celebrate. Fireworks are very popular, starting before noon and increasing until midnight. After midnight, people toast with sparkling drinks, wish each other happiness and health, and watch more fireworks.

TV stations show entertainment programs and the national anthem at midnight. The presidents give their New Year speeches. A traditional food is chlebíčky, a sandwich with ham, cheese, egg, and tomato.

Denmark's Midnight Jump

In Denmark, people go to parties or host guests at home. A special evening meal ends with Kransekage, a unique dessert, along with sparkling drinks. A well-known tradition is jumping off a chair at midnight, which symbolizes leaping into the new year.

The monarch's New Year message is broadcast at 6 PM. Thousands gather in Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square) in Copenhagen to cheer. The Royal Guard parade in red uniforms. Fireworks light up as the Town Hall Tower bells chime at midnight.

Estonia's Lucky Meals

To celebrate New Year's Eve in Estonia, people decorate villages, visit friends, and prepare big meals.

Some believe that eating seven, nine, or twelve times on New Year's Eve brings good luck. It's thought that for each meal, a person gains strength for the next year. Some food is left for ancestors and spirits. Traditional foods include pork with sauerkraut and various sausages. Gingerbread and marzipan are popular desserts. Sparkling drinks are modern favorites.

Finland's Fortune Telling

In Finland, New Year's Eve is usually celebrated with family or friends. A late supper is served, often with wieners and potato salad. Some towns organize fireworks at midnight, and people also enjoy setting off their own fireworks. A Finnish tradition is molybdomancy, where people melt a special metal and throw it into cold water. The shapes it makes are used to guess fortunes for the new year, though it's all in fun.

France's Festive Feasts

In France, New Year's Eve (la Saint-Sylvestre) is usually celebrated with a feast called le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. This meal often includes special dishes like foie gras, seafood, and sparkling drinks. The celebration can be a quiet dinner or a fancy ball.

On New Year's Day, friends and family exchange wishes and kisses. Paris and Marseille host big festivities. A light show using video mapping is held on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, ending with fireworks at midnight.

Germany's Sparkling Toasts

In Germany, parties are common on New Year's Eve (Silvester). People wish each other a "Good slide into the new year!" Fireworks are very popular, both from individuals and at big city displays. Berlin hosts one of Europe's largest celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate, with fireworks and live music. Germans toast the New Year with sparkling drinks. A fun German tradition is Bleigießen, where people melt a special metal and drop it into cold water. The shapes it makes are then used to guess what the new year might bring.

Another tradition is watching the British comedy sketch Dinner for One, which has been shown on German television on New Year's Eve since 1972.

Greece's Lucky Pie

A fireworks display happens over the historic Parthenon temple in Athens at midnight.

A common tradition for Greek Orthodox families is cutting a vasilopita (King's pie) at midnight. A coin is usually baked inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the next year.

Hungary's Street Parties

New Year's Eve (Szilveszter) in Hungary is celebrated with home parties and street parties, including a big gathering in downtown Budapest. Fireworks and firecrackers are popular. Sparkling drinks and traditional Hungarian New Year dishes like frankfurter sausages and lentil soup are enjoyed. The national anthem is often sung at midnight.

TV channels usually show comedy and music programs. At midnight, a countdown is followed by the national anthem and the President's speech. A common greeting is "BUÉK!", meaning "Happy New Year!"

Iceland's Comedy Show

Fireworks are very popular in Iceland, especially on New Year's Eve. The biggest events are usually in and around the capital, Reykjavík.

Since the 1940s, the public broadcaster RÚV has shown Áramótaskaupið (The New Year's Comedy). This special features funny sketches that make fun of the past year's events and news. It's the most-watched TV program of the year in Iceland.

Ireland's Quiet Celebrations

New Year's Eve in Ireland was traditionally a time for a big feast, believed to bring a plentiful new year. People believed that nothing should be taken from the house on this day to ensure good luck. In some areas, a large cake was baked and thrown against the front door as an offering.

Today, celebrations in major cities are usually quiet, with most people preferring small parties at home with family and friends.

Italy's Lucky Lentils

In Italy, New Year's Eve (Vigilia di Capodanno) includes traditional customs like wearing red clothes. An old tradition was getting rid of old items.

Dinner is usually eaten with family and friends. It often includes zampone or cotechino (pork dishes) and lentils. At 8:30 PM, the President of Italy's speech is broadcast on TV.

A tradition is to eat lentil stew at midnight, one spoonful for each bell chime. This is believed to bring good fortune, as the round lentils look like coins. The evening is often spent in squares with concerts or at home. People count down to midnight, toast with sparkling drinks, and watch fireworks.

Malta's Nightclub Parties

Malta held its first New Year's street party in 2009. In 2010, the first national celebrations took place in St. George's Square, Valletta. While professional fireworks are popular in Malta, they are almost absent on New Year's Eve. Maltese people usually go to nightclubs and dance parties to celebrate.

Montenegro's City Fireworks

In Montenegro, New Year's Eve celebrations are held in all large cities, often with fireworks. People usually celebrate with family or friends, either at home or out. Restaurants, clubs, and hotels organize celebrations with food and music.

Netherlands' Doughnuts and Bangs

New Year's Eve (Oud en Nieuw) in the Netherlands is usually a cozy evening with family or friends, though big parties are also popular. Traditional snacks are oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) and appelbeignets (apple fritters).

Fireworks displays happen in major cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam. New Year's Eve is the only time of year when certain fireworks can be bought and lit by the public. A unique tradition in rural areas is carbidschieten, where people create loud bangs using special methods. Due to safety concerns, there have been discussions about limiting public fireworks sales.

North Macedonia's Double New Year

New Year's Eve is celebrated across North Macedonia. New Year's Day is marked by fireworks shows. People celebrate with family or friends at home or in restaurants. Children often receive gifts during the daytime. Evening celebrations include food, music, and dancing. New Year's Eve is celebrated on December 31st and also on January 14th, according to the Macedonian Orthodox Calendar.

Norway's Festive Feasts

In Norway, New Year's Eve (Nyttårsaften) is the second biggest celebration after Christmas Eve. While Christmas Eve is for family, New Year's Eve is for friends.

Traditionally, there's a big meal, often roast turkey with potatoes and gravy. The accompanying drinks are often festive beverages. Dessert might be vanilla pudding or rice cream. Close to midnight, Norwegians go outside to set off fireworks. Many cities also host large public fireworks displays to encourage safety.

Poland's Mountain Resorts

In Poland, New Year's Eve (Sylwester) includes both indoor and outdoor parties. A large outdoor concert is held in the Main Square in Kraków, with live music and fireworks. Similar events happen in other cities.

For those who prefer nature, the mountains are a popular choice. Zakopane in the Carpathian Mountains is a favorite winter resort.

Portugal's Twelve Raisins

In Portugal, New Year's celebrations are taken very seriously. The tradition is to drink sparkling drinks and eat twelve raisins, one for each month, making a wish for each. Another tradition is a special cake called Bolo-Rei (King Cake), a round cake with dried fruit. A broad bean is hidden inside, and whoever finds it pays for the cake next year.

In Lisbon, a grand New Year's Concert is held on January 1st.

Romania's Traditional Carols

Traditional celebrations of New Year's Eve (Revelion) are common in Romania. Romanians follow old customs and rituals. Children sing "Plugușorul" and "Sorcova", traditional carols that wish happiness and success.

Parties are common in the evening. In Bucharest, people gather in University Square. New Year's Eve is also marked by a national all-night TV broadcast.

Russia's Kremlin Clock and Ded Moroz

The most famous public celebration in Russia is at Moscow's Red Square under the Kremlin Clock. Its chimes at midnight are followed by the Russian national anthem and fireworks. The President's New Year's address is shown on TV just before midnight.

Novy God (New Year) is a gift-giving holiday similar to Christmas. New Year trees (yolka) are decorated, and Ded Moroz (Father Frost) delivers presents with his granddaughter Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden). These traditions became popular during Soviet times when religious holidays were discouraged. Even today, Novy God remains a popular celebration.

Serbia's Dual New Year

In Serbia, the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1919, but the Serbian Orthodox Church still follows the Julian calendar. This means the New Year is often celebrated twice. In the past, the communist government encouraged celebrating the New Year on January 1st as a non-religious holiday, with "Deda Mraz" (Father Frost) giving gifts. Some people continued to celebrate the Orthodox New Year in their own way.

Today, both the Gregorian New Year (January 1st) and the Serbian New Year (January 14th) are celebrated in major cities.

Slovenia's Dedek Mraz

In Slovenia, after World War II, the New Year was promoted as a non-religious holiday. "Dedek Mraz" (Father Frost) became a popular figure, originally said to come from Siberia. Later, he was said to come from the Triglav mountain and was shown in traditional Slovenian clothes.

Spain's Twelve Grapes

In Spain, the main public celebration of New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) is at Puerta del Sol in Madrid. People wait for the midnight chimes of the clock tower. A famous Spanish tradition is to eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each chime. This is believed to bring luck and good fortune. This tradition started around 1909 to help grape growers sell their extra harvest.

People often attend cotillones de nochevieja (New Year's parties) that last until morning. After midnight, Spaniards often drink sparkling drinks like cava.

A 10 km race called the San Silvestre Vallecana is also held in Madrid on New Year's Eve.

Sweden's Fireworks and Parties

In Sweden, New Year's Eve is usually celebrated with families or friends. People party and eat a special dinner. Big fireworks displays happen across the country, especially in cities. People over 18 can buy fireworks. While watching or lighting fireworks at midnight, Swedes usually drink sparkling drinks.

On TV, the lottery show BingoLotto has a special New Year's Eve edition with music and games.

Switzerland's Ice Hockey Final

In Switzerland, New Year's Eve is typically celebrated with private gatherings or public events. The final of the Spengler Cup ice hockey tournament is traditionally held on New Year's Eve.

Ukraine's Maidan Nezalezhnosti Celebration

The main public celebration in Ukraine is held at Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv, with concerts and fireworks. New Year's Eve also happens at the same time as Malanka, a folk custom similar to mummering.

United Kingdom's Big Ben Chimes

England's London Fireworks

The most famous New Year's Eve celebration in England is in Central London. The arrival of midnight is marked by the chimes of Big Ben and shown on TV. In recent years, a big fireworks display has been held, with fireworks launched from the London Eye. A drone show was added to the fireworks in 2021.

Other major New Year events happen in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds.

Scotland's Hogmanay Traditions

In Scotland, New Year's (Hogmanay) is celebrated with several customs. One is first-footing, where friends or family visit each other's houses with a gift, sometimes a special drink.

Edinburgh, the capital, hosts one of the world's most famous New Year celebrations. It includes a big street party along Princes Street. A cannon is fired at Edinburgh Castle at midnight, followed by a large fireworks display. Edinburgh hosts a festival lasting several days.

Wales' Calennig and Road Race

The Welsh tradition of giving gifts and money on New Year's Day (Calennig) is an old custom. Groups of singers, often children, go around houses singing New Year's songs and receive money. This custom is sometimes combined with wassailing and the presence of Mari Lwyd (a horse's head on a pole).

Thousands of Welsh people go to Cardiff for live music, ice-skating, and fireworks. Many celebrations happen at Cardiff Castle.

Every New Year's Eve, the Nos Galan road race, a 5 km running contest, is held in Mountain Ash. The race celebrates the life of Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân.

North America's Countdown Events

Canada's Comedy Specials

New Year's Eve traditions in Canada are similar to those in the United States, with social gatherings and public celebrations like concerts and fireworks. The Canadian junior hockey team often plays a game on New Year's Eve.

The CBC's TV networks are known for showing comedy specials that make fun of the year's news. Year of the Farce was a popular annual special.

Costa Rica's Travel Wishes

In Costa Rica, families usually gather for parties that last until the early morning. Traditions include eating 12 grapes for 12 wishes and running across the street with luggage to wish for new trips and adventures in the coming year.

El Salvador's Symbolic Effigies

In El Salvador, New Year's Eve is spent with families. Parties start in the afternoon and last until the next day. Families eat dinner and sing traditional songs. After dinner, people light fireworks. A radio station broadcasts a countdown to midnight, and then fireworks light up the country. Salvadorans hug and wish each other a happy new year.

A main event at midnight is lighting thousands of life-size figures called "Año Viejo" (Old Year). These figures represent things people didn't like about the past year and are burned to symbolize a fresh start.

Guatemala's New Clothes and Wishes

In Guatemala, banks and businesses close early on New Year's Eve. In Antigua, people gather at the Santa Catalina Clock Arch. In Guatemala City, celebrations are at Plaza Mayor. Firecrackers are lit from sundown into the night. Guatemalans wear new clothes for good luck and eat a grape with each of the twelve bell chimes at midnight, making a wish with each one.

Celebrations include religious themes, either Mayan or Catholic. Catholic celebrations are similar to Christmas, with gifts exchanged on New Year's Day.

Mexico's Colorful Decorations

Mexicans celebrate New Year's Eve with many traditions. They eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes at midnight, making a wish. Homes and parties are decorated in colors that represent wishes: red for love, yellow for good jobs, green for money, and white for health. Sweet bread is baked with a coin inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck. Another tradition is to write down bad events from the past year and throw the list into a fire, symbolizing a fresh start.

Mexicans have a late-night dinner with family, often turkey or pork. Many then go to parties or nightclubs. In Mexico City, the main street festival is at the Zocalo. After midnight, people shout "¡Feliz Año Nuevo!" (Happy New Year!) and enjoy fireworks.

Panama's Family Fireworks

In Panama, people usually celebrate New Year's Eve with dinner, followed by many individual fireworks displays. Fireworks start around 11 PM and parties last until 1 AM. Many Panamanians leave the city to celebrate with family and friends in rural towns.

Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival Start

In Port of Spain, the tradition is to celebrate in yards with friends, families, and neighbors, and eating until sunrise. At midnight, the city lights up with fireworks everywhere. Music plays from houses, bars, and street parties. Trinidadians and Tobagonians celebrate not only the new year but also the start of the carnival season.

United States' Ball Drops and Concerts

In the United States, New Year's Eve is celebrated with social gatherings and big public events like concerts, fireworks, and "drops." A "drop" is when an item is lowered or raised in the last minute of the year.

These drop events are often inspired by the annual "ball drop" in New York City's Times Square. An illuminated ball is lowered down a 70-foot pole. This event has happened since 1907. Other cities use items that represent their local culture, like Atlanta's Peach Drop.

New York City is a main spot for national TV coverage. Bandleader Guy Lombardo was famous for his annual broadcasts from New York, playing "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight. Later, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve became a very popular TV special. After Dick Clark faced health challenges, Ryan Seacrest took over as host.

Other celebrations in New York include the "New Year's Eve Concert for Peace" at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The New York Road Runners also host a "Midnight Run" in Central Park with fireworks.

Other big celebrations include Las Vegas Strip's "America's Party" with fireworks from casinos. Nashville has concerts with country music and a music note drop. Los Angeles started a big gathering in Grand Park in 2014, with food trucks, art, and a light show on Los Angeles City Hall.

Major theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando also have New Year's celebrations and are very busy during the holidays.

Oceania's Summer Celebrations

Australia's Harbour Fireworks

Since New Year's Eve is in summer in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrations in Australia often include public events like fireworks, shows, and concerts. Many happen at the country's beaches, attracting visitors from all over.

The most famous celebration is Sydney New Year's Eve at Sydney Harbour. It has two fireworks shows: the "Calling Country Fireworks" at 9 PM and the main show at midnight. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a key part of the show, with fireworks and lights.

Other major Australian cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth also host fireworks events.

Kiribati's First to Celebrate

The parts of the Line Islands belonging to Kiribati, including Kiritimati, are the first places in the world to welcome the New Year. This is because they are in the earliest time zone.

New Zealand's Sky Tower Display

Many of New Zealand's cities and towns celebrate the new year with outdoor concerts and fireworks.

Auckland regularly has a fireworks display at midnight from the top of the Sky Tower. In Wellington, Frank Kitts Park hosts a festival with fireworks, music, and outdoor films. Gisborne, one of the first cities to see the new year's sunrise, also has a festival.

Samoa's Time Zone Shift

Samoa was one of the first countries to welcome the New Year from 2011 to 2021, as it used the earliest time zone during its summer.

South America's Summer Festivities

Argentina's Doll Burning

Traditional celebrations in Argentina include a family dinner with dishes like vitel tonné and asado. Desserts include turrón and pan dulce.

At midnight, Argentines wish each other well and toast with cider, sparkling drinks, or other festive beverages. After this, some go to the streets to enjoy fireworks.

In La Plata, there's a tradition of making giant dolls, often from paper and wood, which are burned after midnight. This symbolizes saying goodbye to the old year. Since it's summer, many families celebrate at tourist spots on the Argentine coast.

Brazil's Copacabana Fireworks

In Brazil, people usually celebrate New Year's Eve (Ano Novo or Réveillon) at big parties. Local customs decide who opens a bottle of sparkling drink at midnight. People often wear colors with special meanings, like white for good luck or yellow for happiness. Eating grapes and lentils are also common traditions.

The most famous public celebration is a fireworks display on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, one of the world's largest. Beaches in major cities are crowded for nighttime events. TV Globo's Show da Virada [pt] is a popular New Year's Eve special.

Another tradition in São Paulo is the Saint Silvester Road Race, a 15K run through the city, held annually since 1925.

Chile's Lucky Traditions

New Year's Eve in Chile includes various traditions, like wearing yellow clothes and watching fireworks. People who want to travel might walk the streets with a suitcase. Others hold money or place coins at their door for good fortune. Celebrations include a family dinner with special dishes, often lentils for good luck, and twelve grapes for wishes.

In Santiago, thousands gather at the Entel Tower for a countdown and fireworks. Many fireworks shows happen across the country, with the "Año Nuevo en el Mar" in Valparaiso being very popular. Since 2000, selling fireworks to individuals has been illegal, so only professional displays are allowed.

Colombia's Family Parties

In Colombia, New Year's Eve is a traditional celebration. Many customs exist, including a family dinner with special dishes, fireworks, popular music, wearing new clothes, eating empanadas, and various parties.

Ecuador's Fun Costumes

A New Year's Eve tradition in Ecuador is for people to dress up in fun costumes, sometimes representing "widows" of the past year. They dance in the streets and ask for small tolls from drivers.

There are also traditional family events, meals, and modern celebrations like hosting parties and going to nightclubs. Ecuadorians often eat grapes and drink sparkling drinks with family and friends.

Suriname's Firework Spectacles

In Suriname, people go to commercial districts to watch big firework displays on New Year's Eve. These displays feature long "red-firecracker-ribbons." The bigger stores compete to have the longest ribbon. These celebrations start in the morning and continue into the next day. Street parties are full by nightfall, stopping briefly at midnight for people to light their own special fireworks, then continuing until daybreak.

Uruguay's Paper Rain and Cider

In Uruguay, traditional celebrations begin on New Year's Eve with family gatherings. Asado and lechon (roasted meats) are often eaten, with turrón and pan dulce for dessert. People often wear white for optimism. At midnight, Uruguayans go to the streets for fireworks, firecrackers, and to eat Twelve Grapes.

Since it's summer, resort cities like Punta del Este are full of people enjoying parties, music festivals, and light shows on the beach.

In Old City of Montevideo, office workers throw torn calendars and daybooks out of windows, creating a "paper rain." The Mercado del Puerto hosts a street party with a lively cider celebration.

Venezuela's Midnight Songs

Radio specials count down and announce the New Year. In Caracas, the bells of the Cathedral ring twelve times. These programs often play songs about the end of the year. Popular songs include "Viejo año" and "Cinco pa' las 12." The unofficial song for the first minutes of the New Year is "Año Nuevo, Vida Nueva." Venezuelans also play their national anthem at home.

Traditions include wearing yellow clothes, eating Pan de jamón, and 12 grapes with sparkling drinks.

Special holiday programs are shown on Venezuelan TV stations, with the main national event from Caracas' Bolivar Square.

Religious Observances for New Year's Eve

Many Christian churches hold watchnight services on New Year's Eve. These services, common in Moravian and Methodist traditions, continue past midnight. People give thanks for the past year and pray for blessings in the new one. For African Americans, Watch Night services became very important on New Year's Eve 1862, as enslaved people awaited the freedom promised by the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran Churches, and Anglican Communion, January 1st is a special day. In Roman Catholicism, it's the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Many churches hold a Mass on New Year's Eve, often called a Watchnight Mass. New Year's Eve is also a day honoring Pope Sylvester I in the Roman Catholic calendar.

Music for New Year's Eve

Music for New Year's Eve includes both classical and popular songs. Many songs celebrate the arrival of a new year during the holiday season.

• "Auld Lang Syne", a famous song by Robert Burns
• Johann Sebastian Bach composed three pieces for the new year in his Orgelbüchlein
• "The year is gone, beyond recall" is an old Christian hymn
• "Happy New Year" by ABBA
• "It's Just Another New Year's Eve" by Barry Manilow
• "Let's Start the New Year Right" by Bing Crosby
• "New Year's Day" by U2
• "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelberg
• "Kiss Me at Midnight" by ['N Sync]
• "This Is the New Year" by A Great Big World
• "New Year's Day" by Taylor Swift
• "1999" by Prince
• "Will 2K" by Will Smith
• "Millennium" by Robbie Williams
• "Disco 2000" by Pulp
• "New Year's Day" by Pentatonix
• What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, written by Frank Loesser

Some European countries play their national anthem to wish everyone a happy new year.

See also

In Spanish: Nochevieja para niños

• New Year's food
• List of films set around New Year
• List of objects dropped on New Year's Eve