New Year’s Eve falls on December 31st every year, marking the final night of the calendar year and the countdown into a brand new one.
History of New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another dates back thousands of years, with some of the earliest recorded celebrations tracing to ancient Babylon, where a spring festival marked the new year with feasting and ceremony. The tradition of celebrating on December 31st specifically became standardized with the adoption of the Julian and later the Gregorian calendar, which set January 1st as the start of the new year.
In the United States, New York City’s Times Square Ball Drop has become one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve traditions, dating back to 1907. The tradition began after the city banned fireworks displays that had previously rung in the new year, leading organizers to lower an illuminated ball from a flagpole instead, a tradition that continues today and is broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide.
How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
- Host or attend a New Year’s Eve party with friends or family
- Watch a ball drop or fireworks celebration, in person or on television
- Reflect on the past year and set goals or resolutions for the new one
- Enjoy a special meal or toast at midnight
- Spend a quiet night in, if a big celebration isn’t your style
Fun Facts About New Year’s Eve
- The Times Square Ball Drop tradition began in 1907, after New York City banned fireworks displays.
- Many cultures around the world have their own unique New Year’s traditions, from eating twelve grapes at midnight in Spain to jumping over waves in Brazil.
- Auld Lang Syne, the song commonly sung at midnight, is a Scottish poem set to music, traditionally sung to bid farewell to the old year.
- New Year’s resolutions date back thousands of years, with ancient Babylonians reportedly making promises to the gods at the start of each year.
- Sydney, Australia is one of the first major cities in the world to ring in the New Year each year, due to its time zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve is always celebrated on December 31st, the final day of the calendar year.
Why do people watch the ball drop in Times Square?
The Times Square Ball Drop has been a New York City tradition since 1907, and has grown into one of the most iconic and widely broadcast New Year’s Eve traditions in the world.
What is Auld Lang Syne about?
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem set to music, traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve to reflect on friendship and bid farewell to the passing year.