New Year's Eve

Seeing in the new year

New Year's Eve, December 31, is the last day of the year. Around the world, the new year is welcomed at midnight with fireworks, toasts and good wishes. Many people make resolutions for the year ahead.

Because of the time zones, the new year starts first on islands in the Pacific, such as Kiribati, and last in American Samoa and on uninhabited islands near the date line. Television channels around the world show the celebrations in Sydney, Hong Kong and other cities hours before midnight arrives in Europe and America.

The date never changes; only the day of the week does.

In 2026 it falls on Thursday, December 31.

New Year's Eve in the United States

New Year's Eve is not a federal holiday, but many people leave work early. The best-known countdown is the ball drop in Times Square in New York, watched by huge crowds on site and on television across the country. Cities hold fireworks and parties, and many people celebrate at home with friends.

At midnight people toast with champagne, kiss and sing 'Auld Lang Syne'. When New Year's Day falls on a Saturday, December 31 is the observed federal holiday.

Many towns have their own version of the ball drop, lowering a local symbol at midnight. Public transport in big cities often runs extra services, but many people celebrate closer to home.