New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve
Observed by	United States and many other countries
Type	Observance
Date	December 31
Scheduling	Same day each year
Frequency	Annual
Duration	1 night
Celebrates	End of the calendar year and beginning of the New Year

New Year's Eve, observed on December 31, is the final day of the calendar year and is widely celebrated across the United States. It is a night of parties, countdowns, fireworks, and public gatherings to usher in the New Year.

Celebrations

New Year's Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year, featuring:

• **Countdown parties** at homes, bars, and public squares
• The famous **Times Square Ball Drop** in New York City
• **Fireworks displays** across major cities
• Singing of **"Auld Lang Syne"** at midnight
• Champagne toasts and festive attire

Times Square Ball Drop

• The **Times Square Ball Drop** is the most iconic New Year’s Eve event in the U.S.
• First held in **1907**
• The ball descends from a pole atop One Times Square, counting down the final 60 seconds of the year
• Broadcast to over **1 billion viewers worldwide**

Traditions and Customs

• **Midnight kiss** – symbolizing love and good luck for the year ahead
• **Resolutions** – setting personal goals for the coming year
• **Red or sparkling attire** for celebration and luck
• Serving symbolic foods like grapes (luck) or pork (prosperity)

Family vs. Public Celebrations

While many celebrate in public venues, others prefer:

• Watching televised specials at home
• Hosting family-friendly countdowns earlier in the evening
• Toasting the new year with sparkling cider or champagne

Fun Facts

• Fireworks are used to "scare away evil spirits" — a tradition with ancient roots
• Over 2,000 pounds of confetti are dropped in Times Square
• Some cultures eat 12 grapes at midnight — one for each lucky month

See Also

• New Year's Day
• Federal Holidays in the United States
• Time in the United States
• Holiday traditions in the United States
• Times Square