50+ New Year’s Eve Celebrations & Traditions for Good Luck

Whether you’re spending the day alone or with others, New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect on the past and welcome the upcoming year with a celebration! In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list of fun things to do on this special holiday, including iconic New Year’s Eve traditions and the best cities to ring in the new year. We also spoke with event planners and life coaches for tips on hosting a memorable party and creating effective New Year’s resolutions.

Best Ways to Celebrate the New Year

Drink champagne and eat a delicious meal.
Dress up in a festive outfit and take pictures.
Write down your resolutions for the new year.
Attend a local public event to watch fireworks.
Host a potluck, game night, or movie marathon.
Celebrate at a house party with friends and family.
Make a time capsule to open next New Year’s Eve.

Section 1 of 4:

Fun Things to Do on New Year’s Eve

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Go to a public event in your area. Local New Year’s Eve events usually take place at a park, city square, harbor, beach, or lively district. They often feature performances by live musicians or DJs, countdown celebrations, and spectacular fireworks displays.^{[1]
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- Check Facebook or Eventbrite for New Year’s Eve events in your area.
- If you live in a large city, be sure to plan accordingly to avoid traffic and find a good parking spot.
Meet the wikiHow Experts

Stefanie Chu-Leong is the owner and senior event planner for Stellify Events, with over 15 years of event planning experience.

Susan Pazak, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and professional life coach. She has more than 21 years of experience treating adolescents and adults.

Amber Rosenberg, PCC, is a professional life coach, career coach, and executive coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has over 20 years of coaching experience.
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Celebrate at a house party. Chances are, someone you know is probably throwing a party to ring in the new year. Ask your friends or close colleagues if they’re hosting anything, and see if you can score an invite. Consider the party size, location, activities, and guest list to choose the one that best fits your vibe.
- They might be hosting a casual get-together or a themed party, so make sure to grab all the details in advance. You don’t want to show up underdressed!
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Throw your own party. Don’t want to go out to celebrate? Then, bring the party to your place! Invite close friends for a small gathering, or go all out with a big New Year’s Eve bash. You should consider your theme, budget, and guest count when planning, according to professional event planner Stefanie Chu-Leong.^{[2]
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- Don’t forget to provide hats, confetti, and noisemakers to bring in the New Year.
- Feel free to play drinking games, share your resolutions, or just chat and catch up with others.
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Go out dancing with friends. If you’re looking to party hard while ringing in the New Year, gather your friends, put on a festive outfit, and hit the club! Most clubs bring in the best DJs and offer competitive drink specials, but they usually charge a steeper admission fee for New Year’s Eve.
- Alternatively, throw a dance party at home to cut down on costs. Just ask your friends to dress up like you’re going out and blast your favorite bangers!
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Attend a formal event. Many upscale hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars host ticketed New Year’s Eve events. They usually feature food and live music, with performances from professional singers, orchestras, or jazz bands. You can use event sites, like Eventbrite, to find an event and purchase your ticket ahead of time.
- Most of these formal events require formal or “black tie” attire.
- Try to book early to avoid higher costs. For most ticketed New Year’s Eve events, “early bird” pricing ends in mid-December, with prices increasing significantly afterwards.
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Eat dinner at a restaurant. Whether it’s a family-friendly restaurant with your kids, a fine dining experience with your partner, or a quick, pre-game meal with friends, going out to eat is one of the best ways to celebrate the New Year. Some restaurants even have food and drinks just for the occasion, such as an elaborate course menu or festive cocktails.^{[3]
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- Generally, you should book 3-6 months in advance for New Year’s Eve dinner at high-end or popular restaurants. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for regular restaurants or a few days ahead for casual spots.
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Go on a date. What’s more romantic than celebrating new beginnings with that special someone? Grab your partner and spend New Year’s Eve sharing a delicious meal or doing a fun activity together. End the evening by viewing fireworks, grabbing a drink at your favorite bar, and sharing a steamy kiss at midnight.
- If you’re single, don’t worry—you can always spend the day alone or match with someone on a dating app.
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Have a potluck with friends. If you want to celebrate the New Year with a lot of people, a potluck-style meal will help shoulder the burden of cooking. Just ask your guests what they plan to bring and make a list so multiple people won’t show up with the same dish. Each person can bring one or two items, whether it’s an appetizer, drink, or dessert.
- Some easy-to-eat appetizers include chips and dip, stuffed mushrooms, pigs in blankets, sliders, meatballs, mini pizzas, or a charcuterie board.
- Champagne, wine, spiced sangria, espresso martinis, Moscow mules, Jell-O shots, sparkling cider, and hot chocolate are festive drink options.
- For dessert, truffles, cookies, cheesecake cups, key lime pie bars, cupcakes, macarons, blondies, and chocolate-covered strawberries are good choices.
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Visit a casino. Aside from playing cards and slot machines, many casinos host New Year’s Eve celebrations that include dinner and a show, either from professional singers, tribute bands, or comedians. It’s also a common superstition that gambling (or handling money in general) brings good fortune for the new year.^{[4]
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- Remember, you must be 21 years of age or older to gamble in most states.^{[5]
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- In Las Vegas, all the casinos work in tandem to create one strip-wide party.
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Attend a midnight church service. If you’re religious or in search of a non-partying alternative, consider attending a watchnight service on New Year’s Eve. Churches host this special midnight service to encourage fellowship and deepen spiritual connection for the new year. It often involves guided prayer and worship centered on fresh starts, second chances, and anticipation for the future.^{[6]
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- To find a watchnight service, check your local church website for announcements or search “New Year’s Eve church service near me” on Google. You can also look for churches that stream online if you prefer to join virtually.
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Light sparklers or fireworks. Get into the New Year’s Eve spirit by adding a little light to your night. You can set up a fireworks show or simply light a few sparklers with your loved ones. Just be sure to obey your local laws, buy fireworks from reputable sellers, and keep a bucket of water nearby for a safe experience.^{[7]
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- Warning: Never give fireworks to small children, and do not drink alcohol or do any drugs before or during the show. Fireworks require accuracy and attention in order to be safely displayed.
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Make New Year’s resolutions. This is one of the most popular New Year’s Eve activities because it sets your attitude for the year ahead. Reflect on the previous year, then write down the things you wish to accomplish. If you have a larger goal, break it down into smaller, realistic goals to improve your chances of achieving it.^{[8]
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- To keep your resolutions, write clear, specific goals with a plan of action and the dates you want to complete them, says licensed clinical psychologist & professional life coach Susan Pazak, PhD.^{[9]
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- Life coach Amber Rosenberg, PCC, recommends building the support and accountability you need to make your resolutions a reality. She states, “saying a resolution out loud or even via social media creates outside accountability and increases your success rate by 80%.”^{[10]
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Craft vision boards at home. If you want to do something productive and motivational, reflect on your goals for the new year regarding relationships, career growth, finances, travel, and habits. Then, translate those by making your own vision board. Use poster board, magazines, scissors, glue, stickers, markers, washi tape, glitter, ribbon, and anything else you have lying around the house.
- Cut out photos, quotes, or words that represent your goals, and arrange these items on your board, experimenting with different layouts until it looks perfect. Glue everything down, then place your board in an area you pass by often.
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Make a time capsule to open next New Year’s Eve. Gather meaningful items and seal them in a container that will be opened next year. You can include notes for your future self, a list of your biggest achievements, a current newspaper or magazine clipping, ticket stubs, or any other cultural snapshots of the time.
- Be sure to seal the container securely and clearly label it with “Do not open until (date).”
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Host a casual meetup with friends. Gather some of your friends and arrange a fun meetup at one of your favorite locations. It could be at the bowling alley, park, arcade, or movie theatre. Decide ahead of time what to wear, who brings what, and any other details. Think of it as planning a casual and impromptu New Year’s Eve party!
- If you’re meeting up at a store or business, be sure to check their New Year’s Eve hours online.
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Have a movie marathon. If you want to avoid the crowds, relax at home and watch movies all day. There are a few New Year’s-themed movies to choose from, but you can turn on anything you like. It’s the perfect time to watch that epic saga you’ve been holding off, a comforting classic, or a holiday movie.
- Movies that revolve around New Year’s include When Harry Met Sally, Strange Days, Forrest Gump, Ghostbusters 2, New Year’s Eve, Trading Places, Groundhog Day, New Year’s Evil, Tokyo Godfathers, and The Apartment.
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Start a new tradition. It’s never a bad time to create a new tradition, whether it’s going out to a party, staying home alone, having a family dinner, or celebrating the New Year in your own unique way. You can also try an interesting New Year’s Eve tradition from another culture!
- Many people start traditions around the New Year because the holiday represents renewal, new opportunities, and a fresh start.
- If you’ve recently married, talk to your partner about how they celebrate special occasions and holidays with family. Then, find ways to incorporate what each of you wants and what both of you would find special, says relationship coach Luis Congdon.^{[11]
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More fun activities to do on New Year’s Eve Here’s a list of more NYE activities you can do alone or with other people. Some activities are more festive than others, but each one is fun, entertaining, and a great way to pass the time!
- Take a trip. If you need recommendations for where to go, check out our best cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve below.
- Go for a hike. This is a great non-partying activity to do solo or with loved ones. Just make sure to bundle up and bring the right gear.
- Go ice skating. Throw on your favorite sweater and puffer jacket, then head out to your local skating rink. Many decorate for the holidays, so it’ll feel festive and celebratory.
- Call a loved one. Can’t be with your favorites on New Year’s Eve? Set aside some time to video chat and catch up. You could even do a virtual Champagne toast to celebrate!
- Watch the sunset. Check when the sun sets in your area, then grab a blanket and head outside. Be sure to snap photos of the New Year’s Eve sunset and upload them to social media if you like.
- Organize your house. This is the perfect activity to represent new beginnings and a fresh start. If you have the entire day off, consider deep cleaning your home. Otherwise, you can just tidy up, do laundry, or rearrange things in your room.
- Have a family game night. Spend your NYE playing Monopoly, CLUE, Jenga, Candyland, Operation, Twister, or any other board game you love. You can also play video games or classic card games.
- Have a spa night at home. Soak in a bubble bath, light some candles, and turn on some relaxing music to set the mood. You can also throw on a face mask or do an elaborate skincare routine.
- Dress up and take photos. Even if you’re not going out, you can still put on a festive outfit and document your NYE. Set up a backdrop at your house or go to a pretty location outside.
- Cook an extravagant meal. Whether it’s steak, pasta, or a hearty stew, whip up something you find comforting and delicious. Don’t forget to pair it with the right beverage and finish off with a sweet treat.
- Mix your own cocktails at home. Most people drink Champagne when the ball drops at midnight, but having a cocktail is extra festive. Sip on Champagne punch, mulled wine, or spiced sangria!

Section 2 of 4:

New Year’s Eve Traditions for Good Luck

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Classic traditions Some New Year’s Eve traditions are common all around the world. Here’s a list of the most traditional ways to welcome the new year:^{[12]
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- Pop bottles. It’s common to drink Champagne, cava, prosecco, or another type of bubbly alcohol, but some people prefer a cider-like punch or mulled wine.
- Watch fireworks. Historically, people have lit fireworks to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. However, people also light fireworks because they’re festive and exciting.
- Sing “Auld Lang Syne.” Based on a poem written by Robert Burns, this Scottish song is about times gone by. People usually cross their arms and join hands to sing the iconic chorus.
- Kiss someone at midnight. This tradition is believed to bring luck in love and relationships and ensure happiness in the upcoming year. In fact, some people believe that not kissing someone at midnight leads to a year of loneliness.
- Watch the Times Square Ball Drop. Starting in 1907, the New Year’s Eve ball drop is an iconic New York City tradition (and a much safer alternative to fireworks). You can watch the event on TV broadcasts, streaming services, and live feeds on the Times Square website.
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Traditions from around the world There are so many cool, unique, and weird New Year’s Eve traditions around the world, and you don’t have to be part of a specific culture to embrace them. Here’s an overview of New Year’s traditions from different countries:^{[13]
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- Belgium: Children write New Year’s letters to their parents and read them out loud.
- Brazil: Wear white clothing for good luck on December 31st.
- Canada: Go ice fishing and roast the freshly caught fish.
- Chile: Hold mass in local cemeteries to honor and spend time with passed loved ones.
- China: Slurp a long string of noodles without biting to bring luck and a long life, says noodle expert Thuong Tan.^{[14]
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- Colombia: Run with an empty suitcase around the block at midnight to guarantee safe travels in the upcoming year.
- Denmark: Throw old plates and glasses against the front door to banish bad luck, and leap from chairs at midnight to start January with good luck.
- Estonia: Eat up to 12 meals to celebrate the New Year. Some of the meals are left for spirits who visit the house on the holiday.
- Finland: Cast molten tin into water and analyze the shapes that come up.
- France: Serve oysters, foie gras, and Champagne.
- Germany: Eat marzipan pigs and jam-filled donuts as a token of good fortune.
- Greece: Hang onions above the door to welcome the good spirits of fortune and fertility
- Ireland: Bang on pots to scare away unwanted spirits, and leave the door unlocked for ancestors and lost loved ones to enter.
- Italy: Burn the effigy of an old man to “burn” last year’s bad luck and make way for good luck.
- Japan: Clean the house and eat toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles) for longevity.
- Mexico: Wear colored underwear for different wishes in the new year—red for love, yellow for happiness, green for wealth, and white for peace.
- Philippines: Dress up in polka dots to bring prosperity and wealth (since the round shapes look like coins).
- Romania: Toss a coin into a river (or local fountain) to bring prosperity on New Year’s Eve.
- Russia: Reserve the last 12 seconds of the year as a silent tribute to the year gone by and to make a wish for the new year.
- Scotland: The first person (preferably a dark-haired person for the best luck) to enter a home in the New Year brings a small gift for good fortune.
- South Africa: Toss unwanted furniture out of the window.
- Spain: Eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck every month in the upcoming year.
- Turkey: Sprinkle salt on the doorstep for prosperity.

Section 3 of 4:

Best Cities to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

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Here are the top places to celebrate New Year’s Eve around the world. Many New Year’s Eve events garner attention on television and social media. Check out our list of the best cities to ring in the new year below:^{[15]
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- Bangkok, Thailand
- Berlin, Germany
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dubai, UAE
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Goa, India
- Las Vegas, USA
- London, UK
- Los Angeles, USA
- Madrid, Spain
- New York City, USA
- Orlando, USA
- Paris, France
- Québec City, Canada
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Seattle, USA
- Sydney, Australia
- Tokyo, Japan
- Vienna, Austria

Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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What’s the importance of celebrating the new year? People celebrate the New Year because it brings joy, optimism, and unity. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and set positive intentions for the upcoming year. Celebrations also bring people together globally, reinforcing the universal feeling of hope for a better future.^{[16]
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- New Year’s traditions connect ancient practices for warding off evil and ensuring good luck, making the holiday even more special and meaningful.
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What are some common New Year’s superstitions? Depending on your culture and beliefs, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do to ward off bad fortune. Here are some common New Year’s superstitions:^{[17]
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- Avoid chores to keep good luck from being “swept away.”
- Avoid crying on New Year’s Day, which can signal crying all year.
- Stock up your fridge to avoid empty cabinets, which represent scarcity.
- Avoid sleeping through midnight, which can mean a less productive year.
- Open your doors and windows to let the old year out and the new year in.
- Make loud noises (lighting fireworks or banging pots) to scare away evil spirits.
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What is traditional New Year’s food? Pork, leafy greens, black-eyed peas, and round and ring-shaped foods are commonly eaten foods on New Year’s. This is because they’re considered symbols of wealth, fortune, and prosperity.^{[18]
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- Additionally, eating anything yellow is good luck since yellow is the color of gold.

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How can you celebrate the New Year at home?

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Spend time with your family and friends. Have a drink and eat something special. Watch your country's New Year's fireworks. Listen to music, dance, and enjoy. Talk to your family members about how the year was for them and what they're planning on doing next year.

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I can't think of the word meaning to set some type of promise or goal for the new year. What is it called?

Donagan

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You're thinking of resolutions.

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What do Chinese people do for the new year?

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Check out this wikiHow article about celebrating Chinese New Year to learn about the traditional Chinese holiday. That said, China does also officially celebrate New Year's Day on the 1st of January, pretty much just like in the Western hemisphere.

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If you’re celebrating with kids, provide apple juice, sparkling cider, or another non-alcoholic beverage.

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Don’t want your kids to stay up until midnight? Let them ring in the New Year a few hours early by watching the ball drop in another part of the world several hours ahead of your time.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Take lots of pictures and videos so you can remember the event in the future. Use them to celebrate a new decade and look back on New Years past. Like, celebrate 2030 and have photos of your NYE parties from the 2020s.
If you're celebrating in a house, stay until midnight and when it strikes 12, cut a cake and celebrate with your friends or family or both.
Don't drink and drive on NYE! Think about your own good, your life, and the people surrounding you.

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