Did you know? New Year’s is the closest thing to being the world’s global public holiday. With most countries using the Gregorian calendar (also known as the Western or Christian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII and still used today) as their main calendar, even cultures that celebrate during other months with holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, or Yuan Tan, still recognize a new year as an occasion to celebrate.

Across the globe, different nations, cultures, and religions have their own ways of celebrating, whether it’s on January 1st or another date. Here’s a look at some celebratory traditions:

- The New Year is celebrated in the United States by spending the occasion with loved ones, or for the more adventurous, at parties. Some people make a New Year’s resolution.
- New York City hosts a giant celebration that is broadcast live worldwide, culminating with the Times Square Ball dropping, fireworks, and music.
- In the United Kingdom, thousands gather along the Embankment on the River Thames to watch the fireworks around the London Eye.
- In Scotland, Edinburgh hosts a famous street party, and in Wales, a three day festival featuring lanterns and fireworks displays, Calennig, is celebrated in Cardiff.
- In Greece and Cyprus, families and relatives gather to cut the “vassilopita” or Basil’s pie, which usually contains a coin or other trinket. Whoever finds the item expects luck for the whole year.
- In Denmark, finding a pile of broken plates on your doorstep means you have many friends. Old dishes are saved year around to be thrown at the homes of friends on New Year’s Eve.

These are just a few of the many different New Year’s Eve traditions that take place across the globe. Whether you’re celebrating this January or during a different time of year, have a happy and healthy new year!