New Year’s Eve Traditions Across the U.S. and Japan (How Two Countries Celebrate December 31)NEW

New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31 in countries using the Gregorian calendar, marks the final day of the year and a globally shared moment of reflection and celebration. Friends and families gather for parties, food, countdowns, fireworks, and the tradition of making resolutions, welcoming the coming year with hope and excitement.

New Year's Eve in the United States
• City countdowns with televised “ball drops,” fireworks, and midnight confetti
• House parties, bar/club celebrations, and community events
• Family gatherings with sparkling cider/champagne toasts and New Year’s resolutions
• Concerts, light shows, and organized fireworks displays
• Religious “Watch Night” services and reflective traditions in some communities

New Year's Eve in Japan
• Ōmisoka focus on reflection and a clean start to the new year
• Temple bell ringing Jōya no Kane (108 times) to clear worldly desires
• Eating toshikoshi soba (year-crossing buckwheat noodles) for longevity
• Year-end house cleaning (ōsōji) and preparing/organizing New Year cards (nengajō)
• Watching NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, then first shrine/temple visit after midnight (hatsumōde)
• Setting out or preparing early New Year foods (osechi ryōri) for New Year’s Day