New Year's Eve Traditions Around the World – A Fun Look at Global Celebrations
Japan
In Japan, the celebrations begin days before New Year's Eve with the Bonenkai, or "forget-the-year" parties. People gather with loved ones to bid farewell to the old year. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away the past, and decorated with colorful flowers and ornaments. At midnight, 108 temple bells ring out to cleanse the 108 human sins. A beautiful tradition follows: illuminated balloons carrying New Year’s wishes are released from temples into the sky.
Spain
In Spain, grapes are the stars of the night. At the stroke of midnight, people eat 12 grapes—one for each chime of the clock and each month of the year. If you manage to eat them all in time, it’s said to bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
England
In London, crowds gather at the iconic London Eye to watch a spectacular fireworks display along the Thames. The city also hosts the UK’s largest costume New Year’s Eve party, making it a festive and colorful celebration.
Denmark
Danes literally jump into the new year—by leaping off chairs or tables at midnight! This quirky tradition is believed to bring good luck. Bonus: it’s also a fun way to burn off those holiday cookies!
Vietnam
In Vietnam, it’s believed that a household god lives in each home and travels to heaven on a carp to report on the family’s behavior. To ensure a favorable report, families release a live carp into a river or lake on New Year’s Eve, helping their deity make the journey.
China
China celebrates the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, about a month after January 1st. According to legend, a monster named Nian would terrorize villages—until people discovered it feared the color red. Today, red decorations and envelopes filled with money (especially for children and singles) are everywhere. Cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai light up with dazzling shows and music all night long.