How Many Days Until New Year's Day?
New Year's Day 2026 is on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
About New Year's Day
New Year's Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar. It's one of the world's most widely observed public holidays, often celebrated with fireworks, parties, reflections on the past year, and resolutions for the future. It signifies a fresh start and hope for the year ahead.
History of January 1st
The celebration of the New Year on January 1st dates back to ancient Rome.
Roman Origins
Early Roman calendars varied, but January 1st was established as the start of the civil year around 153 BC. It honored Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions.
Julian & Gregorian Calendars
Julius Caesar solidified January 1st as the start date with the Julian calendar in 45 BC. The Gregorian calendar reform in 1582 retained this date, which gradually became standard across the Western world.
Global Adoption
While many cultures celebrate their traditional New Year at different times (e.g., Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah), January 1st is the most internationally recognized start of the civil year.
Symbolism of Renewal
Across cultures, the New Year represents a time for reflection, letting go of the past, and embracing new opportunities and beginnings.
Common New Year's Traditions
Celebrations vary globally, but many share common themes:
- New Year's Eve Parties: Gatherings with friends and family on December 31st, often lasting past midnight to welcome the New Year.
- Countdown to Midnight: Watching the clock and counting down the final seconds of the old year, often culminating in cheers, kisses, and toasts.
- Fireworks Displays: Large public fireworks shows are common in major cities worldwide at the stroke of midnight.
- Singing "Auld Lang Syne": A traditional Scottish song often sung at midnight, reflecting on old friendships and times past.
- Making Resolutions: Setting personal goals or intentions for self-improvement in the coming year.
- Special Foods: Many cultures have traditional New Year's foods believed to bring luck or prosperity (e.g., lentils, greens, pork, ring-shaped cakes).
- Ball Drop (Times Square, NYC): An iconic American tradition where a large crystal ball descends in the final minute before midnight.
New Year's Around the World
While January 1st is widely celebrated, specific customs differ:
Spain
Eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime, is believed to bring good luck for each month of the year.
Denmark
People smash old plates and dishes against the doors of friends and family to ward off bad spirits. Leaping into the New Year from a chair at midnight is also common.
Japan (Oshogatsu)
While the main celebration follows the lunar calendar, January 1st involves visiting shrines, eating special foods (osechi-ryori), and ringing temple bells 108 times.
Brazil (Réveillon)
Many people wear white for peace and jump over seven waves while making wishes. Offerings are sometimes made to the sea goddess Yemanjá.
Greece
An onion is hung on the door as a symbol of rebirth. A special cake (Vasilopita) containing a hidden coin is cut; finding the coin brings good luck.
Philippines
Round shapes (representing coins) are emphasized – wearing polka dots, eating round fruits – to attract prosperity.