# New Year’s Eve 2026: Thursday, December 31

> New Year’s Eve 2026 falls on Thursday, December 31, 2026, the last night of the year. It leads into New Year’s Day at midnight.

Source: https://whatdayisitapp.com/days/new-years-eve/ · Updated: 2026-11-05 · What Day Is It?

## Why does a ball drop in Times Square?

The first ball dropped in 1907, after New York City banned the fireworks that had been part of the party. The idea came from time balls, which were lowered at harbors so ships could set their clocks. The ball has dropped nearly every year since, with a pause during the Second World War, when crowds marked midnight with a moment of silence.

## What does Auld Lang Syne mean?

The song most people half-remember at midnight is a Scottish poem that Robert Burns wrote down in 1788. *Auld lang syne* means roughly “old times’ sake.” It is about raising a glass to old friends, which is why it stuck.

## Lucky traditions around the world

- **Spain:** eat twelve grapes, one for each stroke of midnight.
- **Denmark:** jump off a chair at midnight to leap into the new year.
- **Brazil:** wear white and head for the beach.
- **Japan:** temple bells ring 108 times.
- **Türkiye:** buy a national lottery ticket and hope.

## Who gets midnight first?

Kiritimati in the Pacific nation of Kiribati is among the first places on Earth to reach the new year. American Samoa and a few uninhabited islands are among the last, about a full day later.

## Dates

- December 31, 2026 (Thursday)
- December 31, 2027 (Friday)
- December 31, 2028 (Sunday)

## FAQ

### Is New Year’s Eve a federal holiday?

No. January 1 is the federal holiday in the US. December 31 is a normal working day unless an employer decides otherwise.

### What time does the ball drop start?

It begins its descent at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and reaches the bottom at midnight.