New Year’s Eve: History and Celebration
"Auld Lang Syne," perhaps the most famous New Year’s Eve song in the English-speaking world, is also considered "the song that nobody knows.” It might be apt that few people know the words to this song, because the meaning of New Year’s Eve in the Western world has always been somewhat nebulous. Use this New Year’s Eve Web Guide to learn what New Year’s is all about, and where to find celebrations, helpful hints on fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions and New Year’s customs from around the world.
Expand All Guide SectionsNew Year's Eve Party Tips
New Year’s is renowned for celebrations. You don’t want to procrastinate, be without plans this New Year’s and have to wait another 364 days to have the time of your life. The sites in this section can help you decide how to make this occasion a memorable one with New Year’s Eve party tips, celebration suggestions and more.
Insights for New Year's Eve Party Tips
- For more information on finding nightlife scenes online, take a look at the findingDulcinea Nightlife Web Guide.
- Time and Date AS makes sure you know exactly when the New Year starts, in every time zone in the world!
Top Sites for New Year's Eve Party Tips
For the ball drop …
The Times Square Alliance
Web site is the place to go for all information regarding the Times Square New Year’s celebration and ball drop. Find all the logistical details on getting to Times Square on New Year’s, how to enter the area, when you should arrive and what you can expect.
For finding a New Year’s Eve party, restaurant or event …
HotelsByCity
lists the top 10 cities to visit for your New Year’s celebration, with Sydney, Australia topping the list. Check out the brief descriptions for each city and explore the hotel possibilities for your next New Year’s Eve.
PubClub
focuses on parties, plain and simple. Find the best and worst places to be if you’re looking for a party on New Year’s Eve. (FYI: New York City is on the list of where not to go.)
NewYears.com
is a great place to find a way to spend your New Year’s Eve. Search for a party, restaurant, event or activity, or promote your own party. The site makes it easy to search by location, type of party or by keyword. Purchase advance tickets or make reservations on the site, too.
For New Year's Eve concerts …
The Music Box
may not be the most attractive site but it does list New Year’s Eve concerts by state (though not every state has listings). Visit the concert link for reviews of the band and tour information.
For family-friendly and alternative New Year’s Eve events …
FamilyFun
compiled the best 10 tips from its audience on throwing a great New Year’s party that the kids can enjoy. Look for creative ideas like how to make a layer cake with a fortune in each slice, or how to get everyone dancing with “the Bubble Wrap Stomp.”
First Night International
helps to sponsor alcohol-free, alternative New Year’s celebrations throughout the world. First Night usually consists of food, fireworks and musical performances, and artistic, theatrical and comical presentations. The festivities take place on the day and night of December 31. Unfortunately, not all of the participating First Night city links work.
ThingsToDo.com
is packed with, well, things to do. Even though this isn’t specific to New Year’s, it is truly a great resource. Choose any state on the U.S. map to learn about that state’s regional attractions, recreation and events.
For making the most of New Year’s Eve by yourself …
EzineArticles’
author Marilee Tolen, a nurse turned home spa expert, wrote this article about having a relaxing New Year’s Eve on your own. Pamper yourself with her “Party Package ideas for one.”
Psych Central
points out that there’s nothing wrong with spending a holiday alone and that it is, in fact, quite common. Check out the “What’s Related” section near the bottom of the page for information on handling holiday stress and “10 Things to Do If You’re Alone for the Holidays."
For New Year’s recipes …
Food Network
is always a reliable option when it comes to finding a good recipe. Take a look at some ideas for an open house, a New Year's gala and more.
Texas Cooking Online
describes the southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s. Supposedly, if you eat black-eyed peas on the first day of the new year, you’ll have good luck throughout the year. Take a look at these recipes for black-eyed peas, and some "Texas Caviar" for good measure.
For hangover remedies …
AskMen.com
offers valuable hangover remedies and prevention measures suitable for both genders, despite the name of the site. Don’t miss the “Next Page” link near the bottom for more cures, because you could probably use all the help you can get.
New Year's Day Events
Not all the fun takes place on the eve of the New Year. In the United States, football fans settle ... read more »
Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
The day after New Year’s Day usually marks the date when we break our New Year’s ... read more »
New Year's History, Traditions and Superstitions
You’re sitting in front of the TV next to your significant other, champagne in hand, counting ... read more »
New Year's Traditions Around the World
Some type of New Year’s tradition, either jubilant or solemn, exists for every culture, even ... read more »
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