People around the globe celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new one on different dates based on lunar or seasonal calendars and cultural or religious systems. In the United States, we celebrate the year’s end on December 31st, also known as New Year’s Eve, and at the stroke of midnight as it officially changes to New Year’s Day.
The holiday we know as New Year’s Day began thousands of years ago with the ancient Babylonians and has evolved with the traditions and customs of each time and place. Today, many people across the United States have parties, watch celebratory firework displays or annual events like the lighted “ball drop” in New York City’s Times Square, and sing the traditional Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne” just after the clock strikes midnight. The tradition of writing New Year’s resolutions, or promises to ourselves for personal improvement in the coming year, is also popular.
Learn all about how we measure a year—in minutes, rotations of the Earth, cups of coffee, or new experiences—and plan your own New Years celebrations with the activities and ideas for family-friendly festivities below!
All About the Holidays | New Year’s Day3, 2, 1, Happy New Year! On January 1, people around the world celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next. How did you celebrate this year?
Posted by PBS KIDS on Wednesday, December 18, 2019
How Do You Measure, Measure a Year?
Olive’s New Year’s Resolutions | The Odd Squad
Grades K-2
Learn about counting down in this fun clip from the Odd Squad. Olive completes the last of her New Year’s resolutions as time winds down and the countdown to the New Year begins!
One Year in the Life of Earth
Grades 3-5
Watch a year in the life of Earth from 1 million miles away in this narrated video that captures images taken by NASA’s EPIC camera. Stimulate curiosity, thinking, and questions about the distribution of land, water, and cloud coverage on the planet.
How Science Defines a Year | Be Smart
Grades 6-12
Join Joe Hanson, host of Be Smart, as he explores different ways to mark the passage of a year’s worth of time.
Activities, Crafts & Recipes
Creating New Family Traditions for the New Year
Grades PreK-3
It’s a new year! Instead of New Year’s resolutions, consider adding simple rhythms or routines into the days ahead. Here are 15 easy ways to connect as a family this year.
Write Your Own New Year Reflections
Grades K-3
Look back on last year, and set goals for the next year, with your children using this downloadable New Year Reflections activity from PBS KIDS!
New Year’s Eve Origami Popper
Grades K-5
To close out the year and welcome a new one, celebrate with some paper poppers! They’re super easy to make — but that’s not all — you and your child will learn how to say “Happy New Year” in different languages.
Hoppin’ John | A Chef’s Life Recipe
Grades 6-12
Eating black-eyed peas, the primary ingredient of Hoppin’ John, is considered lucky if eaten on New Year’s Day. The act of eating them is supposed to ensure prosperity. Learn how to make this recipe featured in the A Chef’s Life holiday special, guided by Chef Vivian Howard.
Youth Stand Up: Step 3—Set Your Goals
Grades 6-12
As New Year’s Eve approaches, think about the change you want to make happen! Set a “right now” civic action goal to help kick off the new year with purpose.