New Year’s Eve is celebrated by many cultures and religions around the world celebrate the beginning of the new year on January 1. New Years celebrations date back to ancient times, around 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia.

New Years’ festivities often involve feasts with friends and families, acknowledgment of regrets and anticipations for the year to come, and public gatherings to count down the New Year. Those cultures and religions that follow the lunar calendar observe New Years on days other than January 1. 

The designation of New Year’s Eve looks different depending on culture or religion. According to the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve is observed on the last day of the year, December 31. It is usually celebrated with fireworks, a countdown to midnight, and celebrations among family and friends.