Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each
new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities
begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian
calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s
Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New
Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks
displays.