New Year's Day in 2024

New Year's Eve is Sunday Dec 31, New Year's Day is Monday January 1.

This is certainly easier to remember than holidays that are celebrated on, for example, " the 1st Monday preceding May 25" or the "2nd Monday of February". For those hard to remember holidays we need calendars but for New Year's Eve and Day we only need some ideas to make the year end and beginning memorable and fun!

In Canada, New Year's Day is a federal statutory holiday in every province and territory. New Year's Eve is not:(

Celebrations

People around the world celebrate the coming of a new year (according to the Gregorian calendar) in many different ways.

Counting down seconds before midnight on New Year's Eve and watching fireworks are very popular and most people who attend New Year's celebrations take part of the countdown, which is often only the beginning of the party that follows.

There are several outdoor concerts on December 31st, most of them are free to attend. There is also great demand for firecrackers and personal fireworks sold across the country in mid to late December. Most people also drink alcholic beverages on December 31st and January 1st - a traditional choice is champagne but as tradition fades away, champagne has gradually been replaced by beer and more beer.

Popular New Year's Day activities

  • Taking a vacation
  • Going to or throwing a party at home
  • Going to a New Year's Eve festival (music and fireworks!)
  • Attend a watchnight service/ midnight mass
  • Go to sleep as soon as the kids go to bed (this is for sleep deprived parents of young children)

Where to go for New Year's Eve?

Every city and town organizes their own fesitivites for the New Year so if you don't want to travel and / or enjoy local events than the party In your city is your best bet. For those of you who don't mind a bit of travel and spending some extra money it's worth to check out some of the major events such as New Year's at Niagara Falls.

Or, if you want to make it a very special occasion then you might want to try a New Year's cruise in the Caribbean or spend the week in Rio to celebrate the Brazilian way!

Share your holiday story, idea or comments

What's your favourite thing to do on New Year's Eve?

Post your comments

Comments
Posted by Ron Enns:

Why was Monday the 2nd 2017 considered a holiday??

Posted by Monola Bears:

For the past nearly 30 years I have remained at home with the ironing board set up in front of the television set - I find a good movie to watch and get all my laundry chores caught up so I can start the New Year with an empty basket

Posted by Admin:

Hey everyone - the comment area is now open! What are your plans for New Year's Eve 2013-2014?