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JANUARY 3, 2013
New Year's celebrations around the world

New Year’s is a time to celebrate in the United States and in other places around the world too! On New Year’s Eve in the U.S., many people stay up until midnight to ring in the first day of the New Year with noisemakers and fireworks. Many watch the Times Square Ball drop down the flagpole in New York at exactly midnight. The ball drop is a tradition that has been around since 1907!

A popular song sung on New Year’s in many English speaking countries is Auld Lang Syne. Read on to see how other countries around the globe celebrate this special holiday.

Japan

New Year’s is the biggest celebration in Japan. Here people clean their homes, send postcards to friends and family members, prepare huge dinners, and visit local shrines on New Year's.  On these occasions, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to drive away evil spirits.

Greenland

Greenlanders celebrate New Year’s twice. At 8pm they shoot off fireworks and eat a big meal because at this time it is midnight in Denmark. They repeat these festivities four hours later when it is actually midnight in Greenland. They observe the holiday twice to honor the two countries’ shared history and relationship.

Ukraine

In Ukraine, New Year’s Eve is like Christmas in the United States. On this night, children receive presents from Grandpa Frost, who leaves them under their trees, just like Santa Claus!

Sri Lanka

New Years' festivities often take place in April in Sri Lanka. At this time people participate in all kinds of activities ranging from pillow fights to cycle races. At the end of the old year all fires are extinguished. These are then relit when the new year begins.

France

In France it is a tradition to give flowers to family members older than you on New Year’s Day.

To find out more about how holidays are celebrated around the world check out the Culture Grams Kids Edition database. 

What is YOUR New Year's tradition?  Tell us in the comments below. 


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Category: Holidays

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