Happy New Year! Jan. 1, 2025

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year"s Day! Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year today. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.

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Today in History

Napping near the North Pole
Jan. 1, 2024Happy New Year!
Jan. 1, 2026Happy New Year!

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Aug. 11, 2025Village of Santa Maddalena, Dolomites, Italy
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Jan. 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
Oct. 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
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Feb. 12, 2024Volcán Alcedo giant tortoise, Isabela Island
Aug 2, 2026Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
Aug 26, 2026Auroras over Kirkjufell, Iceland
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May 7, 2025Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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