New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is a time of diverse and colourful traditions around the world. From the iconic Times Square ball drop in New York City to unique customs in various cultures, the transition to the new year is marked by a rich tapestry of rituals and practices. These traditions, often rooted in the desire for good luck and prosperity, range from the Scottish “first footing” with symbolic items, to the Brazilian offerings to the ocean goddess Iemanjá, and the Japanese ringing of bells to rid oneself of earthly desires. Food also plays a significant role in these celebrations, with customs such as eating round foods for prosperity in Italy and the Philippines, and the baking of vasilopita with a hidden coin for good luck in Greece. As the clock strikes midnight, people across the globe come together to embrace these time-honoured traditions, ushering in the new year with optimism, hope, and a sense of shared humanity.