Tricky New Year’s Trivia
What country produces Champagne, the drink of choice on New Year’s Eve?
France
Around which landmark do people in London gather to watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve?
The London Eye
In Australia, which city is famous for its New Year’s Eve fireworks?
Sydney
January is named after which Roman god?
a) Januarius; b) Jupiter; c) Janus
Janus
What Swedish pop band sings the song “Happy New Year?”
ABBA
Where were fireworks first invented?
In ancient China, around 200 B.C.
True or False:
As far as New Year’s Eve plans go, more people choose to go out than stay home.
False.
(53% of people stay home with their families.)
In Italy, what colour underwear do people wear on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck and love?
Red
In some Balkan countries, what object is baked into a New Year’s cake to bring good luck?
A coin
When was New Year’s celebrated in Ancient Rome?
a) 25th February; b) 1st March; c) 1st April
1st March
What famous British four-man band auditioned for Decca Records on New Year’s Day in 1962, only to get rejected by the label?
The Beatles
Why is the Chinese New Year celebrated at a different time?
Because it’s based on the lunar calendar, not the Gregorian calendar.
What was the most popular New Year’s resolution back in 2020?
a) To eat less; b) To spend less; c) To exercise more; d) To start a new hobby
To exercise more
What do people in Japan make sure they get in the mail before New Year’s Day?
Their New Year’s cards
An Irish tradition on New Year’s Eve is to add what to the table to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed away during the year?
An extra place setting
What was given as gifts on New Year’s Day in ancient Persia?
a) Apples; b) Eggs; c) Sweets; d) Flowers
Eggs
In the 1989 US movie When Harry Met Sally, during what party do Harry and Sally finally confess their love?
The New Year’s Eve party
On 31st December 1935, Charles S. Darrow received a patent for his invention of what worldwide popular board game?
Monopoly
How many people watch the New York Times Square ball drop around the world?
a) 1 million; b) 10 million; c) 100 million; d) 1 billion
More than 1 billion
In Spain, 12 of what type of food is eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve for good luck?
a) Olives; b) Grapes; c) Lemon slices; d) Orange slices
Grapes
Smashing a peppermint version of what animal is considered good luck in New York?
a) Lamb; b) Pig; c) Rabbit; d) Teddy Bear
Pig
Which civilization is credited with creating the first New Year’s celebration?
a) The Babylonians; b) The Egyptians; c) The Phoenicians; d) The Greeks
The Babylonians
What is the most popular New Year's Tradition?
The Champagne Toast
Which city celebrated 2026 with the longest and biggest ever New Year fireworks show?
a) New York; b) Tokyo; c) Sydney; d) Rio de Janejro
Rio de Janejro
True or false:
Making New Year’s resolutions is more popular among young people than older adults.
True.
(Of those who made resolutions last year, 49% fell between the ages of 18 and 29.)
After Russians write down their New Year’s wish on a piece of paper, what do they do with it?
a) Throw it away; b) Eat it; c) Burn it; d) Put it under the pillow
Burn it
On New Year’s, people in the Philippines wear clothing featuring what type of pattern for good luck?
a) Stripes; b) Floral; c) Chequered; d) Polka dots
Polka dots
In 46 B.C., which Roman emperor introduced 1st January as the start of the new year?
Julius Caesar
In the show Friends, who tries (and fails) to get kissed at midnight on New Year’s Eve in “The One with the Monkey”?
Joey
According to the International Date Line, where on Earth is New Year’s celebrated first each year?
a) Japan; b) Australia; c) Kiribati; d) New Zealand
The Kiritimati Atoll in Kiribati
There was a major fear as soon as the clock struck midnight on 1st January of massive worldwide computer failures, power outages, and the inability for people to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
In which year?
2000
(A fear that computer systems wouldn’t recognize the number 2000.)
In Scottish traditions, who do you kiss at midnight on New Year’s Eve?
Everyone in the room
The Dutch believe that eating what on New Year’s Day will bring good luck?
a) Doughnuts ; b) Cap cakes; c) Cookies; d) Chocolates
Doughnuts
In the Netherlands, Dutch people enjoy oliebollen, their version of a doughnut (without the hole).
Auld Lang Syne is a popular song that people sing at the New Year after the clock strikes 12.
Which Scottish poet is credited with writing the poem? a) Robert Burns; b) Walter Scott
Robert Burns
What is the highest-grossing New Year’s Day movie of all time?
a) Hobbit; b) Avatar; c) Star Wars; d) Titanic
Avatar
Which country celebrates New Year’s Day on April 14th?
a) Nepal; b) Mongolia; c) India; d) China
Nepal
On which day do many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions?
a) The second Friday in January; a) 1st February; c) The first Monday in March; d) 1st April
The second Friday in January
(Informally known as Quitters Day.)
In what country is it a tradition to jump off a chair at midnight on New Year’s Eve to avoid having bad luck in the new year?
Denmark
What do the Scottish call New Year’s Eve?
a) Samhain; b) Hogmanay; c) Up Helly Aa
Hogmanay
Many New Year’s traditions can be traced back to which holiday in ancient Rome?
a) Lupercalia; b) Liberalia; c) Saturnalia; d) Ludi Romani
Saturnalia
What does “Auld Lang Syne” literally translate to?
a) “Old long since”; b) “Old long song”; c) ''All long shines''
“Old long since” or The time gone by/ Since the old days
What famous Mary Shelley novel about a monster was released on New Year’s Day in 1818?
Frankenstein