135 Epic New Year Quiz Questions & Answers (7 Fun Rounds to Celebrate 2026!)
Christmas is over so you know what’s coming next! I had an amazing year especially since I finally got to creating a site based on what I truly enjoy. I hope that this year was amazing to you as well, and if not, well 2026 is bound to be your year. So let’s celebrate the start of the year with these ultimate New Year quiz questions.
I’ve tried to design this for all ages and skill levels and covered practically everything that I could think of from ancient calendar mysteries and lucky foods to history and funny questions. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s party, playing with family, or just love trivia, these carefully crafted questions range from easy and entertaining to seriously challenging.
Let’s start the quiz, keep score, and see how well you really know the New Year!
Round 1: General Knowledge New Year Quiz Questions
1. New Year’s Day is celebrated on which date in most countries? A) December 31 B) January 1 C) January 2 D) February 1
Answer: B) January 1
2. What do we call December 31? A) Year-End Day B) New Year’s Eve C) Boxing Day D) Winter Night
Answer: B) New Year’s Eve
3. The famous Times Square “Ball Drop” happens in which city? A) Los Angeles B) New York City C) Chicago D) Miami
Answer: B) New York City
4. Which landmark famously rings in the New Year in London? A) London Eye B) Tower Bridge C) Big Ben D) Buckingham Palace
Answer: C) Big Ben
5. What song is traditionally played or sung at New Year’s celebrations? A) Jingle Bells B) Auld Lang Syne C) Happy Birthday D) Silent Night
Answer: B) Auld Lang Syne
6. A common drink for New Year’s toasts is: A) Milk B) Tea C) Champagne D) Coffee
Answer: C) Champagne
7. A “New Year’s resolution” is best described as: A) A holiday tradition B) A promise to improve in the new year C) A type of countdown D) A fireworks show
Answer: B) A promise to improve in the new year
8. Most New Year countdowns start from: A) 3 B) 5 C) 10 D) 20
Answer: C) 10
9. Which country is among the first to enter the new year (time zone-wise)? A) Canada B) USA C) New Zealand D) Spain
Answer: C) New Zealand
10. January is named after which Roman god? A) Mars B) Jupiter C) Janus D) Apollo
Answer: C) Janus
11. The calendar most of the world uses today is the: A) Lunar calendar B) Julian calendar C) Gregorian calendar D) Mayan calendar
Answer: C) Gregorian calendar
12. Eating grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Spain is believed to bring luck for: A) Each week of the year B) Each month of the year C) Each season D) Each holiday
Answer: B) Each month of the year
13. Which tradition is part of Scotland’s Hogmanay celebrations? A) First-footing B) Lantern festivals C) Dragon dance D) Snow sculptures
Answer: A) First-footing
14. Why are bells rung 108 times in Japan on New Year’s Eve? A) To mark hours of the year B) To welcome good luck C) To cleanse human desires D) To honour ancestors
Answer: C) To cleanse human desires
15. The Jewish New Year is called: A) Hanukkah B) Rosh Hashanah C) Eid D) Diwali
Answer: B) Rosh Hashanah
16. The Chinese New Year is also known as: A) Spring Festival B) Dragon Day C) Moon Feast D) Lantern Night
Answer: A) Spring Festival
17. In Greece, which special cake is traditionally eaten for New Year? A) Baklava B) Vasilopita C) Panettone D) Stollen
Answer: B) Vasilopita
18. Which US New Year tradition includes a parade and a famous football game? A) Macy’s Parade B) The Rose Parade C) Thanksgiving Parade D) Mardi Gras
Answer: B) The Rose Parade
19. True or False: The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582.
Answer: True
20. True or False: New Year’s resolutions started as a modern social media trend.
Answer: False (they date back to ancient civilizations)
21. True or False: January used to be the first month of the Roman calendar.
Answer: False (March was originally first)
22. True or False: Fireworks are traditionally believed to scare away bad spirits.
Answer: True
23. True or False: “Auld Lang Syne” roughly means “good new future.”
Answer: False (it means “times gone by”)
24. True or False: Some cultures believe eating certain foods on New Year brings good luck.
Answer: True
25. What do people usually shout at midnight?
Answer: Happy New Year!
26. What is the first month of the year?
Answer: January
27. What do many couples do at midnight?
Answer: Kiss
28. What’s the most common party decoration you throw?
Answer: Confetti
29. What’s the name for the last seconds of the year, often counted aloud?
Answer: The final countdown
30. Which of these is a traditional name for December 31 in several European countries? A) Saint Nicholas Day B) Saint Sylvester’s Day C) Epiphany Eve D) Winter Solstice
Answer: B) Saint Sylvester’s Day
Round 2: New Year’s Eve Quiz Questions (Traditions & Fun Facts)
31. What is the New Year’s Eve celebration in Scotland called? A) Hogmanay B) Beltane C) Samhain D) Burns Night
Answer: A) Hogmanay
32. In Japan, the bell-ringing tradition on New Year’s Eve is called: A) Hanami B) Joya no Kane C) Obon D) Setsubun
Answer: B) Joya no Kane
33. In Japan, how many times are bells traditionally rung on New Year’s Eve? A) 12 B) 50 C) 108 D) 365
Answer: C) 108
34. In Spain, people eat grapes at midnight to bring: A) Strength B) Good luck C) Good weather D) Happiness only
Answer: B) Good luck
35. How many grapes are eaten in Spain at midnight on New Year’s Eve? A) 6 B) 8 C) 10 D) 12
Answer: D) 12
36. In Greece, which cake is traditionally cut on New Year’s Day? A) Baklava B) Vasilopita C) Panettone D) Pavlova
Answer: B) Vasilopita
37. In Greece, what is often hidden inside the New Year cake for luck? A) A note B) A coin C) A ring D) A button
Answer: B) A coin
38. Which country is known for smashing plates outside friends’ homes on New Year’s Eve? A) Denmark B) France C) Canada D) India
Answer: A) Denmark
39. In Brazil, wearing white on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring: A) Wealth B) Peace C) Love D) Success
Answer: B) Peace
40. In Brazil, which ocean-related tradition is common on New Year’s Eve? A) Planting trees B) Jumping over waves C) Singing at sunrise D) Lighting lanterns
Answer: B) Jumping over waves
41. What is the name of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Rio de Janeiro? A) Carnaval B) Réveillon C) La Tomatina D) Dia de los Reyes
Answer: B) Réveillon
42. In Italy, eating lentils on New Year’s is believed to bring: A) Wisdom B) Money and prosperity C) Good health D) Travel luck
Answer: B) Money and prosperity
43. In the Philippines, wearing polka dots on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring: A) Style B) Good fortune C) Warmth D) Tradition only
Answer: B) Good fortune
44. In the Philippines, round fruits are popular on New Year because they represent: A) The sun B) Coins C) Happiness D) Friendship
Answer: B) Coins
45. In the Southern USA, which food is traditionally eaten for luck on New Year’s Day? A) Black-eyed peas B) Pasta C) Sushi D) Pancakes
Answer: A) Black-eyed peas
46. In some cultures, making loud noise at midnight is meant to: A) Wake the neighbours B) Scare away bad spirits C) Signal the end of winter D) Start the clock
Answer: B) Scare away bad spirits
47. Which city is famous for one of the world’s largest New Year fireworks displays over the harbour? A) Sydney B) Dublin C) Rome D) Vancouver
Answer: A) Sydney
48. Which song is traditionally linked with New Year celebrations in the UK and many English-speaking countries? A) Silent Night B) Auld Lang Syne C) Jingle Bells D) Deck the Halls
Answer: B) Auld Lang Syne
49. Which famous event takes place every New Year’s Day in Austria? A) Vienna New Year’s Concert B) Oktoberfest C) Salzburg Summer Festival D) Austrian Food Expo
Answer: A) Vienna New Year’s Concert
50. Which character is often shown as a symbol of the coming year? A) Father Time B) Baby New Year C) Frost King D) Winter Prince
Answer: B) Baby New Year
51. In Chinese culture, which colour is strongly connected to good luck during New Year celebrations? A) Blue B) Red C) Black D) Purple
Answer: B) Red
52. Which month did the ancient Roman calendar originally begin with? A) January B) March C) June D) September
Answer: B) March
53. Which ancient civilization is believed to have started the tradition of New Year’s resolutions? A) Greeks B) Romans C) Babylonians D) Egyptians
Answer: C) Babylonians
54. What is the ancient Babylonian New Year festival called? A) Akitu B) Saturnalia C) Diwali D) Holi
Answer: A) Akitu
55. The month of January is named after Janus, who was the Roman god of: A) War B) The sea C) Doors and beginnings D) Fire
Answer: C) Doors and beginnings
Round 3: Funny New Year Quiz Questions
56. What’s the most common New Year’s resolution people make? A) Learn French B) Exercise more C) Start painting D) Move to Antarctica
Answer: B) Exercise more
57. What’s the most common New Year’s resolution people break first? A) Wake up early B) Exercise more C) Save money D) Read books
Answer: B) Exercise more
58. What do many people call January 1st at the gym? A) Fresh Start Day B) Resolution Day C) Protein Holiday D) Treadmill Tuesday
Answer: B) Resolution Day
59. Which phrase is most likely to appear on social media on January 1st? A) “Wake me up” B) “New year, new me” C) “Back to school” D) “Summer vibes”
Answer: B) “New year, new me”
60. What’s the best excuse for skipping a New Year’s resolution? A) “The weather is bad” B) “I’ll start next week” C) “I’ll start next year” D) “I’m too fast”
Answer: C) “I’ll start next year”
61. What is the easiest New Year’s resolution to keep? A) Eat less sugar B) Save money C) Smile more D) Run daily
Answer: C) Smile more
62. You fall asleep at 11:58 PM on New Year’s Eve. What did you miss? A) Fireworks B) Midnight countdown C) Dinner D) The entire year
Answer: B) Midnight countdown
63. What do you call someone who starts a diet on January 1st and quits by January 2nd? A) Consistent B) Optimistic C) Legendary D) A realist
Answer: B) Optimistic
64. What’s the most accurate description of a New Year’s resolution? A) A contract B) A wish with confidence C) A permanent rule D) A legal document
Answer: B) A wish with confidence
65. What’s the most common mistake people make on January 1st while writing the date? A) Writing 2023 B) Writing the wrong month C) Writing last year’s year D) Writing their phone number
Answer: C) Writing last year’s year
66. Which item is most likely to disappear by January 10th after being bought on January 1st?
A) Alarm clock B) Gym membership motivation C) A winter coat D) A laptop
Answer: B) Gym membership motivation
67. What’s the best way to guarantee your resolution fails? A) Start small B) Tell no one C) Make it unrealistic D) Track progress
Answer: C) Make it unrealistic
68. What’s the funniest thing to promise in a New Year’s resolution? A) Drink more water B) Eat healthy C) Become a billionaire D) Sleep earlier
Answer: C) Become a billionaire
69. If your New Year’s Eve party ends at 12:05 AM, what does that mean? A) It’s a disaster B) It’s efficient C) It’s too expensive D) It’s illegal
Answer: B) It’s efficient
70. What’s the biggest lie people tell themselves on New Year’s Eve? A) “I’ll only have one snack” B) “I’ll sleep early” C) “This year will be different” D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
71. What’s the best title for January 1st if you stayed up too late? A) Fresh Energy Day B) Recovery Day C) Productivity Day D) Marathon Day
Answer: B) Recovery Day
72. What is the universal New Year’s Eve skill everyone thinks they have after 2 drinks? A) Painting B) Dancing C) Singing D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
73. What’s the quickest way to ruin a “healthy New Year” plan?nA) Buying vegetables B) Leftover desserts C) Walking more D) Drinking water
Answer: B) Leftover desserts
74. If someone says “Happy New Year!” at 8 PM, what are they? A) A fortune teller B) An early bird C) A time traveler D) A party hater
Answer: B) An early bird
75. Which is the best New Year’s resolution (because it’s actually realistic)? A) Never eat sweets again B) Save $1 million in a month C) Be a little kinder each day D) Work 24/7
Answer: C) Be a little kinder each day
Round 3: Hard New Year Quiz Questions
76. Which ancient Roman holiday, held in late December, influenced many modern year-end celebrations? A) Lupercalia B) Saturnalia C) Floralia D) Vestalia
Answer: B) Saturnalia
77. What does the word “calendar” come from in Latin? A) Calendae B) Tempus C) Annus D) Ordo
Answer: A) Calendae
78. Which country officially moved New Year’s Day from March 25 to January 1 in 1752? A) France B) Great Britain C) Spain D) Russia
Answer: B) Great Britain
79. When Britain changed calendars in 1752, how many days were skipped to correct the date?
A) 7 B) 10 C) 11 D) 13
Answer: C) 11
80. Which country celebrates New Year twice — once on January 1 and again using a traditional calendar on January 14? A) Romania B) Serbia C) Russia D) Greece
Answer: C) Russia
81. The January 14 “Old New Year” is based on which calendar? A) Gregorian B) Julian C) Lunar D) Mayan
Answer: B) Julian
82. In Scotland, New Year is more important than Christmas largely because of historical restrictions on: A) Fireworks B) Alcohol C) Christmas celebrations D) Travel
Answer: C) Christmas celebrations
83. What is the traditional name for New Year in the Chinese dialect Cantonese greeting “Gong Hei Fat Choi” meaning: A) Happy Birthday B) Congratulations and be prosperous C) Good health always D) Joyful winter
Answer: B) Congratulations and be prosperous
84. In the famous poem “Ring Out, Wild Bells,” the New Year is described as being rung in by bells. Who wrote it? A) Robert Frost B) Alfred, Lord Tennyson C) John Keats D) William Blake
Answer: B) Alfred, Lord Tennyson
85. Which country’s national anthem is traditionally played at midnight on New Year’s Eve instead of pop songs? A) USA B) UK C) France D) Australia
Answer: C) France
86. “New Year’s Day” is also the name of a well-known song by which band? A) Coldplay B) U2 C) Oasis D) The Killers
Answer: B) U2
87. Which famous annual New Year’s Day concert is known for Strauss waltzes? A) London Symphony New Year B) Vienna New Year’s Concert C) Paris Grand Concert D) Rome Jubilee Concert
Answer: B) Vienna New Year’s Concert
88. What is the name of the date system we use for years like “2025” (based on Jesus’s birth)?
Answer: Anno Domini (AD) / Common Era (CE)
89. What is the name of the calendar system used by the Eastern Orthodox Church for “Old New Year”?
Answer: Julian calendar
90. What is the “Baby New Year” usually shown wearing?
Answer: A diaper and a sash (or top hat in some cartoons)
91. What is the term for the final day of the year in French?
Answer: La Saint-Sylvestre (Saint Sylvester’s Day)
92. What is the name of the holiday on December 31 in the Catholic tradition?
Answer: Saint Sylvester’s Day
93. What is the name of the famous New Year’s Eve countdown clock location in Madrid?
Answer: Puerta del Sol
94. Match the tradition (A–E) with the correct country (1–5):
Traditions:
A) Burning “Old Year” effigies
B) Carrying empty suitcases around the block for travel luck
C) New Year’s Day parade called the Mummers Parade
D) Tossing furniture out of windows (traditional folklore)
E) Eating rice cake soup to “become a year older”
Countries:
- Ecuador
- Colombia / Venezuela
- United States (Philadelphia)
- Italy
- South Korea
Answer: A–1, B–2, C–3, D–4, E–5
95. True or False: Britain once skipped 11 days in September to change from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.
Answer: True
96. True or False: “Saint Sylvester’s Day” is another name for December 31 in many European countries.
Answer: True
Round 5: New Year Quiz Questions for Kids
97. What do people say at midnight on New Year’s Eve? A) Good morning B) Happy New Year C) Merry Christmas D) Happy Birthday
Answer: B) Happy New Year
98. What month comes right after December? A) February B) January C) March D) November
Answer: B) January
99. What do people often watch in the sky on New Year’s Eve? A) Rainbows B) Fireworks C) Birds D) Clouds
Answer: B) Fireworks
100. What do people often wear at New Year parties? A) Party hats B) Raincoats C) School uniforms D) Sports helmets
Answer: A) Party hats
101. What do people count down to on New Year’s Eve? A) Noon B) Midnight C) Breakfast D) Sunset
Answer: B) Midnight
102. Which is a common New Year party decoration? A) Confetti B) Textbooks C) Toothbrushes D) Shoes
Answer: A) Confetti
103. What is a New Year’s resolution? A) A promise to do better B) A type of gift C) A holiday song D) A party snack
Answer: A) A promise to do better
104. What is the first day of the year called? A) Christmas Day B) New Year’s Day C) Halloween D) Valentine’s Day
Answer: B) New Year’s Day
105. What comes right before New Year’s Day? A) New Year’s Eve B) Easter C) Thanksgiving D) Summer break
Answer: A) New Year’s Eve
106. What do people often do when the new year starts? A) Cry B) Cheer C) Hide D) Sleep instantly
Answer: B) Cheer
107. What do some people blow to make noise on New Year’s Eve? A) Flutes B) Party horns C) Whistles D) Bells
Answer: B) Party horns
108. What is a common drink for kids on New Year’s Eve? A) Sparkling juice B) Coffee C) Soda only D) Hot sauce
Answer: A) Sparkling juice
109. The last day of the year is called ____________.
Answer: New Year’s Eve
110. The first month of the year is ____________.
Answer: January
111. People often make a New Year’s ____________ to improve themselves.
Answer: resolution
112. At midnight, many people say “Happy ____________!”
Answer: New Year
113. The last month of the year is ____________.
Answer: December
114. True or False: January comes after December.
Answer: True
115. True or False: New Year’s Eve is in the middle of the year.
Answer: False
116. True or False: People often celebrate New Year with fireworks.
Answer: True
Round 6: Bonus New Year Quiz Questions (Mixed Round)
117. Which famous movie takes place on New Year’s Eve and includes multiple love stories in one city? A) Home Alone B) New Year’s Eve C) Love Actually D) The Holiday
Answer: B) New Year’s Eve
118. Which superhero movie features a big New Year’s Eve scene with a famous kiss in Times Square? A) Spider-Man B) Batman Begins C) Iron Man D) Superman Returns
Answer: A) Spider-Man
119. Which animal is commonly used as a symbol for “the old year” in cartoons? A) Baby B) Old man with a beard C) Lion D) Rabbit
Answer: B) Old man with a beard
120. What is the name of the “old year” character often shown handing over to Baby New Year? A) Father Time B) Santa Claus C) Jack Frost D) The Clock King
Answer: A) Father Time
121. What is the most common New Year greeting in Japanese? A) Arigatou B) Konnichiwa C) Akemashite omedetou D) Sayonara
Answer: C) Akemashite omedetou
122. What is the most common New Year greeting in Chinese (Mandarin)? A) Ni hao B) Xin Nian Kuai Le C) Zai jian D) Wo ai ni
Answer: B) Xin Nian Kuai Le
123. Which city is famous for a huge New Year celebration at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge? A) Sydney B) Rome C) Dubai D) Toronto
Answer: A) Sydney
124. In many countries, the new year starts at midnight. Midnight is: A) 12:00 AM B) 12:00 PM C) 11:59 AM D) 1:00 AM
Answer: A) 12:00 AM
125. What do people often write down to set goals for the new year? A) Tickets B) Resolutions C) Recipes D) Homework
Answer: B) Resolutions
126. What is the name of the “year-end review” people often do before New Year? A) Time travel B) Reflection C) Rejection D) Collection
Answer: B) Reflection
127. What do we call a 12-month period? A) A decade B) A year C) A century D) A leap
Answer: B) A year
128. Which of these is usually part of a New Year countdown celebration? A) Confetti B) A timer C) Cheering D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Round 7: Pop Culture New Year “Guess the Year”
129. In what year was the movie New Year’s Eve (the ensemble romantic comedy) released? A) 2009 B) 2010 C) 2011 D) 2013
Answer: C) 2011
130. In what year did Netflix release the movie Death to 2020 (New Year satire special)? A) 2018 B) 2019 C) 2020 D) 2021
Answer: C) 2020
131. In what year did ABC rebrand its NYE show as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest? A) 2003 B) 2005 C) 2007 D) 2010
Answer: B) 2005
132. In what year did the movie About Time (which includes a major New Year’s Eve moment) release? A) 2011 B) 2012 C) 2013 D) 2015
Answer: C) 2013
133. In what year was the movie Happy New Year (Bollywood, starring Shah Rukh Khan) released?
A) 2010 B) 2012 C) 2014 D) 2016
Answer: C) 2014
134. In what year did Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party first premiere? A) 2019 B) 2020 C) 2021 D) 2022
Answer: C) 2021
135. In what year did Taylor Swift release the song “New Year’s Day” (from the album Reputation)?
A) 2015 B) 2016 C) 2017 D) 2018
Answer: C) 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is this New Year quiz questions about?
So I’ve tried to create a New Year Quiz Questions list that covers everything New Year! There are traditions, fun trivia, global celebrations, history, pop culture, and lighthearted party questions.
2. How difficult are these New Year quiz questions?
There’s something for everyone honestly. 7 different rounds, so you’re bound to find something that’ll match what you’re looking for.
3. Is this New Year quiz questions suitable for kids?
Yes! There’s also a section that’s created just for kids. You can check out the New Year Quiz Questions for kids section for questions that were tailor-made for them.
4. Are these quiz questions based on one country or worldwide traditions?
These quiz questions include New Year traditions from around the world, not just one country. You’ll find questions related to Europe, Asia, the Americas, and global pop culture.
🎄Love Holiday Trivia?
Check out some of the other holiday quizzes that I’ve created covering festivals, traditions, food, geography, and celebrations from around the world. It’s a good time out here!
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