New Year’s Eve celebrations are set to ring in 2025 around the world, with notable festivities happening at iconic locations like Times Square, New York City, as well as vibrant cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia, and unique events such as chess matches across Cuba.
The electrifying atmosphere of the countdown at Times Square, which has been celebrated annually since 1907 (except during WWII), captures the spirit of New Year’s Eve. At the heart of this longstanding tradition is the massive New Year’s Eve ball, weighing 11,875 pounds and covered with 2,688 crystal triangles. The official celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. ET with the lighting and raising of the ball, followed by performances from some of music’s brightest stars.
Ryan Seacrest returns as host of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, celebrating his 20th year. Joining him is country sensation Carrie Underwood, along with performances from artists including the Jonas Brothers, TLC, and Lenny Kravitz. Viewers can catch the live show on ABC starting at 8 p.m., with streaming options available via iHeartRadio and Hulu.
This year, CBS presents New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, hosted by Keith Urban and Rachel Smith, featuring over 40 performances from country music legends. The special also airs at 8 p.m. ET.
Meanwhile, CNN's duo of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will host their annual New Year’s Eve special. They’ll feature guests like 50 Cent and Shania Twain, providing viewers with real-time city celebrations worldwide, kicking off at 8 p.m. ET. Streaming is available on CNN.com and related apps.
For those preferring less traditional celebrations, NBC will highlight the year’s biggest moments with A Toast to 2024!, co-hosted by Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager from 9 to 11 p.m. With appearances from pop culture figures, it promises to be both sentimental and entertaining. Following this, late-night host Seth Meyers will look back at his most memorable segments from the past year.
Not just confined to the United States, New Year’s festivities embrace cultural significance globally. A direct flight connecting Xi'an City, China, to Penang, Malaysia, launched recently, coinciding with the students’ arrival to partake in the countdown festivities. Ten students from Xi’an International Studies University engage heavily, participating as assistant councilors and attending local celebrations. "We aim to broaden our global perspectives and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia," stated Liu Hao, one of the students upon their arrival.
On January 1, the students were treated to traditional local events, including the lantern lighting ceremony at the Penang temple fair. These events are deeply rooted within the cultural exchange efforts between Malaysia and China, expected to gain even more significance as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.
Turning to another beautiful celebration, Cuba welcomed the New Year with unprecedented style—simultaneous chess matches spanning across the nation. Hundreds of Cubans participated, as top national players faced off against local enthusiasts. Vice Prime Minister İnes María Chapman hailed this unique event, celebrating both the New Year and the 66th anniversary of Castro’s revolution.
International Master José Luis Vilela was among the many participating, showcasing the sport’s ability to bring communities together. "Great simultaneous chess event… the matches multiply," Chapman noted proudly.
With chess being embedded within Cuba's cultural fabric since the early 16th century, the events included participants of all ages, emphasizing the importance of recreation and community. Children, young adults, and seasoned players took part, with stories of personal triumph coloring the day.
The excitement of New Year’s Eve transcends borders. From the iconic ball drop at Times Square to the celebration of cultural exchange between students and locals and the beloved game of chess uniting Cubans, these celebrations inspire hope and reflection as the world turns the page to 2025.
Looking forward, global festivities highlight our shared human experiences and connections. Whether through music, cultural exchanges, or community activities like chess, ringing in the New Year serves as both celebration and reminder of the friendships and hopes we carry forward as we step boldly toward the future.