New Year’s festivities have evolved over the years, with many Americans electing to ring in the new year at home rather than going out. According to a recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, more than half of U.S. adults intend to celebrate New Year’s Eve quietly, reflecting shifting attitudes toward this annual holiday.
Carla Woods, a 70-year-old from Vinton, Iowa, encapsulates this sentiment, stating, "If I don’t make it to midnight, it’s not a big deal, you know?" This casual approach to New Year celebrations has gained traction, especially among older adults. The poll highlighted nearly 20% of respondents planning to celebrate at the home of friends or family, whereas only about 5% aim to go out to bars or organized events.
The rising costs of New Year’s Eve festivities may also be contributing to this trend. Kourtney Kershaw, a 32-year-old bartender in Chicago, commented, "A majority of who I’ve spoken to... things are just really expensive." With party packages and entry fees on the uptrend, many are opting for more low-key experiences, where cozy gatherings take center stage instead of big parties.
This year, younger adults—those under 30—show stronger preferences for more active celebrations, with about 10% choosing to hit bars or attend organized events. Conversely, about 30% of adults aged 60 and above decide against celebrating the New Year altogether. Anthony Tremblay, 35, from Pittsburgh, is among those planning something special; he and his wife are set to travel across Ireland, aiming to usher 2025 with new experiences. "I wanted to do something unique this year, so I did," Tremblay remarked.
New Year’s resolutions are another aspect many are focusing on, with more than half of Americans indicating they plan to make at least one resolution. The determination appears particularly strong among millennials and Gen Z, where about two-thirds intend to set goals for the upcoming year. Women are also more inclined than men to make resolutions. Kershaw noted popular goals include weight loss and mental health improvements, echoing sentiments from the community about prioritizing well-being.
Woods, who has firsthand knowledge of the importance of mental health as a counselor, expressed her intentions to stay active and social, saying, "Probably one of my biggest resolutions is trying to make sure I stay social, try to get out at least once a week—get out and either have coffee or do something with a friend."
Even as Americans focus on personal goals, logistical planning for the holiday plays out differently around the country. New Year's Day, observed as a federal holiday, sees many stores closed, making last-minute errands challenging. Popular chains like Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe's will not be open, which leaves shoppers needing groceries searching elsewhere.
On the other hand, Walmart, Target, Mariano's, and Jewel-Osco will maintain regular hours on New Year’s Day, making them prime options for families planning gatherings. Jewel-Osco, for example, is set to close at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, allowing late last-minute grocery runs.
Festivities vary widely depending on location, with many communities hosting organized events. For example, Tulare County offers numerous celebrations, such as the Eagle Mountain Casino’s concert featuring Robin Thicke, and events at Wyndham Visalia and The Hyde. These gatherings encourage communities to come together and celebrate the new year with music, dancing, and toasts to the coming year.
Local public safety officials have also issued warnings for New Year’s Eve, especially concerning celebratory gunfire—a dangerous tradition seen too often during the holiday season. Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner of the Milwaukee Police Department stated, "Discharging a firearm in public, even in celebration, is illegal." This message aims to prevent injuries associated with gunfire as crowds gather to celebrate.
Interestingly, the joy of New Year’s Eve is not limited to humans. Dogs and Drinks, a Panama City dog park and bar, hosted its annual doggie ball drop event where over 20 dogs got to chase after tennis balls during the countdown to 2025. Dagny Johnston, the owner, described the event as, "just a play on dropping the ball," showcasing the celebratory atmosphere extending to our canine companions.
With increasingly low-key celebrations becoming the norm, the focus for many individuals transitions from extravagant parties to spending meaningful time with loved ones, highlighting the changing culture surrounding New Year’s celebrations. Whether through resolutions, community events, or intimate gatherings at home, this New Year promises to be filled with reflection and connection.