As the New Year approaches, many people celebrate with parties, fireworks, and festive gatherings. It’s a time filled with joy, hope, and excitement for what lies ahead. One fun way to get everyone involved in the celebrations is through trivia games. They can be both entertaining and educational, making them perfect for friends and family of all ages. Whether you want to impress your friends with fun facts or just have a good laugh together, New Year’s trivia is a great way to bring everyone together.
Today, we’re going to test your knowledge with some New Year’s trivia in a multiple-choice format. From the origins of New Year celebrations to interesting traditions from around the world, these questions will challenge your understanding of this special holiday. Whether you’re a trivia master or just looking to have some fun, you’ll find something to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, grab some snacks, and get ready to have a blast while learning surprising facts about New Year’s celebrations! Are you ready to see how much you really know? Let’s jump right in!
New Year’S Trivia Multiple Choice
Time Travel through New Year’s History
1. Which ancient civilization first celebrated New Year in March? (Answer: Babylonians)
2. In what year did January 1 become the official New Year’s Day? (Answer: 1582)
3. Which Roman god represents the month of January? (Answer: Janus)
4. The celebration of New Year’s dates back over how many years? (Answer: 4,000 years)
5. In ancient Egypt, which event began for the new year celebration? (Answer: The flooding of the Nile)
6. The New Year celebration in China is traditionally known as what? (Answer: Lunar New Year)
7. New Year’s Day was changed from what date to January 1? (Answer: March 25)
8. Which country has the first known recorded New Year’s celebration? (Answer: Mesopotamia)
9. In medieval Europe, celebrating New Year’s Eve was associated with what rite? (Answer: Winter Solstice)
10. In early Britain, which monarch changed the New Year to January 1? (Answer: King Charles II)
Festive Fun: Traditions Around the Globe
1. In Spain, what food do people eat at midnight on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Grapes)
2. What do people in Japan traditionally ring in the New Year? (Answer: Bells)
3. Which country celebrates New Year by jumping into the ocean on January 1? (Answer: Denmark)
4. In Italy, what color is traditionally worn for good luck on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Red)
5. In Scotland, what is the name of the New Year’s celebration? (Answer: Hogmanay)
6. What color is believed to bring prosperity in Brazil during New Year’s? (Answer: White)
7. Which animal signifies the Chinese New Year in 2021? (Answer: Ox)
8. In Greece, a special cake called Vasilopita is cut during which holiday? (Answer: New Year)
9. What custom do people in the Philippines follow to attract prosperity in the New Year? (Answer: Making noise)
10. What is the traditional dish eaten in the southern United States for New Year’s Day? (Answer: Black-eyed peas)
Hollywood Celebrations: Movies and Music
1. Which movie features a character named Harry who makes a New Year’s wish? (Answer: Harry Potter)
2. What iconic New Year’s song was sung by Guy Lombardo’s band? (Answer: Auld Lang Syne)
3. In what movie does a couple get married on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Sleepless in Seattle)
4. Which famous comedic actor stars in the film “New Year’s Eve”? (Answer: Ashton Kutcher)
5. What long-running TV special features a ball drop in Times Square? (Answer: Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve)
6. Which famous song includes the line “Should old acquaintance be forgot”? (Answer: Auld Lang Syne)
7. What animated character is known for celebrating New Year’s in a famous cartoon? (Answer: Snoopy)
8. In “The Godfather,” which character is shot on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Sollozzo)
9. What song by Prince was a hit during New Year’s celebrations? (Answer: 1999)
10. Which New Year’s Eve party is featured in the movie “When Harry Met Sally”? (Answer: Year 1989)
Bountiful Food: New Year’s Feast
1. What is considered a traditional New Year’s meal in many cultures? (Answer: Pork)
2. Which dish is made with lentils to symbolize good fortune? (Answer: Hoppin’ John)
3. In what form is Champagne typically served during New Year? (Answer: Bubbles)
4. What sweet treat is often eaten in Switzerland to signify a good year? (Answer: Chocolate)
5. Which type of cake is popular to celebrate New Year in many countries? (Answer: Fruitcake)
6. What spicy dish do many people in the South eat for luck on New Year’s Day? (Answer: Collard greens)
7. Which fruit is often associated with New Year and symbolizes abundance? (Answer: Pomegranate)
8. In Japan, what is the traditional food eaten on New Year called? (Answer: Osechi)
9. What circular shaped food symbolizes continuity and wholeness in many cultures? (Answer: Bagels)
10. Which dish made of fish and wants to signify rich growth in the New Year? (Answer: Salmon)
New Year’s Superstitions: Myths and Beliefs
1. What color is believed to bring good luck on New Year’s Eve in many cultures? (Answer: Red)
2. It is said that making noise at midnight scares away what? (Answer: Evil spirits)
3. What should you ensure to do before midnight for good fortune in the New Year? (Answer: Clean the house)
4. In Spain, how many grapes do you eat at midnight for good luck? (Answer: Twelve)
5. It is believed that what should not be done on New Year’s Day to avoid bad luck? (Answer: Cry)
6. What is forbidden to enter the home on New Year’s Day to avoid bad luck? (Answer: Unwashed laundry)
7. Which flower is associated with bringing good luck in the New Year? (Answer: Lily)
8. In many cultures, what is the significance of wearing new clothes on New Year’s Day? (Answer: Renewal)
9. What should be done if you want your New Year’s resolution to be successful? (Answer: Write it down)
10. In Italy, what do people throw out of their windows on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Old items)
Countdown Timed: New Year’s Eve Celebrations
1. At what time does the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Midnight)
2. What do many people do at midnight on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Kiss someone)
3. What is the significance of the final countdown to midnight? (Answer: To welcome the New Year)
4. In what city is the famous Sydney fireworks display held on New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Sydney)
5. Which country celebrates New Year first due to their time zone? (Answer: Kiribati)
6. How long does the fireworks display usually last in major cities? (Answer: 10-15 minutes)
7. In what year did the first ball drop in Times Square take place? (Answer: 1907)
8. What popular song celebrates the New Year with a countdown? (Answer: Midnight City)
9. In America, what is the most popular drink during New Year’s Eve? (Answer: Champagne)
10. How many people typically attend the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square? (Answer: 1 million)
Future Gazing: New Year’s Resolutions
1. What is the most common New Year’s resolution people make? (Answer: To exercise more)
2. What percentage of people generally maintain their resolutions for more than a month? (Answer: 40%)
3. What is the key to keeping a New Year’s resolution? (Answer: Setting realistic goals)
4. Which resolution is often made to improve financial habits? (Answer: Save money)
5. What is a common resolution for people wanting to quit unhealthy habits? (Answer: Stop smoking)
6. What should you write down to help stick to your resolutions? (Answer: Goals)
7. What two words describe a successful approach to New Year’s resolutions? (Answer: Make it specific)
8. How many New Year’s resolutions fail within the first month? (Answer: 80%)
9. What can help remind you of your resolutions? (Answer: Journal)
10. What type of resolution is often associated with personal development? (Answer: Learning a new skill)
Final Thoughts
New Year’s celebrations are cherished around the world and offer a rich history filled with fascinating traditions, customs, and beliefs. Through our trivia journey, we’ve learned about the various ways people ring in the New Year, the special foods that are shared, and the fun festivities that occur globally. Each question broadened our understanding of the unique and varied ways humanity celebrates this momentous occasion. So whether you’re revising your resolutions or celebrating with family and friends, remember the interesting facts you’ve discovered through this New Year’s trivia. Now, you can impress everyone at your next New Year’s gathering. To dive deeper into related topics, feel free to explore more fascinating reads, such as New Year’s Trivia and New Year’s Eve Trivia.