Looking to kick off the New Year with a fun twist? Get ready for some fantastic New Year trivia questions that’ll make your celebrations even more exciting.
From historical facts to quirky traditions, we’ve got everything you need to challenge your friends and family.
Let’s make this New Year unforgettable!
Best New Year Trivia Questions And Answers
#1. What ancient civilization is credited with the first recorded New Year celebrations, which occurred around 4,000 years ago?
The Babylonians.
#2. In what year did the iconic New Year’s Eve ball first drop in Times Square?
1907.
#3. Which Roman god is January named after, symbolizing beginnings and transitions?
Janus, the two-faced god.
#4. What traditional New Year’s food is believed to bring good luck in the Southern United States?
Black-eyed peas.
#5. In Spain, what do people traditionally eat at midnight on New Year’s Eve to ensure good luck for each month of the coming year?
Twelve grapes.
#6. What is the name of the traditional Scottish celebration that marks the New Year, known for its unique customs and festivities?
Hogmanay.
#7. Which popular New Year’s song, often sung at midnight, was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788?
“Auld Lang Syne.”
#8. In Japan, what are the small monetary gifts given to children during the New Year called?
Otoshidama.
#9. What is the most common New Year’s resolution made by Americans, often focused on health and fitness?
To lose weight.
#10. In Greece, what is traditionally hidden in a sweet bread called Vasilopita to bring good luck for the New Year?
A coin.
Chinese New Year Trivia Questions
#1. What animal represents the year 2024 in the Chinese zodiac, marking the beginning of a new cycle?
The Dragon.
#2. In Chinese culture, what color is traditionally worn to symbolize good fortune and happiness during the New Year celebrations?
Red.
#3. What is the name of the festival that marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, known for its colorful lantern displays?
Lantern Festival.
#4. Which dish, often served during Chinese New Year, symbolizes wealth due to its resemblance to ancient gold ingots?
Dumplings (Jiaozi).
#5. What is the significance of the red envelopes (hongbao) given during Chinese New Year, especially to children?
They contain money and symbolize good luck and prosperity.
#6. Which mythical creature is said to be scared away by loud noises, such as firecrackers, during the New Year festivities?
Nian, the monster.
#7. What is the traditional greeting exchanged during the Chinese New Year that wishes others prosperity and wealth?
“Gong Xi Fa Cai” (恭喜发财).
#8. In which month does the Chinese New Year typically fall, varying each year based on the lunar calendar?
Between January 21 and February 20.
#9. What fruit, often given as a gift during Chinese New Year, symbolizes good luck and wealth due to its name sounding like the word for “wealth” in Chinese?
Tangerines.
#10. What is the name of the traditional dance performed during Chinese New Year celebrations, often featuring a lion or dragon?
Lion Dance.
New Year’s Trivia Questions For Kids
#1. What is the name of the famous ball that drops in Times Square to celebrate the New Year?
The Times Square Ball.
#2. In which month do people typically celebrate New Year’s Day?
January.
#3. What is the traditional food that many people eat in the Southern United States for good luck on New Year’s Day?
Black-eyed peas.
#4. What do people often shout at midnight to celebrate the New Year?
“Happy New Year!”
#5. Which popular New Year’s resolution involves exercising more and eating healthier?
To get fit or lose weight.
#6. What colorful item do people often wear on New Year’s Eve to symbolize good luck?
Red clothing.
#7. What is the name of the holiday celebrated in China that often falls around the same time as New Year’s Day?
Chinese New Year.
#8. What is the name of the tradition where people make noise at midnight to scare away bad spirits?
Fireworks or making loud noises.
#9. In what country do people eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, to bring good luck for each month?
Spain.
#10. What is the name of the day that marks the first day of the new year in the Gregorian calendar?
New Year’s Day.
Fun New Year’s Trivia Questions
#1. What is the name of the famous parade held in Pasadena, California, that takes place every New Year’s Day?
The Rose Parade.
#2. In what country do people traditionally celebrate New Year’s by jumping off chairs at midnight to “jump” into the new year?
Denmark.
#3. Which popular New Year’s Eve drink is often associated with celebrations and is typically served in a champagne flute?
Champagne.
#4. What is the name of the ancient Babylonian practice where people made promises to their gods at the start of the new year?
New Year’s resolutions.
#5. Which fruit is often used in a traditional New Year’s dish called “Hoppin’ John” in the Southern United States, symbolizing good luck
Black-eyed peas.
#6. What is the name of the traditional Scottish celebration that marks the New Year, known for its unique customs and festivities?
Hogmanay.
#7. Which famous New Year’s Eve celebration takes place in New York City, where a large illuminated ball drops at midnight?
Times Square New Year’s Eve.
#8. What is the significance of wearing new clothes on New Year’s Day in many cultures around the world?
It symbolizes a fresh start and new beginnings.
#9. In Italy, what do people traditionally throw out of their windows to symbolize getting rid of the old year?
#10. What is the name of the character often depicted as a baby who symbolizes the New Year in various cultures?
