As the final moments of 2025 approach, the world gears up for exciting New Year 2026 festivities. People worldwide are preparing for spectacular celebrations, and there’s a palpable anticipation for early 2026 happenings as we welcome New Year 2026. The dawn of a new year always promises fresh excitement, bringing a vibrant mix of music, culture, and sports to kick off New Year 2026.
Ringing In New Year 2026: Global Toasts and New Year’s Eve Specials
Major television networks are poised for their spectacular New Year’s Eve specials coverage. ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026” promises an expansive lineup, with many artists performing across multiple time zones to celebrate New Year 2026. Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora will host from New York, while Chance the Rapper leads the Chicago countdown, and Rob Gronkowski and Julianne Hough are in Las Vegas. CBS will present “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash,” featuring country music stars like Jason Aldean and Lainey Wilson. NBC offers “A Toast to 2025!,” providing a reflective look back at the year, alongside a special New Year’s Eve concert by The Jonas Brothers. Nexstar stations will air “Coast-to-Coast Countdown 2026,” a live special spanning several cities to welcome New Year 2026.
Beyond television, live celebrations for New Year 2026 are abundant. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will host its 38th annual event, complete with live music, a drone show, and fireworks. A giant LED ball will make its traditional 200-foot drop. Coney Island, New York, will see its traditional Polar Bear Club plunge on January 1st, an event supporting local charities. Many Chinatowns globally are planning parades and cultural performances to mark the arrival of New Year 2026. Namibia is also preparing for nationwide celebrations, with global celebrations 2026 occurring in Windhoek and other towns, all contributing to the vibrant transition into the new year.
Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse and Early 2026 Happenings
The early 2026 happenings also include the celebration of the Lunar New Year 2026. In 2026, this significant festival falls on Tuesday, February 17th, marking the start of the Year of the Horse. This festival is a major event in China and other East Asian countries, with millions celebrating this time of renewal and the beginning of the Year of the Horse. Traditions include thoroughly cleaning homes and decorating with red lanterns and couplets, as red is believed to ward off evil spirits. Families gather for reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve, exchange red envelopes with gifts, and welcome the new year with firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the night. Dragon and lion dances are popular performances symbolizing prosperity and good luck, extending festivities for 16 days and culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3rd, 2026. Hong Kong will host its Dragon & Lion Festival on January 1st and 2nd, 2026. The “Splendid Colors – 2026 Huaxia Arts Festival & Lunar New Year Gala” is also planned, showcasing the vibrant start to New Year 2026 and other cultural festivals 2026.
January 2026 Entertainment and Happenings
The start of New Year 2026 brings a host of trending cultural and entertainment events. Dubai anticipates numerous concerts, including performances by Till Lindemann, Anirudh Ravichander, Tom Odell, and Air Supply in January. New York City will host the Winter Jazzfest from January 8th to 13th, while the Bronx Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show continues until January 11th. In Washington D.C., “Shen Yun 2026” explores Chinese culture, and Gabby’s Dollhouse Live offers family-friendly theater as part of the early 2026 happenings.
Qatar’s event calendar is packed for New Year 2026. January features concerts by Ludovico Einaudi and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. MusicFest transforms Steamboat Springs, Colorado, into a winter music hub in early January. The 32nd Annual Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Fest is in Iowa from January 15th to 18th. Several winter festivals are also scheduled across the US, including the Saranac Lake Winter Festival and snow sculpture championships. These diverse events showcase global artistic talent and offer unique cultural experiences for all as we embrace New Year 2026.
Sports and Family Fun Kick Off New Year 2026
Sports enthusiasts have much to look forward to in New Year 2026. In Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Icemen play on January 3rd, and the Jacksonville Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans on January 4th. Qatar hosts significant sporting events, including the Doha Fencing Grand Prix and WTT Champions Doha. Monster Jam brings high-energy truck battles to Qatar, and Fuel Fest Qatar is a new automotive festival. For family fun, events like the Medina Centrale Carnival in Qatar continue on weekends. The Lantern Festival in Al Bidda Park offers immersive displays, providing family-friendly entertainment as the year begins and kicking off a fantastic start to New Year 2026 with various sports events 2026 and family activities.
