Soon the sounds of old acquaintances being forgotten will ring across the country as 2025 is set to come to a close.
The year began with blazes engulfing Southern California, then saw President Donald Trump assume the office for a second time; a deadly collision involving a military helicopter and a passenger jet that killed 67 people near Washington, D.C.; the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk; the contentious expansion of immigration enforcement actions; and the emergence of outsider challengers to the Democratic establishment among a myriad of major headlines.
North America is set to step over the threshold and into 2026 in a matter of hours, as many parts of the world have already set off their fireworks to ring in the new year.
Shortly after the New Year’s ball drops (only once) in New York City, the Zohran Mamdani era will begin in the Big Apple and the political horses will be braying at the gates to start the 2026 midterm election season in earnest.
For now, however, revelers are set to gather to watch an item – ranging from a crystal ball to a shrimp – drop and fireworks light the night sky in the waning moments of 2025.
You can watch live coverage of New Year’s Eve celebrations from across the country by starting the USA TODAY livestream at the top of this story or on our YouTube channel.
As the clock counts out the final moments of 2025, here’s how to watch the television specials that ring in the new year:
The classic: How to watch ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ 2026
A country New Year: Who is hosting ‘Nashville Big Bash’ for 2026? How to watch NYE special
On cable: How to watch CNN’s ‘New Year’s Eve Live’ with Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen’
While the final hours of 2025 whittle away, here’s what to know about what will be open and closed on the first day of 2026.
Which retail stores open New Year’s Day? Details on IKEA, Kohl’s, Macy’s, more
New Year’s Day 2026: Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open? What to know
Details on Aldi, Lidl and more. Which grocery stores are open New Year’s Day?
Which restaurants are open? Find out the places that are serving customers on New Year’s Day
Are CVS, Walgreens open New Year’s Day? What to know about pharmacies
Getting on a resolution: Which gyms are open New Year’s Day? Details on Gold’s, Planet Fitness, more