Old & New 2024

When is New Year's Day celebrated globally?

• January 1

• February 14

• December 31

• March 21

Which calendar is predominantly used worldwide to mark the beginning of the new year?

• Julian calendar

• Islamic calendar

• Gregorian calendar

• Chinese calendar

What zodiac animal represents the year 2024 in the Chinese zodiac?

• Rat

• Ox

• Tiger

• Wood Dragon

Which city is renowned for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks at the Sydney Harbour?

• London

• Sydney

• New York City

• Paris

In Scotland, what is the term for their New Year's celebration?

• Hogmanay

• Bonfire Night

• St. Andrew's Day

• Beltane

Answer explanation

Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the year or New Year’s Eve and is generally regarded as the most important Scottish holiday. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival dates back to 1993 and has evolved to become one of the greatest outdoor celebrations of New Year’s Eve in the world. Hogmanay is technically just one day but the Hogmanay celebration in Edinburgh (as well as in other places in Scotland) lasts for about 4 days. In any normal year the big events include a torchlight procession and other entertainment [on December 29th 2023], a massive outdoor street party, concerts, and fireworks [on December 31st 2023], and then smaller public entertainment options on January 1st, including a family friendly ceilidh. Some events may also take place on January 2nd, which is a public holiday in Scotland (but not the rest of the UK). 

Which song is traditionally sung at midnight to ring in the New Year in many English-speaking countries?

• "Auld Lang Syne"

• "Happy Birthday"

• "We Are the Champions"

• "Jingle Bells"

The New Year's Eve ball-drop event is held in which city's Times Square?

• London

• Paris

• New York City

• Tokyo

In which country is the New Year's Eve tradition "First Footing," where the first person to enter a house after midnight brings good luck?

• Ireland

• Australia

• Japan

• Scotland

What is the traditional color associated with New Year's Eve celebrations in many Western countries?

• Blue

• Red

• Yellow

• Silver or Gold

Which Roman god is January named after?

• Mars

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Janus