As 2025 draws to a close, the sounds of old acquaintances being forgotten will echo across the country.
The year began with fires engulfing Southern California, followed by President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. A military helicopter and a passenger plane collided near Washington, DC, killing 67 people. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Expansion of controversial immigration enforcement. and, among countless other major headlines, the emergence of an outsider challenger to the Democratic establishment.
New Year’s fireworks have already been set off in many parts of the world, and North America is about to cross the line into 2026 within hours.
Shortly after New Year’s Balls are thrown (for once) in New York City, the Zoran Mamdani era will begin in the Big Apple, and the political horses will be roaring at the gates as the 2026 midterm election season begins in earnest.
But for now, revelers will gather to watch items ranging from crystal balls to shrimp drop and fireworks light up the night sky at the end 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 article or on our YouTube channel.
How to watch New Year’s special programs on TV
As the clock marks the end of 2025, here’s how to watch TV specials to ring in the new year.
Classic ones: How to watch Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in 2026
Rural New Year: Who will host the 2026 ‘Nashville Big Bash’? How to watch the NYE special
On cable: How to watch CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” starring Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
What’s open on New Year’s Day in America?
As the final minutes of 2025 tick by, here’s what you need to know about what will be open and closed on the first day of 2026.
Which retail stores are open on New Year’s Day? Details on IKEA, Kohl’s, Macy’s and more
New Year’s Day 2026: Are banks, post offices, UPS, and FedEx open? What you need to know
Details on Aldi, Lidl and more. Which grocery stores are open on New Year’s Day?
Which restaurants are open? Find out which restaurants are serving customers on New Year’s Day
Are CVS and Walgreens open on New Year’s Day? What you need to know about pharmacies
Work on a solution: Which gyms are open on New Year’s Day? Details on Gold’s, Planet Fitness, and more
