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New Year’s Memory Game

3… 2… 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR! Time to toast with champagne — or another bubbly beverage — at your New Year’s Eve party and celebrate the holiday. As we look toward ringing in 2025, do you know the myriad New Year’s traditions that Americans observe on December 31 and January 1? Test your memory — and your knowledge — by playing our memory game.

How to Play

Start the Countdown: Tap the “Start Game” button to kick off the fun.
Flip Tiles: Tap a tile to reveal a New Year’s image underneath.
Make Matches: Find matching pairs of tiles. When you make a match, the clock stops and you’ll learn more about the tradition. Tap “Resume Play” to continue!
Keep the Party Going: If your tiles don’t match, they’ll flip back over — stay focused and try again!
Celebrate Your Victory: Match all the tiles as quickly as you can to see your time, number of moves, and rank.
Want a Sneak Peek? Scroll down to preview the images and discover more about the New Year’s traditions featured in the game.

TIMER: 00:00:00

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Here’s a sneak peek at the New Year’s traditions featured in our game!

A close-up view of a New Year's Eve ball decorated with red and green illuminated triangular panels, set against a cloudy sky

Watching the ball drop

Every year, an estimated one million stand in New York’s Times Square all day to watch the ball drop at midnight. The tradition started in 1907, modeled after the maritime practice of dropping “time balls” down poles in ports at noon to mark the passage of time.

A decorative plaid background with holly leaves and musical instruments framing the text “Auld Lang Syne”

Singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’

Revelers around the world begin the first moments of the new year by singing: “Should old acquaintance be forgot / And never brought to mind?” “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish phrase that means “For old time’s sake,” became popular in 1929 when Guy Lombardo and his band played the song on U.S. radio.

Fireworks lighting up the sky, forming the glowing numbers "2025" over a dark horizon at sunset

Beholding fireworks

Across the country, fireworks shows are another American favorite. They begin at the stroke of midnight and last for 20 minutes to half an hour. In larger cities, these fireworks displays are a televised event.

A couple celebrating New Year's Eve, sharing a kiss while wearing colorful party hats that read “Happy New Year”

Kissing at midnight

Get your lip balm ready — many Americans share a New Year’s kiss during the first moments of the new year. The tradition is rooted in German and English folklore: A favorable first kiss will set the tone for the rest of the year.

A close-up of black-eyed peas and collard greens with diced red peppers, symbolizing traditional New Year’s food

Eating for good luck

Many people believe that the last meal of December 31 will bring luck and good health in the new year. In the American South, folks prepare black-eyed peas and cook collard greens to bring good luck, wealth, and prosperity.

A group of people running into icy water wearing festive hats and accessories during a Polar Bear Plunge event

Taking a plunge

“Brrrrrrr, why would anyone do this?” Good question! In 1904, Bostonians jumped into the freezing cold ocean on New Year’s Day and the idea caught on. Now, thousands of Americans take the polar plunge each holiday to raise money for local charities.

A marching band in a parade, wearing red and white uniforms, with sousaphones displaying “Pasadena Tournament of Roses”

Attending parades

January 1 parades are a tradition across the United States. In Pasadena, California, the Rose Parade boasts elaborate floats, marching bands, and horses. In Philadelphia, the Mummer’s Parade is a 120-year-old folk festival that draws 10,000 participants each year.

A festive red background with a blank list titled “New Year’s Resolutions,” decorated with snowflakes and gift icons

Making resolutions

Ahead of the new year, many will contemplate their goals for the upcoming year. Beyond health or fitness targets, Americans will vow to travel, read, and spend more quality time with family and friends. What are your resolutions?

Writer: Noelani Kirschner
Photo editor: Suzy Mast
Copy editor: Helen Rouce
Digital storyteller: Pierce McManus

December 2024

Memory game test w/draft copy
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