Christianfeast day:
Pope Sylvester I(Catholic Church), December 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Feast day commemorating Pope Sylvester I, celebrated by the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches on December 31.
Pope Sylvester I served as the Bishop of Rome from 314 to 335 AD and led the Church through a period of consolidation.
His feast day on December 31 marks his contributions to early Christianity and church administration.
The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendars honor him with special mass or divine liturgy services.
Traditional prayers and hymns are offered in his name, reflecting on his role in church history.
Many churches observe this feast with readings about his life and a celebration of the Church's growth during his papacy.
feast day
Pope Sylvester I
Catholic Church
December 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis(Azerbaijan)
A day to celebrate unity and cooperation among Azerbaijanis around the world on December 31.
Established to strengthen bonds among Azerbaijanis in the homeland and diaspora, this observance highlights shared heritage.
Communities host cultural events, forums, and exhibitions showcasing Azerbaijani traditions and achievements.
It promotes dialogue on national identity and encourages support for social and economic initiatives in Azerbaijan.
Diaspora organizations hold solidarity gatherings, concerts, and virtual meetings to connect participants worldwide.
This day underscores the importance of mutual support and cultural preservation for Azerbaijanis everywhere.
International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis
Azerbaijan
New Year's Eve(International observance), and its related observances:
First Night(United States), Last Day of the Year orBisperás ng Bagong Taón, special holiday betweenRizal DayandNew Year's Day(Philippines), Novy GodEve (Russia), Ōmisoka(Japan), The first day ofHogmanayor "Auld Year's Night" (Scotland)
New Year's Eve marks the final day of the year, celebrated worldwide with diverse cultural traditions and festivities.
Falling on December 31, it culminates in countdowns to midnight, fireworks, music, and community celebrations across the globe.
Cities host street parties, concerts, and public gatherings where friends and family welcome the new year together.
Traditions vary: Ōmisoka in Japan involves year-end rituals, Hogmanay in Scotland features torchlight processions, and First Night in the U.S. emphasizes art.
In the Philippines, Bisperás ng Bagong Taón bridges Rizal Day and New Year's Day with festive gatherings and media noche feasts.
This universal observance fosters hope, renewal, and unity as people reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the year ahead.
New Year's Eve
International observance
First Night
United States
Bisperás ng Bagong Taón
Rizal Day
New Year's Day
Philippines
Novy God
Russia
Ōmisoka
Japan
Hogmanay
Scotland
The seventh of theTwelve Days of Christmas(Western Christianity)
The seventh day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, observed in Western Christian traditions on December 31.
Part of the extended Christmas season, this day continues the celebration from Christmas through Epiphany.
Churches may hold special services, carol singing, and readings that reflect on the Nativity story.
Historical customs include feasting on traditional foods and exchanging small gifts among families and communities.
As the liturgical calendar transitions toward the New Year, this day invites reflection on the incarnation and hope.
It maintains the festive spirit and spiritual focus of Christmas before marking the close of the holiday season.
Twelve Days of Christmas
Western Christianity
The sixth andpenultimateday ofKwanzaa(United States)
The sixth day of Kwanzaa, known as Kuumba (Creativity), celebrating artistic expression within African-American culture.
Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1, and each day honors one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).
On the sixth day, participants focus on Kuumba, encouraging creativity in arts, crafts, and community projects.
Families and communities gather for performances, exhibitions, and workshops showcasing music, poetry, and visual arts.
The day highlights the role of creativity in culture, history, and social progress for African diasporas.
Lighting the sixth candle on the kinara, celebrants reaffirm their commitment to uplifting their community through imaginative expression.
penultimate
Kwanzaa
Pope Sylvester I(Catholic Church)
Feast day of Pope Sylvester I, the early 4th-century Bishop of Rome, observed by the Catholic Church on December 31.
Pope Sylvester I led the Church during the reign of Emperor Constantine and oversaw the construction of key basilicas.
His pontificate marked a turning point as Christianity transitioned from persecution to imperial favor.
The Catholic liturgy on this day recalls his leadership, administrative reforms, and defense of orthodoxy.
Special masses include readings on his deeds and hymns honoring his legacy in church-building and governance.
Parishes often use this occasion to pray for unity and guidance as the calendar year concludes.
Pope Sylvester I
Catholic Church
December 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Collective liturgical commemorations observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church on December 31.
The Eastern Orthodox Church honors a roster of saints and events in its daily liturgical calendar on this date.
Services include the Divine Liturgy, vespers, and matins featuring hymns and readings specific to these commemorations.
Saints memorialized may include martyrs, bishops, and monastic figures who exemplify faith and sacrifice.
Churches and faithful participate in prayers for intercession, spiritual reflection, and thanksgiving for the closing year.
This liturgical observance unites communities through shared rites and remembrance of holy exemplars.
December 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
First Night(United States)
First Night is a city-wide, alcohol-free arts festival held on New Year’s Eve in various U.S. cities.
Originating in Boston in 1976, First Night showcases local artists, musicians, dancers, and performers.
Participants enjoy parades, ice sculptures, film screenings, and interactive art installations for all ages.
The festival emphasizes family-friendly entertainment, cultural diversity, and community engagement.
Fireworks and light displays often conclude the evening, reflecting on the year past and welcoming the new one.
Since its inception, First Night has spread to cities nationwide as a creative way to celebrate the year’s end.
First Night
United States
Last Day of the Year orBisperás ng Bagong Taón, special holiday betweenRizal DayandNew Year's Day(Philippines)
Official holiday in the Philippines on December 31, bridging Rizal Day and New Year's Day with festive traditions.
Known locally as Bisperás ng Bagong Taón, this day allows Filipinos to prepare for New Year celebrations.
Families gather for the media noche feast featuring fruits, round shapes, and festive dishes symbolizing prosperity.
Public offices and many businesses close, enabling communities to participate in prayers and street festivities.
Fireworks, drumbeats, and street parties create a vibrant atmosphere as midnight approaches.
This holiday reflects Filipino values of family, optimism, and a hopeful start to the coming year.
Bisperás ng Bagong Taón
Rizal Day
New Year's Day
Philippines
Novy GodEve (Russia)
Russian New Year’s Eve, known as Novy God, features festive traditions and gatherings across Russia on December 31.
Novy God is the most important secular holiday in Russia, blending Soviet and pre-revolutionary customs.
Families decorate New Year trees (yolka), exchange gifts, and gather for a festive meal featuring salads and caviar.
At midnight, the President’s speech on television is followed by a nationwide toast and fireworks displays.
Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) bring gifts to children in festive parades.
This celebration emphasizes renewal, unity, and joy, making it a cornerstone of Russian cultural life.
Novy God
Russia
Ōmisoka(Japan)
Ōmisoka, Japan’s traditional New Year’s Eve, marks the final day of the old year with reflection and celebratory customs.
Ōmisoka is celebrated on December 31 in Japan as the culmination of the year’s events and preparations for the New Year.
Families thoroughly clean their homes in a ritual known as o-souji to welcome Toshigami, the deity of the New Year.
At midnight, many people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to perform hatsumōde, the first prayer of the year.
Traditional foods such as toshikoshi soba are enjoyed to symbolize longevity and good fortune.
Television stations broadcast special music and variety programs throughout the day, ending with the famous “Kōhaku Uta Gassen” singing contest.
Ōmisoka blends quiet reflection with lively celebration, making it a deeply meaningful annual tradition.
Ōmisoka
Japan
The first day ofHogmanayor "Auld Year's Night" (Scotland)
Hogmanay is Scotland’s vibrant New Year celebration, beginning December 31 with lively traditions and community gatherings.
Hogmanay, known as “Auld Year’s Night,” is Scotland’s annual New Year festival, celebrated with music, dancing, and fireworks.
The festivities often begin with street parties and torchlight processions, culminating in a massive midnight celebration.
A key tradition is “first-footing,” where the first person to cross a home’s threshold after midnight brings symbolic gifts for good luck.
Many Scots also sing “Auld Lang Syne,” penned by Robert Burns, to bid farewell to the old year.
Across Scotland, cities and towns host concerts and public events that draw both locals and visitors.
Hogmanay combines ancient customs with modern revelry, making it one of the world’s most spirited year-end celebrations.
Hogmanay
Scotland