Lindsey Medina+FollowChicago’s epic New Year’s Eve goes nationalChicago’s first-ever appearance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve brought thousands downtown despite the cold and snow. With Chance the Rapper leading the countdown and fireworks lighting up the Chicago River, the city finally got its moment in the national spotlight. Locals packed Wacker Drive, braving winter weather to show the world how Chicago rings in the new year. Even Mayor Brandon Johnson called it a proud moment for the city. If you were there, what was your favorite part? If you watched from home, did Chicago’s energy come through on TV? #Culture #ChicagoNYE #NewYearsRockinEve00Share
Zachary Vazquez+FollowRose Parade 2026: Rain or shine, the show goes on!Rain might be in the forecast for California on January 1, 2026, but that’s not stopping the Rose Parade from rolling out a star-studded lineup. This year’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” feels extra fitting as the parade pushes forward despite the weather. Kicking things off is Bishop Briggs, followed by performances from Charlie Worsham and John Foster, with Capital Cities and DEK of Hearts closing out the show. Plus, Magic Johnson is this year’s grand marshal! Whether you’re braving the rain in person or tuning in from home, this is one parade you won’t want to miss. Who are you most excited to see? #Culture #RoseParade2026 #MagicJohnson00Share
Vincent Silva+FollowJanuary 2026: Every Day’s a Holiday!Who knew January was packed with so many quirky holidays? Beyond New Year’s Day and MLK Jr. Day, there’s a wild celebration for just about everything—think National Popcorn Day, Apple Gifting Day, and even National Hangover Day (for obvious reasons). Whether you’re into kazoos, stickers, or just want an excuse to eat more pizza, there’s something random to celebrate every single day. Time to update your calendar and make January way more fun! #Culture #January2026 #FunHolidays10Share
nhayes+FollowFreezing for the Times Square ball drop: Worth it?People from all over the world bundled up in layers (and even adult diapers!) to brave the freezing temps and light snow for the 2026 Times Square ball drop. Some camped out since morning, sacrificing comfort and bathroom breaks for that once-in-a-lifetime countdown. For a few, it was about more than just the party—one couple even planned a midnight proposal after years apart. Is the magic of ringing in the New Year in Times Square worth the cold and chaos? Would you do it for the experience, or is it better to watch from home? #Culture #TimesSquare #BallDrop202600Share
Traci Smith+FollowWhy We Kiss at Midnight on NYEEver wondered why everyone’s smooching as the ball drops? Turns out, the midnight New Year’s kiss is a mashup of ancient Roman parties, Viking traditions, and a dash of Hollywood magic. Some say it’s for good luck, others just love the excuse! Whether you’re channeling your inner Viking or just hoping for a lucky year, now you know the (surprisingly mysterious) backstory. Just remember: consent is key! #Culture #NewYearsEve #NYETraditions00Share
dianahicks+FollowWildest New Year’s Eve Traditions EverEver wondered why we all count down, kiss strangers, and pop champagne on New Year’s Eve? Blame the Romans for picking January 1, and thank marketers for making bubbly a must. From Spain’s grape-eating race to Key West’s drag queen in a giant heel, NYE is a global mashup of weird rituals. Oh, and that Times Square ball drop? It only exists because fireworks got banned. Turns out, the only real rule is: get a little weird and call it tradition. #Culture #NewYearsEve #Traditions00Share
Vickie Scott+FollowNYE Traditions That Could Make You RichWho knew eating grapes or wearing polka dots could bring in the cash? Around the world, people have some wild New Year’s Eve traditions for prosperity—like Spain’s 12 grapes at midnight, Italy’s lucky lentils, Greeks smashing pomegranates, and Filipinos going all-in on round fruits and polka dots. Would you try any of these for a wealthier year? #Culture #NewYearsEve #Traditions00Share
Traci Smith+FollowNew Year’s 2026: Wild Celebrations & Big FeelsFrom Sydney’s defiant fireworks to Tokyo’s temple bells and Dubai’s jet ski light show, the world rang in 2026 with everything from wild parties to moments of silence. Some cities kept things low-key after recent tragedies, while others amped up security. In Gaza and Paris, people just wished for peace. It’s a wild mix of joy, hope, and resilience—proof that no matter what, the world loves a good countdown. Which celebration would you want to join? #Culture #HappyNewYear2026 #NewYearsEve00Share
Kevin Gregory+FollowNew Year’s Eve Traditions for Good LuckObsessed with New Year’s Eve rituals? Check these out: In Spain, eat 12 grapes at midnight for luck. Italians chow down on lentils that look like coins. Greeks smash pomegranates for abundance (the messier, the better). In the Philippines, it’s all about round fruits and polka dots—circles = money! Who knew getting rich could be this fun? Which tradition would you try for a prosperous new year? #Culture #NewYearsEve #Traditions110Share
nhayes+FollowWhy We Kiss (and Drop Pickles) on NYEEver wondered why we all countdown, kiss, and pop champagne on New Year’s Eve? Turns out, you can thank the Romans for picking January 1, and some wild traditions for the rest. From Spain’s grape-eating challenge to red underwear for luck, and towns dropping everything from balls to giant pickles, NYE is a global party of weirdness. Oh, and those novelty glasses? Only since 1991. Cheers to another year of chaos! #Culture #NewYearsEve #NYETraditions00Share
