Soon the sounds ofold acquaintances being forgottenwill ring across the country as 2025 is set to come to a close.
The year began withblazes engulfing Southern California, then saw PresidentDonald Trumpassume the office for a second time; adeadly collisioninvolving a military helicopter and a passenger jet thatkilled 67 peoplenear Washington, D.C.;the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk; the contentiousexpansion of immigration enforcement actions; and the emergence of outsider challengers to the Democratic establishment among a myriad of major headlines.
North America is set to step over the threshold and into 2026 in a matter of hours,as many parts of the world have already set off their fireworks to ring in the new year.
Shortly after the New Year's ball drops (only once) in New York City, theZohran Mamdaniera will begin in the Big Apple and the political horses will be braying at the gates to start the2026 midterm election season in earnest.
For now, however, revelers are set to gather to watch an item – ranging froma crystal balltoa shrimp– drop and fireworks light the night sky in the waning moments of 2025.
You can watch live coverage ofNew Year's Eve celebrationsfrom across the country by starting the USA TODAY livestream at the top of this story oron our YouTube channel.
How to watch New Year's specials on television
As the clock counts out the final moments of 2025, here's how to watch the television specials that ring in the new year:
The classic:How to watch 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve' 2026
A country New Year:Who is hosting 'Nashville Big Bash' for 2026? How to watch NYE special
On cable:How to watch CNN's 'New Year's Eve Live' with Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen'
Ring in the new year by seeing photos of celebrations around the world, beginning here with fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2026." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See NYE celebrations around the world as 2025 comes to an end
Ring in the new year byseeing photos of celebrations around the world, beginning here with fireworks over Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2026.
What's open on New Year's Day in the U.S.?
While the final hours of 2025 whittle away, here's what to know aboutwhat will be open and closed on the first day of 2026.
Which retail stores open New Year's Day?Details on IKEA, Kohl's, Macy's, more
New Year's Day 2026:Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open? What to know
Details on Aldi, Lidl and more.Which grocery stores are open New Year's Day?
Which restaurants are open?Find out the places that are serving customers on New Year's Day
Are CVS, Walgreens open New Year's Day?What to know about pharmacies
Getting on a resolution:Which gyms are open New Year's Day? Details on Gold's, Planet Fitness, more
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:US celebrates New Year's Eve to ring in 2026. Watch the revelry live
