New Year in the UK usually starts with a celebration on New Year's Eve (31st December). Some people spend the evening at home with their family, or have a party for friends at their house. Others go to a pub to celebrate, or spend the evening in a large public space, for example Trafalgar Square in London.
New Year begins with the bell of Big Ben, the famous London clock, at midnight, which is also shown on TV for those who are staying in.
In Scotland, New Year is called Hogmanay, and for some people, it's a bigger celebration than Christmas. In big cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow there are street parties with around 100,000 people, enjoying music, entertainment and fireworks at midnight.
One Scottish tradition which is now popular throughout the UK as well as in the USA, is the singing of a traditional folk song. Auld lang syne, reminds us to think of old friends and remember the good times of the past.
On New Year's Eve many people enjoy drinking wine, but New Year's Day also means the start of a healthier life, so some people make New Year's resolutions. Often these are connected with fitness and health, for example giving up smoking or drinking, taking more exercise or losing weight. Other people make a resolution to improve their life in other ways, such as spending more time with family, learning something new.
