A Rasmussen Reports survey shows that most Americans will celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, with 67% planning to stay in as 2025 begins. Only 14% plan to attend a gathering at a friend’s house, 6% will go to a bar or restaurant, and 7% will celebrate elsewhere. Another 6% remain undecided.
The trend of staying home is consistent across political affiliations and marital status. Among married individuals, 70% plan to stay home, compared to 64% of unmarried respondents. Age also plays a significant role. About 90% of those 65 and older will spend the evening at home, while a third of adults under 40 plan to celebrate elsewhere. Younger respondents are more likely to attend parties, with 20% going to a friend’s house and 12% heading to bars or restaurants.
When asked if they would kiss someone at midnight, 43% said yes, 40% said no, and 17% were unsure. Men (46%) are more likely than women (40%) to expect a midnight kiss. This tradition is most popular among younger adults, particularly men under 40.
Opinions on the importance of New Year’s Day as a holiday were also surveyed. Only 16% of respondents consider it the most important holiday, while 22% ranked it as the least important. A majority, 55%, placed it somewhere in between. Democrats (19%) are slightly more likely than Republicans (16%) or independents (13%) to view New Year’s Day as highly important.
The survey highlights generational differences in how Americans celebrate and perceive the holiday. Older adults tend to stay home and view the day as less significant, while younger people are more likely to attend gatherings and embrace traditions like a midnight kiss.
Conducted December 22-23 and 26, 2024, the survey included 1,651 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of +/- 3%. The findings reflect a quieter celebration tone as the nation looks ahead to a politically active year, including President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20.
