Search form

Video Round Up: New Year Celebrations Around the World

Students will be fascinated to know not every new year is celebrated on January 1. New Year traditions and celebrations around the world are celebrated at different points throughout the year in meaningful and fascinating ways, from firework-studded parades and festivals to quiet and respectful religious holidays.

Before delving in to this list of videos, visit Education World's "News For You" New Year Celebrations Around the World Lesson Plan. This lesson will introduce new words and phrases associated with the new year, and facts about cultural traditions from around the world. These videos compiled from YouTube are great compliments to your lessons.

 

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is celebrated all over the world on December 31 with colorful parties and fireworks. In many countries, it’s also known as “Old Year’s Day” or “Saint Sylvester’s Day.” The ball drop tradition originated in New York City, U.S.A. in 1906, after the city banned fireworks shows. It is a common tradition to watch the ball drop from 11:59 p.m., and count down the final seconds to the new year.

25 Strangest New Year’s Traditions From Around The World:

Source: list25 

Grade Level: 3–8

Run Time: 4:08

Description: A compilation of 25 odd and interesting traditions celebrated in different countries from around the world. Some traditions include wearing colored underwear, smashing plates, and dropping ice cream on the floor.

Cool Factor: This video is a quick and simple walk through of fascinating, bizarre traditions with the interesting facts behind their meanings.​


Times Square Ball Drop 1976–2014

Source: Bash593 

Grade Level: 2–8

Run Time: 16:29

Description: This video shows television ABC News broadcast clips of the midnight celebrations on New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Time Square from 1976–2014.

Cool Factor: Watching how NYE ball drop has progressed over the past forty years is fascinating journey through time. Students will get a taste of recent history and get a glimpse at how far technology has come from television broadcasting to spectacle displays. They’ll also witness the hype and excitement surrounding the entrance into the new millennium, and it could be fun for students to see the New Year celebration of the year they were born. 

Chinese New Year

In 2015, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 19 at the turn of the Chinese calendar. In China, people celebrate with many lively traditions like dancing, fireworks, and feasts with friends and family.


History and Traditions of Chinese New Year

Source: NTDonChina 

Grade: 3–12

Run Time: 11:25

Description: Correspondents Alina Wang and Ben Hedges walk through the history, legends and traditions of the Chinese New Year, such as lion dancing, firecrackers and red banners.

Cool Factor: This video is a very in-depth discovery of Chinese New Year, and tells interesting, informative stories along with engaging footage of real celebrations.


The Chinese Calendar

Source: TvGameChannelYouTube 

Grade: K–4

Run Time: 2:42

Description: This animated video tells the ancient story of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, and how the Chinese calendar came to be.

Cool Factor: Short and sweet, the story is enjoyable and good for young kids. It’s also a refreshing, fun and colorful change of pace from a more information-based video. ​

 

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and a religious holiday celebrated on the first and second days of Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish Year, usually in September. It commences with Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, which is observed by a day of fasting.


How to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

Source: Israel 365

Grade: K–3

Run Time: 4:44

Description: This video is specifically for small kids, and introduces the basics of the meaning, history and traditions of Rosh Hashanah, including the origin of blowing horns.

Cool Factor: For younger children, this video is straightforward and easy to understand. Kids will enjoy the interesting and humorous take on talking about holiday traditions, and learning about the shofar.

 


Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem

Source: AishVideo 

Grade: 4–8

Run Time: 3:09

Description: A completely choreographed dance song that also tells about the celebration of Rosh Hashanah.

Cool Factor: Students will enjoy the playfulness and pep of this video as a follow up to a more informative lesson of the traditions and facts surrounding the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper celebrations. 

Songkran

The traditional New Year’s Day in Thailand—Songkran—is celebrated in April. It is typically celebrated with a water festival, where festivalgoers throw water as a symbol of washing the bad parts of the past away.

The History and Traditions of Songkran

Source: Amazing Thailand

Grade: 4–8

Run Time: 13:36

Description: This video walks through all the aspects of celebrating Songkran, including from a visitors point of view.

Cool Factor: Students will see traditional attire, foods and rituals of Songkran, and watch clips from authentic celebrations in Thailand.