Is 2025 New Year’s Eve Set for a Bash or a Whisper? Discover Poll Reveals Top Resolutions!

As New Year’s Eve approaches, many U.S. adults are opting for low-key celebrations, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Only 5% of respondents anticipate celebrating at a bar, restaurant, or organized event.

A significant portion, nearly 20%, will toast the arrival of the new year at a friend or family member’s home. Carla Woods, a 70-year-old from Vinton, Iowa, summarizes a common sentiment: “If I don’t make it to midnight, it’s not a big deal.” This pragmatic approach reflects a broader trend toward more subdued festivities.

While the majority of individuals may choose a cozy night at home, a notable number are planning to make New Year’s resolutions for 2025. Over half of those polled indicated they would commit to at least one resolution. Despite this, there is a prevailing sense of skepticism about the upcoming year; around 40% believe 2025 will be better for them personally, while about a third expect little change.

Kourtney Kershaw, a 32-year-old bartender in Chicago, observes that many customers express a desire to celebrate but are deterred by high costs associated with events. “Party packages or an entry fee are like a turnoff,” she notes, echoing a widespread reluctance to spend excessively.

Among younger adults, approximately 10% under 30 intend to celebrate in bustling venues, contrasting sharply with about 30% of older adults aged 60 and above who plan to forgo any celebration. Anthony Tremblay, a 35-year-old from Pittsburgh, is breaking his usual routine this year by traveling to Ireland with his wife. “I wanted to do something unique this year, so I did,” he states.

For Woods, working on New Year’s Eve aligns with her commitment to mental health. She supports individuals in crisis through The Iowa Warmline, emphasizing the impact holidays can have on those struggling: “Holidays are really hard for people, so I don’t mind working.”

The intent to set resolutions remains strong, especially among younger generations, with around two-thirds of millennials and Gen Z planning to make commitments for the new year. Women show a higher tendency than men to take on these goals. Tremblay aims for better self-care, acknowledging, “It’s probably a good year to focus on mental health.”

Kershaw notes the prevalence of health-related resolutions: “Mental health is the new one, but I think it’s high up there as well as with regular health.” She personally aims to travel more in 2025, considering it a goal rather than a traditional resolution.

In a departure from her usual tradition of watching movies at home with snacks, Kershaw plans to celebrate by attending a Chicago Blackhawks game at Wrigley Field, demonstrating a unique way to ring in the new year as a sports enthusiast.

The AP-NORC poll, conducted from December 5 to December 9, 2024, surveyed 1,251 adults and has a margin of error of ±3.7 percentage points.

Sanders reported from Washington.