New Year celebrations are marked by diverse traditions and timings across the globe, reflecting the unique cultures of each region. Most countries within the Swain Destinations travel portfolio follow the Gregorian calendar and celebrate on January 1st. No matter the different languages and varying time zones, New Year celebrations universally symbolize renewal, hope, and the opportunity for fresh beginnings.
Our travel destinations are among the first and last people to celebrate the New Year. Here’s when Swain Destinations locations will be ringing in the New Year, relative to our Philadelphia headquarters (Eastern Time), as well as a few ways to say Happy New Year in different languages.
December 31
6 a.m. ET Most of New Zealand
Fun Fact About the New Year in New Zealand
Maori New Year is called Matariki and takes place between late May and early July. The date varies annually according to tribes and geography.
7 a.m. ET Fiji
How to Say Happy New Year in Fiji
Na tawase ni yabaki vou is the Fijian phrase for Happy New Year.
8 a.m. ET Much of Australia, including Melbourne and Sydney
8:30 a.m. ET A small region of Australia, including Adelaide
9 a.m. ET Australia’s Queensland
10:15 a.m. ET Western Australia
3 p.m. ET Seychelles, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates
4 p.m. ET Kenya, Tanzania, Qatar, Jordan
How to Say Happy New Year in Kenya
Twakutakia heri ya Mwaka Mpya is Happy New Year in Swahili.
5 p.m. ET Botswana, Egypt, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How to Say Happy New Year in Namibia
There are quite a few indigenous languages in Namibia. Here are three options for wishing a Happy New Year.
- Oshiwambo: Omvula Ombwaanawa nomvo omupe gu na elago
- Otjiherero: Memuzerire po Ombebura Ombua
- Damara/Nama: !gai !gaxa /asa gurib
How to Say Happy New Year in Zimbabwe
Our own Donna Blumeris, Senior Travel Consultant, is originally from Zimbabwe and shared these translations:
- Shona: Makorokoto egore idzva
- Ndebele: Umyaka omucha omuhle
January 1
12 a.m. ET Philadelpia, PA
5 a.m. ET Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands
How to Say Happy New Year in French Polynesia
Bonne année is the way to say Happy New Year in French, which is the official language of French Polynesia.
HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Swain Destinations team! Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, and adventurous 2025!!
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