10 New Year’s Eve superstitions to do at midnight for a better 2026
A new year is now just hours away and with it comes a series of long standing traditions to ring in 2026. It isn’t too late to ensure the next year will be a good one as we say goodbye to 2025.
For years, many people have stuck to superstitions in order to make their new year lucky. Some of these are well known, while others are more obscure. As the clock strikes midnight, there are 10 ways you can add a bit of luck to your 2026. If you really do believe in the superstitions or are after a bit of fun on New Year’s Eve, here are the ways you can celebrate the new year.
Wear polka dots
If you are planning a last-minute outfit to celebrate New Year’s Eve, why not add some polka dots? The tradition started in the Philippines, as the round dots are believed to resemble coins. Wearing this pattern can help bring in wealth and abundance in the year ahead, according to the superstition.
Leap off a chair
In Denmark, it is traditional to jump off a chair or sofa as the clock strikes midnight. The action symbolises leaving bad luck behind and starting fresh in the new year. However, if you fail to jump, it is said to bring bad luck for the entire year 2026.
First-footing
This Scottish tradition is all about what happens after midnight has passed. The first person to cross your threshold after midnight brings luck for the year.
Ideally, you want a tall, dark-haired man carrying symbolic gifts such as coal, bread, salt and whisky. The long-standing ritual ensures the household has good fortune, health and abundance in the year ahead.
The belief that a dark-haired first-footer brings more luck stems from the Viking era, where a fair-haired person might bring bad luck or even danger. It is also considered unlucky for anyone to leave the house before the first-footer arrives.
Break glass or dishes
In many cultures, breaking glass or dishes is believed to ward off evil spirits and clear negative energy. It represents a clean slate for the year ahead, and by New Year’s Day, a big pile of broken pieces is a good sign. The more shards you find, the luckier 2026 is said to be.
Mistletoe under the pillow
If you are hoping to find a romantic partner in the new year, Irish superstition requires you to place a sprig of mistletoe under your pillow before falling asleep on New Year’s Eve. You may even dream of your future husband or wife, and it is said to be a way of attracting love in the coming year.
Smash a pomegranate
Smashing a pomegranate symbolises good luck, prosperity, fertility and abundance in Greek and Turkish tradition. The more scattered seeds there are, the more fortune, health and happiness there will be in the home. Pomegranates are often hung on doors ready to be smashed at midnight.
Bang some bread
Irish tradition sees families bang loaves of bread against doors and walls at midnight to chase off evil spirits, hunger and bad luck. It can help bring in good fortune and abundance for the new year. The tradition is less popular now, but has been replaced by banging pots and pans to make loud noises.
Kiss
A classic New Year’s Eve kiss is supposed to set the tone for love and luck in the coming year. The tradition is said to strengthen bonds for couples and avoid loneliness for singles.
Eat 12 grapes
Originating in Spain, eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes 12 times at midnight is thought to bring good luck for each month of the year. You need to eat a grape per chime for a year of prosperity and abundance.
Open doors and windows
When midnight arrives, crack open the doors and windows to your home to let the old year and its troubles out. The Irish tradition suggests opening the front door will welcome the new year, good fortune and a fresh start.
