2026 Days and Dates - US
 31 is ...Zodiac & Astrology for December 31 2026Sun / Zodiac Sign:CapricornMoon Phase:Waning Crescent40% Illuminatedi Moon Sign:LibraDaily Planning Alert - Moon Void of Course:Momentum is strong, with the lunar energy actively engaging until late evening. Embrace this New Year's Eve for reflective contemplation on your relationships and to release any imbalances, preparing for fresh connections ahead. This New Year's Eve, with the Waning Crescent Moon in Libra, invites a deep, yet balanced, reflection on your relationships; seek harmony and closure in partnerships, particularly beneficial for air signs like Libra, Gemini, and Aquarius who thrive on fair and intellectual connections. The powerful Capricorn stellium, highlighted by Pluto at a critical 29 degrees, urges a practical and transformative approach to your year-end financial review and goal-setting, making it an opportune moment for decisive planning and releasing old material limitations. Embrace quiet introspection to release what no longer serves you—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—setting a clear, disciplined intention for personal growth and balanced well-being as the old year transforms into the new.December 31, 2026 United States Holidays & Popular Observances
December 31, 2026 Popular Holidays & Observances Worldwide
Major Sports Events on December 31, 2026NFL Baltimore Ravens AT Cincinnati Bengals Venue: Paycor Stadium NHL Montreal Canadiens AT Tampa Bay Lightning Venue: Benchmark International Arena Pittsburgh Penguins AT Ottawa Senators Venue: Canadian Tire Centre Carolina Hurricanes AT Detroit Red Wings Venue: Little Caesars Arena Washington Capitals AT Columbus Blue Jackets Venue: Nationwide Arena St. Louis Blues AT Vegas Golden Knights Venue: T-Mobile Arena Colorado Avalanche AT Utah Mammoth Venue: Delta Center Winnipeg Jets AT Calgary Flames Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome New York Rangers AT Dallas Stars Venue: American Airlines Center Top Investing, Business & Finance events on December 31Federal Student Loan Auto Pay Enrollment DeadlineBorrowers must enroll in automatic payments by this date to secure a 1-percentage-point interest rate reduction through mid-2028. This temporary benefit is designed to support repayment health and reduce long-term interest accrual for federal student loan holders. SECURE 2.0 Retirement Plan Amendment DeadlineEmployer-sponsored retirement plans must adopt discretionary amendments by the end of the day to comply with updated federal SECURE Act provisions. This deadline is critical for maintaining the tax-qualified status of various workplace retirement programs across the country. Non-Itemizer Charitable Contribution Deduction DeadlineTaxpayers who do not itemize their deductions have until the end of the year to make cash contributions that qualify for a special federal tax benefit. This provision allows individuals using the standard deduction to claim up to $1,000 in charitable gifts on their annual returns. Top Health & Fitness events on December 31Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Use-It-or-Lose-It DeadlineMillions of American employees face a final deadline to spend remaining funds in their health accounts before they are forfeited under federal rules. This leads to a massive year-end surge in pharmacy sales, health-related purchases, and elective medical appointments. NYRR Midnight RunCentral Park, New YorkThousands of participants join a festive four-mile race through the city’s most famous park that begins exactly at the stroke of midnight. The event combines community fitness with celebration, featuring a dedicated fireworks display to kick off the new year. runDisney Virtual 12Ks of Christmas Completion DeadlineFitness enthusiasts complete the final leg of a popular virtual race series inspired by classic seasonal themes on this last day of the year. This virtual format allows runners nationwide to earn commemorative medals while maintaining healthy habits throughout the winter holiday season. Top Politics & Government happenings on December 31Medicare Physician Payment Increase ExpirationA temporary federal boost in payment rates for healthcare providers under the Medicare program is scheduled to terminate at the end of the day. Lawmakers and medical associations monitor this sunset date closely as it impacts the financial stability of clinics and hospital systems nationwide. Export-Import Bank Authorization ExpirationThe statutory authority for the federal agency that provides financing for American exports is set to expire on this date. This expiration could halt new financial support for U.S. businesses competing in global markets until a formal reauthorization is passed by Congress. Arkansas ARHOME Medicaid Waiver ExpirationArkansas, United StatesThe unique Medicaid expansion program in Arkansas is scheduled to end, requiring the transition of over 200,000 enrollees to new coverage options. This major state-level policy shift coincides with the implementation of revised federal work requirements for healthcare assistance. Top Entertainment & Live Events on December 31Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball DropNew York, New YorkThe symbolic center of global celebrations hosts the descent of a massive crystal ball to mark the transition to the new year. This unifying tradition captures the attention of millions through live spectators and a massive commercial-free international webcast. Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan SeacrestTimes Square, New York; Los Angeles, CaliforniaThis iconic musical variety special features performances from top-tier artists and live reports from celebration hubs across the United States. It remains the most-watched entertainment broadcast for viewers ringing in the new year across all time zones. New Year's Eve Live: Nashville’s Big BashNashville, TennesseeA star-studded country music celebration is broadcast live from Tennessee's capital, featuring multiple stages and a unique music-note drop at midnight. This event has grown into a primary national alternative to traditional New York-based festivities, drawing massive crowds and high ratings. CNN New Year's Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy CohenNew York, New YorkThis popular live special offers a candid and humorous look at global celebrations led by high-profile media personalities. The program provides viewers with a mix of international countdowns, celebrity guest interviews, and live coverage from the heart of Manhattan. Top Conventions & Other Happenings on December 31Passion 2027 (day 3 of 3)Globe Life Field, Arlington, TXThis massive gathering brings together tens of thousands of university students and young adults for a multi-day spiritual experience featuring world-renowned speakers and musical artists. It is highly popular for its stadium-sized production value and its significant influence on youth culture within the collegiate community. Countdown New Year's Eve (day 1 of 2)Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CAAs one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the country, this event transforms a massive convention space into an immersive sci-fi-themed world featuring multiple stages and top-tier international DJs. It garners immense social media traction due to its elaborate "alien invasion" aesthetics and its reputation as a premier destination for the New Year's Eve party circuit. CROSS CON27 (day 1 of 3)America's Center Convention Complex, St. Louis, MOThis student-focused convention centers on global missions and leadership, attracting thousands of young attendees for workshops and keynote sessions. It is a major event for its focus on humanitarian and religious vocation, drawing significant interest from the 18-25 age demographic and their organizational leaders. Rose Bowl BashRose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CAThis official fan festival serves as a high-energy public convention for college football enthusiasts ahead of "The Granddaddy of Them All." It features university pep rallies, interactive gaming zones, and massive photo opportunities that celebrate the history and pageantry of the New Year’s Day sports tradition. ‹ | › | |
