Fun New Year's Traditions From Across The World!
New Year’s Traditions Ranked by How Bonkers They Are! 🎉
Because the world does New Year’s very differently…
It’s New Year’s Day. You might be nursing a cuppa, eyeing up the leftovers, or swearing you’re never drinking prosecco again (until next Friday)!
But while we’re all easing into the year, people around the world are ringing in New Year’s in some seriously weird and wonderful ways! We’re talking smashing plates, sprinting with suitcases, piping in haggis and wearing polka dot pants for luck. Obviously.
So, in true Chunk fashion, we’ve ranked some of the world’s best New Year’s traditions by how fun, how odd, and how “would you actually try it?” they are.
Let’s get into it!
🥇 Scotland - Hogmanay & Piping in the Haggis
Fun rating: 10/10 | Bonkers rating: Respectfully unhinged
We’re starting close to home because honestly… Scotland doesn’t mess about!!
Hogmanay is Scotland’s New Year celebration, and it’s bigger than Christmas in some parts. Fire festivals, torchlit processions, street parties, ceilidh dancing, and then there’s the food.
One of the most iconic Hogmanay moments is “piping in the haggis”. A ceremonial haggis is brought in to the sound of bagpipes, addressed with Robert Burns’ famous poem, and then eaten with great enthusiasm.
It’s bold. It’s theatrical. It’s brilliant!
And yes… this is exactly what inspired us to bring back our Steak & Haggis Pie with Dartmoor whisky earlier than usual and keep it rolling through to Burns Night. If Scotland can celebrate with beef, spice and whisky, so can we!
🥈 Spain - Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight
Fun rating: 8/10 | Bonkers rating: Mildly chaotic
In Spain, New Year’s Eve comes with a challenge. As the clock strikes midnight, you have to eat 12 grapes, one for each chime, to bring good luck for the year ahead.
It’s harder than it sounds, especially after a few drinks! Spaniards take this very seriously too, and honestly, we respect the commitment to competitive fruit consumption.
🥉 Denmark - Smashing Plates on Your Mates’ Doorsteps
Fun rating: 9/10 | Bonkers rating: Loud and proud
Danes welcome the New Year by smashing plates and crockery on the doorsteps of friends and family!
The more broken plates outside your door, the more popular and well-loved you are.
It’s equal parts wholesome and healing. Also, a great excuse to finally get rid of that chipped plate you’ve been hanging onto since 2009!!
Italy - Red Underwear for Luck!
Fun rating: 7/10 | Bonkers rating: Depends how public you are
In Italy, wearing red pants (or 'underwear') on New Year’s Eve is said to bring luck, love, and prosperity for the year ahead.
We will say it’s definitely a strong excuse to wear something bold and festive under your comfies!
Philippines - Polka Dots Everywhere
Fun rating: 8/10 | Bonkers rating: Delightfully excessive
Circles represent coins, which represent wealth. So in the Philippines, people wear polka dots, decorate with round objects, and sometimes even jump at midnight to “grow taller”.
We love the logic. More circles = more money =a better 2026!
Colombia - Running Around the Block with a Suitcase
Fun rating: 9/10 | Bonkers rating: Cardio-based chaos
If you want more travel in the new year, Colombians believe you should run around the block with an empty suitcase at midnight.
Is it effective? Who knows.
Is it funny to watch? Absolutely.
Would we do it after pie and gravy? Probably not...
Try One This Year (No Judgement)
Whether you fancy smashing plates, eating grapes at speed, or just raising a glass and calling it a win, New Year’s traditions are all about hope, luck, and starting fresh.
And if your version of tradition involves comfort food, good company, and something warming in pastry… well, we’re very on board with that.
Ordering Is Back Soon…
If you’re already planning your January comforts, good news!
Deliveries restart from Tuesday 6th January, so you won’t be waiting long to restock the freezer and ease yourself into the year properly.
New year. Same love for proper food.
Go on – take a Chunk!
