New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, reflection, and setting the stage for the year ahead. The right music can elevate your New Year’s Eve party to new heights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that will have everyone dancing and singing along.

But what’s a party without the right music? It takes time to pick the right songs to play on New Year’s Eve, from timeless classics to contemporary hits. Whether you’re counting down in the comfort of your home, attending a lively gathering, or watching the ball drop in Times Square, these songs are sure to add the perfect soundtrack to your festivities.
Get ready to ring in the new year with these musical gems that capture the spirit of the occasion.

What are the best songs to listen to on New Year’s Eve?
If you are looking to create the ultimate New Year’s Eve playlist for family and friends, I have the perfect party list to kick things off for this weekend. These tunes will keep your guests dancing and their spirits high. What better way to ring in the New Year than on the dance floor!
- “Auld Lang Syne” – Traditional
- “New Year’s Day” – U2
- “Happy New Year” – ABBA
- “Old Lang Syne” – Dan Fogelberg
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
- “Let’s Start the New Year Right” – Bing Crosby
- “New Year’s Resolution” – Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
- “The Final Countdown” – Europe
- “New Year’s Eve” – Tom Waits
- “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
- “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” – Barry Manilow
- “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” – Ella Fitzgerald
- “Funky New Year” – Eagles
- “New Year’s Prayer” – Jeff Buckley
- “New Year’s Day” – Taylor Swift
- “Raise Your Glass” – Pink
- “New Year’s Day” – Pentatonix
- “Time of Our Lives” – Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo
- “Firework” – Katy Perry
- “Celebration” – Kool & The Gang
- “Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones
- “1999” – Prince
- “Party All the Time” – Eddie Murphy
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
- “Countdown” – Beyoncé
- “Dance the Night Away” – Van Halen
- “Just Dance” – Lady Gaga
- “All Night Long (All Night)” – Lionel Richie
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
- “Time Warp” – The Rocky Horror Picture Show
- “Rhythm of the Night” – DeBarge
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk The Moon
- “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
- “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
- “Happy Together” – The Turtles
- “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- “Dancing in the Moonlight” – King Harvest
- “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
- “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” – Michael Jackson
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
- “All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor
- “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees
- “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
- “Happy Days Are Here Again” – Barbra Streisand
- “Shiny Happy People” – R.E.M.
- “Celebration” – Madonna
Feel free to create your own playlist with these songs to set the mood for a fun and festive New Year’s Eve celebration!

What song is played after the ball drops on New Year’s in New York City?
In New York City’s Times Square, after the ball drops at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it’s traditional to play “Auld Lang Syne.” This song, as mentioned earlier, is a symbol of saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one. It’s a universal tradition at the heart of New Year’s celebrations, not only in Times Square but also in many other parts of the world. The rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” may vary, but the song’s sentiment remains the same. It’s a moment of reflection and celebration as people come together to mark the beginning of a new year.
Who is performing at Times Square on New Year’s Eve 2024?
The performers at Times Square for New Year’s Eve 2024 include singer-songwriter Paul Anka and hip-hop artist Flo Rida. Other live performers are Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter, Maria Becerra, Jelly Roll, and Yng Lvca.

What TV channels have New Year’s Eve programming to watch?
The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square will be broadcast across major television networks. These networks typically offer exclusive shows and performances leading up to midnight. For a more specific list of channels and programming, check the latest schedules from major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and others closer to the event, as they often have special New Year’s Eve segments.