What's happened
Ryan Seacrest and Rita Ora co-hosted their third 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories, including attendees wearing adult diapers to cope with cold and long lines. Meanwhile, celebrities and ordinary people alike are choosing low-key celebrations or staying home this year, reflecting a subdued holiday season.
What's behind the headline?
The shift towards subdued New Year’s celebrations signals a broader societal trend of prioritizing safety and personal comfort over public festivities. The revelation that attendees wear adult diapers to avoid bathroom breaks highlights the logistical challenges of large-scale events in urban centers. This year’s celebrity involvement, especially Seacrest and Ora’s lighthearted banter, underscores a desire to maintain tradition while adapting to new realities. The trend of staying home, driven by security concerns and personal choice, may continue to grow, potentially reshaping how public celebrations are organized and experienced in the future. The focus on low-key observances reflects a broader cultural shift towards individual comfort and safety over spectacle.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports on the humorous and practical aspects of NYE in Times Square, including the use of adult diapers and celebrity anecdotes, highlighting the logistical realities of large-scale events. The New York Times provides context on the broader trend of people opting out of public celebrations due to security concerns, emphasizing a shift towards more private, low-key observances. The contrasting perspectives reveal a tension between maintaining tradition and adapting to contemporary safety challenges, with celebrities like Seacrest and Ora embodying a blend of humor and resilience in their approach to the holiday.
How we got here
The tradition of New Year’s Eve celebrations has evolved over recent years, with some cities canceling public events due to security issues. Celebrity participation remains high, but many individuals are choosing quieter ways to mark the occasion, influenced by broader security and personal safety concerns in 2025.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are Fewer People Celebrating New Year's Eve 2025?
This New Year's Eve is shaping up to be different from previous years, with many choosing to skip traditional celebrations. Concerns over security, personal well-being, and changing social norms are influencing how people ring in 2025. Curious about what's behind this shift? Below, we explore the reasons why fewer are celebrating and what it means for the future of holiday festivities.
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How Are Current Global Crises Impacting Politics and Humanitarian Efforts?
Recent headlines reveal a world in flux, from political shifts in Bangladesh to aid restrictions in Gaza and changing holiday celebrations. These events raise important questions about their broader implications. How do political changes influence regional stability? What is the international response to aid restrictions? And how are security concerns shaping our holiday traditions? Explore these pressing issues and find out what they mean for the future of global stability and humanitarian efforts.
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How Are Celebrities Celebrating New Year's 2026?
As 2026 kicks off, many wonder how celebrities are ringing in the new year. Are they sticking to big parties or opting for quieter celebrations? With some stars sharing behind-the-scenes moments and others choosing low-key events, there's a lot to explore about how the rich and famous are celebrating this year. Keep reading to find out what’s trending and what’s behind their choices.
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Robert James Gronkowski, nicknamed "Gronk", is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He previously played nine seasons for the New England Patriots.
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Ryan John Seacrest (born December 24, 1974) is an American television host and producer. Seacrest is the host of Wheel of Fortune, having hosted since replacing long-time host Pat Sajak in September 2024. Seacrest co-hosted and served as executive produce