New Year’s Day 2026 and 2027 in Papua New Guinea
New Year’s Day is a holiday in Papua New Guinea as part of celebrations that start on New Year’s Eve and reach a high point with the turning of the clock from 11:59pm on 31 December to midnight on 1 January.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 Jan | Thu | New Year's Day |
| 2027 | 1 Jan | Fri | New Year's Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
New Year’s Day is a time of resolutions and starting fresh for some, while for others it is spent recovering from a big, late night spent with friends and family.
With 840 languages and incredible cultural diversity existing in Papua New Guinea (PNG), any national holiday that can bring everyone together is more than welcome. In fact, the national motto of PNG is “unity in diversity”.
Being under German and Australian control for many years, the celebration of New Year’s Eve and Day was imported to PNG from the UK. Thus, many traditions mirror those followed in much of the rest of the Western World.
People may stay up till midnight, indulge in a large family or communal feast, sing or dance, attend special concerts or other events and greet everyone they meet with a “Happy New Year!”
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day |
| 2024 | 1 Jan | Mon | New Year's Day |