While saying that 2020 was a disappointment is a massive understatement, one of the saving graces of this year's tribulations has been the timely release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch.

This game not only helped us all pass the time in quarantine, but it also allowed many of us to spend time together with friends and family from afar.

To celebrate how pivotal this game has been in our lives this year, here's a guide to getting the most out of the New Year's Eve celebrations in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons: New Year's Eve Guide
New Year's Eve Event Times
Beginning at 5am on December 31st, Resident Services will be closed on your island, with Tom Nook and Isabelle dressed for the occasion, and setting up a giant countdown clock in front of the building. There are also decorations and a prize cart in the plaza.

During the entire day on December 31st, the whole island will be celebrating the coming of the new year with a giant party in the plaza. The festivities will last all day on the 31st in your game - culminating, of course, in the ringing in of the new year at midnight.

New Year's Items from Tom Nook and Nook Shopping
Leading up to New Year's Eve, players can purchase special items from Nook Shopping on their app, or at Resident Services; one of these items, the Sparkling Cider, can be held and used to make a toast when you press "A" - a festive addition to the celebrations.