13 Memorable New Year’s Day QR Code Ideas You Must Try

Here’s to a fresh start as we welcome New Year’s Day with joy, excitement, and a countdown to new possibilities!
This occasion presents an excellent opportunity to capitalize on special offers like year-end clearances and beginning-of-year sales. With state-of-the-art QR codes, you can easily execute these promotions.
Embrace the new year’s possibilities with the best QR code generator, a technology that provides exceptional and tech-savvy solutions to boost your marketing efforts.
Table of Contents
- Why do we celebrate New Year’s Day?
- Ways to use QR codes on New Year celebration
- Host a virtual New Year’s Eve countdown
- Event registration and admission
- Offer a New Year’s gift guide
- Share special offers
- Raffle entry or giveaway
- Promote year-end events and activities
- Extend seasonal contests and challenges
- Streamline restaurant menu access
- Photo booth for branded keepsakes
- Facilitate fundraisers and donation drives
- Design digital greeting cards
- New Year’s resolution wall
- Thank you message and feedback form
- How to create a QR code for the New Year using a free QR code generator
- Why you should use dynamic QR codes for your New Year campaigns
- Cheers to a scannable start: New Year’s magic with QR codes
- Frequently asked questions
Why do we celebrate New Year’s Day?
People worldwide celebrate this holiday to symbolize change. It is laden with historical and cultural significance. This represents a universal opportunity for personal and collective renewal.
The New Year presents a time for reflection on the past year’s accomplishments, challenges, and personal growth. It's also a moment to establish fresh goals, set resolutions, and seize the opportunity to foster positive life changes.
Festivities differ, yet typical customs involve reuniting with family and friends on New Year’s Eve, savoring symbolic “good luck” dishes, fireworks, and raising a toast with champagne.
Apart from all the festivities, January 1st is also when businesses celebrate new beginnings with their customers. Companies plan jaw-dropping surprises to pamper customers with discounts or take it as a chance to launch new products.
What’s the reason we celebrate New Year on January 1?
The New Year is celebrated on January 1 primarily because of Julius Caesar's calendar changes made in 46 BCE.
Prior to that, the Romans followed an alternative calendar that lacked precision, with years that could expand or contract based on political whims and peculiarities.
So Caesar, with help from astronomers, introduced the Julian calendar, establishing January 1 as the beginning of the year. He picked January to honor Janus, the Roman god of doors, choices, and beginnings.
Janus was depicted with two faces; one looking back at the past and one looking forward to the future. Pretty fitting for the New Year, right? Which is why we celebrate the New Year on January 1.
The tradition has been held through calendar reforms, including the switch to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which we still use today.
Although some cultures observe the New Year on different dates due to lunar or lunisolar calendars, January 1 remains globally recognized as the start of the year.
Ways to use QR codes on New Year celebration

Holidays always provide companies with a chance to boost sales and generate revenue. Ride along with the holiday enthusiasm and create a QR code to manage the first day of the year promos smoothly and effectively.
Here are the ways to use QR codes for the New Year:
Host a virtual New Year’s Eve countdown
Display QR codes that link to a live countdown timer or stream. This adds to the anticipation for attendees who may want to check the countdown on their devices or follow along if the venue’s clock isn’t easily visible.
Try a Smart URL QR code to link to different countdown experiences based on time zones or guest locations. This is ideal for events catering to a diverse audience in multiple time zones, making updating content by time or place easy.
You can place the QR code campaign linking to a countdown timer on billboard screens in city centers of different countries. Depending on the guests’ location or time zone, the QR code will lead to the appropriate countdown so everyone feels in sync with the celebration.
This setup would be especially engaging for international or large-scale virtual events. Ensure the timers are reliable and the links stay updated for a seamless experience.
Event registration and admission
QR codes for pre-registered guests simplify entry. Guests can scan the code to check in quickly, reducing entry lines and streamlining guest management.
Use a custom QR code landing page to create a check-in page accessible from any device. Guests simply scan the QR code to check in digitally, streamlining entry and providing you with valuable attendance data.
Placing the QR code at the entrance is ideal, as guests can find and scan it immediately, register to confirm their attendance, and receive a digital ticket or wristband.
Offer a New Year’s gift guide
Get out with the old and in with the new by providing your customers with a tech-savvy gift guide experience. Let customers browse your gift guide and entice them effortlessly.
The file QR code solution makes sharing different media forms easier. It supports PDF, PNG, JPEG, and MP4 formats, making this QR code suitable for delivering catchy marketing material.
A sleek file QR code on displays or in newsletters lets customers scan to instantly access your digital gift guide, whether it’s a PDF, PNG, or video showcasing top products. It’s a quick, convenient way to put your offerings on their devices.
Share special offers
Bring on your New Year sales with QR codes. When running seasonal campaigns, such as for the start of a year, the URL QR code is the way to go.
You can use the QR code for advertising special New Year discounts, exclusive deals, or coupons or leading shoppers to a customized page with just a scan of your branded QR.
Display the QR code on storefronts, at checkouts, or on ads to connect customers instantly with your latest promotions and make it easy and convenient for them to save on their purchases.
Raffle entry or giveaway
Host a New Year’s raffle or giveaway with QR codes, allowing guests to participate by scanning and submitting their details. This encourages engagement and gives participants a fun incentive to interact with the brand.
Set up a Form QR code to let guests easily enter a raffle. The code's dynamic feature lets you change the form or entry options without reprinting it.
Place copies of it at the venue entrance or on tables, where guests can scan to enter a New Year’s raffle for a prize.
The form collects contact info and raffle entries, and you can track engagement via analytics to see how many people participate.
Promote year-end events and activities

Printing and handing out hundreds of physical invitations is unnecessary. Instead, link the schedule to a QR code to make it more accessible.
A dynamic QR code lets you update the schedule in real-time. You can also use it to distribute digital invitations to attendees seamlessly.
They can simply scan the invitation to access the most current details about your New Year’s Day events, even if there are last-minute schedule changes.
If you are a manager or an event organizer planning to begin the new year with a bang, QR code technology can bring you convenience.
Extend seasonal contests and challenges
Incorporate QR codes into your promotional materials to add zest and encourage engagement. Offer compelling challenges, scavenger hunts, contests, or sweepstakes to let shoppers win prizes or discounts this holiday.
To streamline customer participation, you can use the Google Form QR code to let it handle all the manual registration processes.
Let’s say you’re running a “New Year’s Shopping Challenge” where participants complete a set of fun tasks for a chance to win prizes.
To join, they scan a Google Form QR code on promotional posters, flyers, or social media posts, which brings them to the contest entry form.
This form might include questions like “Find the New Year’s item of the day” or “Snap a photo with your favorite New Year’s display.”
You can create this using the best free QR code generator. Customize your QR code to make it more appealing and eye-catching.
Streamline restaurant menu access

Bars and restaurants can use menu QR codes on tables to share New Year's Eve or Day drink specials, special holiday menus, or mixology videos for signature cocktails. This not only keeps the menu accessible but adds a digital edge to the dining experience.
Display a copy of the QR code menu on each table. The code leads to a list of holiday drink specials, like a “New Year’s Sparkler” or “Resolution Mocktail.”
With its dynamic feature, you can update the menu to match changes in drink availability or last-minute additions without reprinting the QR code.
Photo booth for branded keepsakes
Place QR codes on photo booth props or the booth itself. When scanned, they can link to a custom photo album or a branded filter for attendees to use in their photos, adding a festive and branded touch to their memories.
Use a dynamic URL QR code to link to a downloadable album or collection of digital photo filters branded for New Year’s. With its tracking features, you’ll see how many guests access and share your branded content.
Place the QR code near the photo booth, where guests can scan to download a collection of branded digital stickers and frames for their photos.
After the event, you can replace the file link with a full album of all event photos so attendees can download and share them.
Facilitate fundraisers and donation drives
If the event is connected to a cause, add a payment QR code to encourage charitable donations. It’s a simple way to promote giving as part of the New Year spirit, and guests can donate directly from their phones.
Mobile wallets and online banking now come with their own QR code maker, enabling you to customize the design to align with the charity or cause. This makes it an inviting and easy way to contribute.
Include the QR code for payment on event programs for direct donations. For instance, if the New Year celebration event supports a local charity, guests can scan to make a contribution on the spot, spreading the spirit of giving.
Design digital greeting cards

Send holiday wishes through a digital message to show your loyal customers they are appreciated on this first day of the year.
Offer QR codes on event decor or entry points that link to animated New Year’s greetings or special messages from the brand. This digital touch is memorable and can be shared easily on social media.
A video QR code can link to a festive New Year’s greeting video with personalized messages from your brand or team. This video greeting can be easily shared and viewed on social media, creating a lasting impression.
In advance, send out a festive video QR code via email or social media. When scanned, the code opens a video of your team wishing everyone a happy New Year, with a branded animation of confetti and cheers.
You could also print these QR codes on New Year’s cards handed out at the event.
New Year’s resolution wall
Set up a digital resolution wall where guests can submit their resolutions via a QR code. The QR code could link to a webpage or app displaying all resolutions anonymously. It’s a creative way to unite guests while building community around shared goals.
Create a Google form QR code to let guests submit resolutions, or try a landing page QR code where they can view and anonymously share New Year’s resolutions with others at the event.
Guests can scan and submit their resolutions displayed on a digital wall and see what others have posted, creating a communal, uplifting experience.
Learn how to create a QR code for a Google Form and simplify sharing it effortlessly!
Thank you message and feedback form
After the event, share a QR code that links to a thank-you message or a feedback form. This allows attendees to share their experiences and keeps the connection beyond the event.
A QR code for surveys and feedback collection lets you thank guests and gather feedback on the event. Its dynamic feature lets you adjust the form of questions or response options post-event to keep the conversation going with attendees.
Display the feedback form QR code on screens as guests leave. When they scan it, they’re taken to a thank-you message and a feedback form. You can ask about their favorite part of the event, suggestions for improvement, or even a rating for the night.
How to create a QR code for the New Year using a free QR code generator
Easily create QR codes for your start-of-the-calendar-year campaigns and enhance your business operations. Here's how to generate a QR code:
- Open QR TIGER online and log in or sign up for a free account.
- Select a QR code solution for your campaign.
- Enter the required information.
- Select between Static and Dynamic QR codes.
- Click Generate QR code.
- Customize your QR code according to your brand’s identity and preferences.
- Test to check if it works, then click Download.
Visit Learn with QR TIGER for more in-depth, step-by-step guides.
Why you should use dynamic QR codes for your New Year campaigns
QR codes can either be static or dynamic. While static ones are free to use, they only have basic functions. On the other hand, dynamic QR codes offer much more advanced tools.
Here are their top features:
Modify your QR code’s content
One thing that sets dynamic QR codes apart from static ones is their editability; you can change the embedded data even after generating the QR code.
There’s no need to re-print hundreds of promotional materials should typographical errors occur in your campaign information. Just head to your dashboard and edit away.
This feature lets you update your QR code campaigns anytime, guaranteeing that target audiences access the latest information and promotions.
Monitor scan metrics
Dynamic QR code tracking lets businesses gather data on QR code scan timing, frequency, and locations.
These data help businesses gain insights into customer preferences and assess campaigns for better conversion opportunities.
Set expiration periods
You can program your dynamic QR codes to expire at a particular time and date. This is useful, especially in seasonal marketing campaigns like the New Year. Businesses can tie limited-time offers and control access to your advertising material.
You can also set an expiration through the number of scans and IP. This means you can control access by limiting how often a QR code can be scanned or restrict access from specific IP addresses.
This way, the QR code stops working after a set number of scans or allows access only from certain locations, adding extra security and exclusivity.
Protect with passwords
Special days call for special discounts. This feature lets you regulate entry to your QR code even when displayed in a public area.
You can add passwords to your dynamic QR codes to provide loyal customers exclusive access to offers and promos this first of January.
Shoppers can get the password to the QR code by purchasing specially marked items or meeting a set minimum purchase requirement. This promotion tactic will surely boost your sales.
With this feature, you can confidently share private documents or exclusive content.
Access cost-efficient solutions
Surprisingly, marketing campaigns do not need much of your fortune to enhance them. QR codes are a more budget-friendly alternative that can boost your efforts.
Since quick response codes are accessible digitally, they can eliminate the need for expensive printing materials and advertising strategies.
This low-cost but high-impact versatile solution is perfect for brands to facilitate effective consumer interaction.
Send retargeted ads
Retarget your ads and increase your sales quickly using Google Tag Manager and Facebook Pixel.
With our dynamic QR code’s retargeting feature, you can remarket to those who have shown interest in your brand or business after scanning your QR code.
This advanced feature lets you gain insights into consumer behavior, create ads tailored to your target audience’s preferences, and prompt them to act.
Style interactive content experience
Creating an engaging content experience for your customers is achievable with inventive QR code technology.
You can add some sparkle to your content without stuffing it with too much textual information. To add interactive content to your marketing strategy, you can use a QR code to embed additional resources such as videos, audio files, PDFs, or web pages.
Integrate geofencing system
Harness location-based marketing capabilities and reach people at the right place.
This dynamic QR code feature provides in-depth analytics and real-time tracking of consumer behavior, providing businesses with valuable insights.
With this advanced ability to hyper-target prospects and set an area-specific scan limitation, you can send targeted advertisements across multiple digital channels and deliver geo-targeted campaigns to a specific user demographic.
Receive email reports
With the email notification QR code feature, you can stay updated about your QR code’s performance without checking your dashboard now and then.
You can set the email notification to the following frequencies: daily, weekly, or monthly.
Cheers to a scannable start: New Year’s magic with QR codes
As we welcome New Year’s Day 2025, these creative QR code ideas can add a modern twist to your celebrations, bringing friends and family closer even in a digital world.
Whether you're sharing resolutions, creating unique countdowns, or designing virtual party invitations, a QR code generator can make it easy to add a splash of convenience and excitement.
So, ring in the new year with some tech-savvy fun, and let QR codes be part of the memories and moments that make this celebration truly unforgettable.
Cheers to a fresh start and endless possibilities!
Frequently asked questions
Which religion celebrates the New Year?
Curious about what religion celebrates the New Year today? Religions across the globe celebrate the New Year in distinct manners: Western Christians on January 1, Eastern Orthodox on January 14, Judaism’s Rosh Hashanah during the fall, and Islam’s Hijri New Year in Muharram.
Hindus observe Diwali or Ugadi, Buddhists mark Songkran or Losar, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi, and Zoroastrians honor Nowruz.
Who celebrates New Year's Day?
People worldwide celebrate the new year, signifying the start of a fresh year. It's one of the oldest celebrations.
In Western societies throughout Europe, North America, South America, and Australia, January 1st is commonly recognized as the beginning of the new year.
What not to do on New Year's Day?
On New Year, avoid breaking things, crying, cleaning, arguing, or spending too much to keep good luck. Don’t wear dark colors; keep your pantry stocked; skip poultry to avoid “scratching away” fortune.
These are fun traditions and superstitions that have been around for ages, and some people enjoy them just for the spirit of it. Ultimately, you’re free to shape your year however you like, regardless of what you skip or do.