New Yorkers shred bad memories on 'Good Riddance Day' as 2025 comes to an end

New Yorkers and visitors flocked to Times Square on Sunday, December 28, to bid farewell to 2025’s most challenging moments during the 19th annual “Good Riddance Day,” a symbolic event meant to welcome a fresh start for the new year.

Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris joined in the festivities, declaring that he was “closing the curtain on negativity in 2025” and urging everyone to focus on unity as they move forward.

Hosted by actor Jonathan Bennett, the event allowed participants to take the stage and share their personal bad memories before shredding oversized tickets as a symbolic gesture of letting go.

Organizers also unveiled a new “2026” ticket, while Bennett led the crowd in a countdown to the closing of a curtain on the “2025” sign, marking the official farewell to the year.

-Production: Ivan Romero/Reuters