Happy New Year or new year?
Early January is that time of year with one of the most confusing capitalization usages of all. When we say “Happy new year,” should we capitalize “new year,” or lowercase it? See if you know.
What option has the correct capitalization? "In case I don't see you at the Jan. 1 party, happy !" "Wow, it's already Jan. 5, happy !"
New Year, New Year
new year, new year
New Year, new year
new year, New Year
The correct answer is the third option, “New Year, new year.” If you’re referring to the Jan. 1 holiday, New Year’s Day, which can be abbreviated “New Year,” then “new year” should be capitalized, as a proper noun. In the question above, the party being referred to is on Jan. 1, New Year’s Day, so the capitalized form is correct. However, when referring broadly to the year ahead, then “new year” is properly lowercased. In the question above, where the date given is after Jan. 1, the lowercased form is correct, or also in a sentence such as “I wonder what the new year bring will.” Remember, if you mean the holiday on Jan. 1, capitalize “new year”; but if you mean the year ahead in general, just lowercase it. And on that note, I hope you have a happy new year!