watch night

American  

noun

1. the last night of the year, observed in a watch meeting.

2. watch meeting.

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watch night British  

noun

1. 1. the night of December 24, during which a service is held to mark the arrival of Christmas Day

   2. the night of December 31, during which a service is held to mark the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new

2. the service held on either of these nights

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Etymology

Origin of watch night

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

Back at the Pendry, you can stop at the Bar Pendry in the lobby for a cocktail, or head to Moonraker to watch night settle over the river in the distance.

From New York Times

The agency that comes from deciding your own traditions — a cold water toast, a watch night — becomes lost to a corporate calendar and a megastore selling you a Juneteenth cookout checklist.

From New York Times

“It was to the point where we had a police watch night and day, making sure nobody was around the statue.”

From Seattle Times

At the biathlon venue, only the hardiest fans could bear to watch night races.

From Los Angeles Times

Lind, who lives in Florida, said he usually would not watch night games in the postseason, because they finish too late on the East Coast.

From New York Times