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Happy New Year Star Wars Style: Midnight Countdown Movie Start Times

New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. But not everyone wants to get dressed up for a fancy cocktail party or watch a ball drop in Times Square on TV. For some, it is much more fun to celebrate a Happy New Year Star Wars style.

Planning to ring in the new year with a Star Wars New Year’s Eve countdown to midnight is easy, as long as you know when to press play. From the Death Star explosion to Order 66, here is when you need to start each movie to kick off 2024 with the most memorable moments from each Star Wars movie.

Celebrate a Star Wars Happy New Year With Countdown Times For All Your Favorite Films

If you want to make sure you are timing the start of the movie perfectly, check the exact time on Time.gov in the United States. For time zones around the world, check GreenwichMeanTime.com.

Unless otherwise noted, the times listed below are for the versions on Disney+. For Blu-ray times, start playing the movie back one second earlier.

Countdown to the Death Star Explosion in A New Hope

Fans of the Original Trilogy might want to usher in the new year by watching the Death Star explode in A New Hope. Depending on the version you are watching, press play at 10:02:43 PM.

Countdown to the Death Star II Explosion in Return of the Jedi

Nothing against Luke Skywalker’s skills in an X-Wing, but some might prefer to see Lando Calrissian, Nien Nunb, and Wedge Antilles take on the Death Star II in Return of the Jedi.

To have the station explode at midnight, hit play at 9:56:55 PM. If you would rather ring in the new year with the start of the galactic celebration, hit play at 9:54:32 PM.

Countdown to Order 66 or “Hello There” in Revenge of the Sith

If you prefer the dark side of the Force, you might want to start the new year off with Order 66. To hear Darth Sidious say, “Commander Cody, the time has come. Execute Order 66.” right at midnight, press play at 10:39:22 PM.

You can also countdown to midnight and have General Kenobi say “Hello There” if you start the movie at 11:02:28 PM.

Countdown to the Destruction of Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens

For Sequel-era fans, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve with Star Wars by starting The Force Awakens at 10:01:56 PM. Starkiller Base will explode at exactly midnight.

Countdown to the Destruction of the Supremacy in The Last Jedi

If you start The Last Jedi at 10:08:00 PM, the sound of the destruction of the Supremacy Star Dreadnought will ring at midnight. To see the strike instead of hearing the sound at midnight, press play at 10:08:08 PM.

You can also countdown to the death of Snoke by starting at 10:15:21 PM or watch Luke Skywalker join the Force by hitting play at 9:40:00 PM.

Countdown to the Palpatine’s Demise in The Rise of Skywalker

For The Rise of Skywalker fans, you can celebrate a Star Wars happy new year with the demise of Palpatine. Press play at 10:00:25 PM and Rey will say “I’m all the Jedi” at midnight.

If you want to celebrate with Ben Solo and Leia Organa joining the Force, start the movie at 09:54:51 PM. To celebrate the fall of the Final Order at midnight, press play at 09:54:15 PM. And Rey will take the name Skywalker at midnight if you start it at 09:47:55 PM.

Other Ways to Celebrate a Star Wars Happy New Year

Aside from counting down to any of the times above, you can celebrate in several other ways.

Decorate and Set the Mood

Decorate your space with Star Wars-themed decorations. Use lightsabers as makeshift lights or hang starry lights to create a galaxy-like atmosphere. Consider setting up Star Wars action figures or posters to enhance the theme.

Make Star Wars Snacks

Make Star Wars-themed snacks and treats. You can have Yoda soda, Wookiee cookies, or Princess Leia cupcakes. Get creative with the names and designs to tie in with your Star Wars theme.

Make Oga’s Cantina Cocktails or Mocktails

Celebrate with tasty cocktails or mocktails inspired by Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While they seem otherworldly, they are relatively easy to recreate on your own.