From widespread clown sightings and the invasion of Pokemon, to alleged UFO encounters and car accidents being blamed on spiders, many of us wondered these past 12 bizarre months whether we'd slipped from the grips of reality and entered the Twilight Zone. As we prepare for 2017's arrival, let's remember some of 2016's wackiest moments and most popular offbeat stories: Much of the country kicked off 2016 in winter wonderland mode, ushering in snow days to the delight of students all over.

From widespread clown sightings and the invasion of Pokemon, to alleged UFO encounters and car accidents being blamed on spiders, many of us wondered these past 12 bizarre months whether we'd slipped from the grips of reality and entered the Twilight Zone. As we prepare for 2017's arrival, let's remember some of 2016's wackiest moments and most popular offbeat stories: Much of the country kicked off 2016 in winter wonderland mode, ushering in snow days to the delight of students all over.