If you’re aiming to avoid the traffic this year, or maybe just feel like you want a more intimate New Year’s Eve party at home with a few of your closest friends and family, we’ve got you covered. While New Year’s Eve marks the beginning of a new calendar year, it’s also a time where many gather to reflect, celebrate the time that’s passed, and set the tone for the year ahead.
So, if starting your next year on a positive note, surrounded by your closest loved ones, in the safety of home is more your pace this time around, then read on because we’ve got 10 fun things to do at home while you ring in the New Year.
How to Make New Year's Eve Fun at Home this Year
While choosing to stay home on New Year’s Eve may not be the first choice for all, there are many New Year’s Eve at home ideas for everyone.
1. Create Your Guest List
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Who’s going to be attending your at home New Year’s celebration? Will this be a special night for you and your boo? Or maybe the evening will turn into a lowkey kickback with friends.
The sooner you confirm your guest list, the sooner you can start planning your New Year’s Eve at home!
2. Decide on a Theme
Just because you’re going to celebrate New Years Eve at home this year doesn’t mean you have to stay out of the fun! Picking a theme for your New Year’s gathering can help make the occasion still feel festive, even if you’re away from the crowds. Here are some themes that would make the night one to remember:
- Game Night
- Pajama Party
- Champagne Showers
- Midnight Brunch
- Around the World
3. Decorate!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
After your party theme is picked out, make sure to grab some decor to match the vibe! You can choose to make this part as simple or extravagant as you like. But remember, whatever you decide on will enhance this special moment.
If you go the pajama party route, have a face mask bar or easy movie night snacks ready for attendees. Or if “champagne showers” is more your style, prep champagne flights, a champagne bottle balloon garland, and a bubble machine for an extra special touch.
4. Food
Depending on when and how many guests will be getting together at your home New Year’s celebration, you may want to provide food or snacks for everyone to munch on throughout the night. Matching up the food and snack selections with the theme is another fun way to let the concept shine throughout the evening.
5. Drinks
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Whether you’re serving mocktails or festive winter cocktails, a new year is an occasion to toast to! If you’re not sure where to start or need help with seasonal beverages, check out these 12 Winter cocktail recipes for inspo.
6. New Year’s Traditions
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Various cultures and groups around the world celebrate the mark of the beginning of a new calendar year with a wide variety of traditions. Whether it’s eating 12 grapes at each of the 12 midnight strikes or making sure you have black eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day, there are many ways to welcome in luck and blessings for the upcoming year.
Do what feels right for you and your New Year’s crew!
7. Games
Having a selection of board games, video games, drinking games, and one-minute games is a great way to pass the time while you count down to midnight.
8. Document the Night
Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash
Commemorate your New Year’s Eve at home with some photos captured on film. Having a few disposable cameras handy throughout the night incorporates another activity for your cozy crew. You could even take the extra step to set up a photo wall and have it match the theme of your soiree!
Capturing these memories on film will give you and your New Year’s at home group something to look forward to in the beginning of the year.
9. Find the Nearest Fireworks Show
Is it really New Year’s Eve if you don’t catch some fireworks before the night is over?
Do some research of your local area to figure out where the displays will be happening and find a viewpoint that you can easily (and safely) get to and enjoy the show!
10. Have Some Fun With Your Own Fireworks
Depending where you live, get some fireworks of your own to celebrate the kickoff of the new year! Just make sure your purchase for the night is a legal firework sale and safe to fire off in your local area.
11. Cheers!
Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Once you have your New Year’s Eve at home ideas chosen and prepped, it’s time to celebrate!
Happy New Year, from Celebration Wishes!
No matter how you choose to celebrate the beginning of the new year, it’s who you’re with that matters most. As simple or extravagant as you make this gathering we hope your New Year’s Eve at home is one to remember!
Follow along with us on Pinterest and Instagram for more party planning inspiration.
