25 Things to Do on New Year's Day to Celebrate 2025
Set a fun tone for the rest of the year.
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The ball has dropped, the champagne flutes have been emptied, and the last partygoers have gone home—so what's there to do on New Year's Day? For many people, January 1 is the last day of a long vacation before they go back to work, and that's a great reason to make the most of it. But it's also the perfect time to set the tone for the rest of the year. Maybe you've got some New Year resolutions you want to make in the coming 12 months that you can get started on, or maybe you just want to begin 2025 with a tasty New Year's Day brunch.
At a loss for ideas? Look no further! Outside of the typical New Year's traditions, there are lots of things you can do on New Year's Day: If you're feeling up to it, try using the first as a productive day to get a head start on errands, cleaning, or meal prep recipes for the week ahead. Or, if you're looking for something a little more low-key, you can choose to stay home and watch a New Year's movie, relax, and recharge. Scroll through for plenty of great ideas on how to spend your day. Whatever direction you decide to take, your future self will be sure to thank you!
Prepare for 2025 with even more ideas:
Create a Digital Photo Album
Capture precious memories from the past year by creating a digital photo album or calendar to have for 2025. It's a fun way to look back on your year and create a lasting memento in the process.
Take a Scenic Drive
No matter how cold it is, you can still plan a scenic drive and enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of your car. You can even make a playlist of the best New Year's songs to jam out to on your journey!
Watch Football
You don't have to be a fan of any particular team to love watching all the various college bowl games. The most famous is the Rose Bowl, but there will be at least five to enjoy all day long!
Shop Online Sales
Many stores will be closed, but there are so many after-Christmas sales you can still enjoy online. Cozy up and shop from your couch to find deeply discounted items for every room in the house.
Start a Gratitude Journal
We may associate giving thanks with another holiday, but being grateful for the small things in life can bring you joy on a daily basis. Start the year fresh with a gratitude journal to keep track of all the great things that happen to you over the course of the next few months.
Run a Race
Many towns and cities across the country host 5K, 10K, and even half marathons. If you're athletically inclined and ready to jump back into that workout routine, a brisk jog is a great way to start the year.
Eat Traditional New Year's Day Foods
You've probably heard of eating black-eyed peas for luck and cabbage for money. Well, whether or not you're superstitious, if there's a chance these tasty New Year's Day meals might bring you good fortune and prosperity in the coming months, why not dig in? If nothing else, you'll have a delicious dinner!
Clean Out Your Closet
Take the saying "out with the old, in with the new" and make it your reality! New Year's Day can be the day you stop putting off your much needed closet clean out and finally tackle the chore. When you're done, maybe you can even treat yourself to a shopping spree.
Go to a Museum
While some museums may be closed on New Year's Day, others are open and ready to help you get your year started. Check out the hours of museums near you then spend some time admiring art or learning about ancient artifacts.
Have Family Game Night
The fun doesn't have to end on New Year's Eve! In fact, we think you should keep it going on the first day of 2025 with a family game night. There's nothing better than spending time with loved ones and enjoying some friendly competition—especially during the holidays.
Make a Vision Board
Sometimes it's easier to reach your goals for the year when you can clearly visualize them in front of you. To help with that, why not spend the day creating a vision or inspiration board? Here's how: choose images and text that represent something you're trying to accomplish then display them on something like a poster or cork board.
Try Something New
We've all got that one thing that we've been wanting to try forever—and just never do! Maybe you want to take up a new hobby (like sewing or playing guitar) or maybe there's a recipe you've always wanted to cook. If so, it's the perfect time to finally give it a shot!
Take a Walk or Hike
Many people pledge to be healthier in the new year, so why not get a jump start on that resolution? Taking a walk is a great way to start the year with a bit of fresh air and exercise.
Go Ice Skating
It might be chilly out, but that's no reason to stay inside! Bundle up your crew and head out to the local rink for some winter fun.
Host Brunch
Whether your New Year's Eve plans include a fancy party or a cozy night in, you should follow them up with a celebratory brunch with friends. We suggest serving your brunch with mimosa recipes to make your toast to 2025!
Set New Resolutions
The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect on what you want out of life. Spend some time journaling down realistic resolutions and the steps you'll take to reach your goals.
Call an Old Friend
While you might intend to reconnect with your loved ones during the holidays, it's easy for the season to get too busy. Spend some quiet time on New Year's Day calling a friend or family member to check in.
Be Charitable
It can be easy to get swept up in the gift giving frenzy of the holidays. New Year's Day is a great opportunity to redirect that giving energy to your community: simply pick up trash locally, or try looking for volunteer opportunities at local food banks or community centers.
Tackle Home Improvement
You probably don't want to admit how many weeks or months that project around the house gone unfinished for. Today is a great day to pick up those tools and finish any half-done home improvement tasks.
Tidy Up the Pantry
Take some inspiration from Ree Drummond's pantry at The Lodge and get organizing! A little tidying and re-organizing can help prep you for a year of cleanliness.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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