30 Fun Things To Do on New Year’s Eve To Greet the Coming Year
Count down to 2025 with these fun activities!
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The end of the year is nearly here, and that means it's time to welcome 2025 with a celebration! Whether you're planning a big night out or a cozy evening in, there are plenty of ways to make New Year's Eve memorable and special for you and your loved ones.
If you’d rather stay home, why not host a New Year's Eve movie marathon or a fun dinner party? If you'd prefer to go out, consider reserving a table at your favorite restaurant for a tasty way to ring in the new year. There are plenty of New Year's traditions to partake in, too, from watching the ball drop in Times Square to sharing a midnight kiss. And of course, the start of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past and set resolutions for the future. No matter which activity you choose, it's sure to be a fun-filled night that you won't soon forget.
Start 2025 on a high note with these inspiring ideas:
Craft Vision Boards
Looking for something productive and inspirational to do with the time off you've been given? Gather poster board, magazines, scissors, and markers, and get started on a vision board for 2025! Think about your goals for the year regarding travel, finances, career growth, and habits, and translate those to your vision board with colorful graphics.
Prep a Breakfast Spread
Whether or not you're in for a night of drinking, you can always benefit from a hearty breakfast spread on New Year's Day. Make the morning a little easier by prepping foods like breakfast casseroles, cinnamon rolls, and more. Don't forget the bubbly!
Eat 12 Grapes
In some cultures, it's a tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve to bring good luck and prosperity into the upcoming year. Take on the tradition for yourself by getting your grapes once the ball drops!
Write Notes to Your Future Self
The new year signals an opportunity for personal growth and change. On New Year's Eve, think about the year ahead and write a letter to your future self, including goals and predictions you can work towards over the next 12 months.
Make (And Eat) Desserts
End 2024 and start 2025 on a sweet note by whipping up your favorite New Year's Eve desserts! These champagne-infused cupcakes topped with sparkly gold sprinkles are just one example of a festive treat to make.
Create a DIY Photo Booth
Strike a pose and capture the joy of ringing in the new year by DIYing a festive photo booth. You'll love having memorable pictures from the night, and your guests will love the opportunity to use all those fun New Year's Instagram captions!
Have a Karaoke Contest
There's no better way to usher in the new year than with lots of music. So turn up the tunes and let the New Year's Eve celebrations hit a high note by hosting an epic karaoke contest!
Watch the Sunset
Planning an early night on New Year's Eve? The sun will go down as early as 4:30 p.m. on the holiday, so consider enjoying a sunset champagne toast or bite to eat before turning in for the evening.
Host a Potluck Dinner
After Thanksgiving and Christmas, you might need a break from cooking up a storm. Instead of a traditional dinner party, invite your friends and family over for a potluck so no one has to bear the brunt of the kitchen work!
Create a Time Capsule to Open Next New Year's Eve
As the clock ticks down, seal some precious memories into a time capsule to be opened the following New Year's Eve. You can make one on your own, as a family, or with friends.
Get Crafty
Get in touch with your creative side by making some fun New Years-themed crafts. A lot of our ideas can double as decorations, so you'll be feeling festive in no time!
Go Ice Skating
Bundle up in your favorite holiday sweaters and go ice skating at a local outdoor rink. Many are decorated for Christmas so it'll feel celebratory while still being low-key and affordable.
Go for a Hike
Bundle up and get back to nature this New Year's Eve by going for a hike with your loved ones. It'll give you some quality time to reconnect with the world around you and each other!
Reflect on 2024
Before you start writing those New Year's resolutions, take some time to reflect on the past year and all the challenges, achievements, and lessons that came with it. You'll learn a lot about yourself in the process, and it's a great way to celebrate your wins, big and small.
Host or Attend a Party
What better way to ring in the new year than with your nearest and dearest? Whether you host a big bash or a small gathering, it's sure to be a blast!
Watch Fireworks
Find a fireworks show near you and a good spot to take them in with family or friends. It's the best way to ring in the new year with a bang!
Throw a Pizza Party
Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser and can make even a low-key New Year's Eve feel like a celebration. Get a few pies with different toppings so everyone can enjoy their favorite.
Make New Year's Resolutions
This is one of the most popular New Year's activities–and for good reason! Making a fresh start and a plan to tackle your goals will create positively for the year ahead.
Have a Family Game Night
If you want to stick to a small group for New Year's Eve, then a game night is the perfect activity. Whether you gather with family or friends, you're in for a lot of laughter and fun.
Do Some Baking
Baking a cake, cookies, or another New Year's Eve dessert is such a fun way to spend an evening. The best part is eating your work when it's finished!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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