If you’re in need of some inspiration on how to say goodbye to the year, we’ve put together a list of fun things to do on New Year’s Eve that you can enjoy with your household – or on your own – while sticking to the guidelines.
But before we get started, don’t forget to check out our wonderful collection of New Year cards so that you can send some well wishes to all the people who’ve been important to you this past year. And if you find that you always struggle with what to write, we’ve got you covered thanks to our other blog full of New Year card messages!
Alternative ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve
The usual barhopping and nights out might not be quite your speed – so here are some fun alternative NYE plans that will still see you bring the new year in with a bang!
Enjoy a night-time picnic
Who says picnics are only for long summer days? This New Year’s Eve, fill up a hamper with all your favourite treats, along with a large flask of hot tea or coffee; then wrap up warm in as many layers as possible, before heading to your local park (or your garden!) to see the new year in.
If the idea of sitting outside stargazing sounds too cold, then set up the picnic on your living room floor instead. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the year.
Host a good luck household dinner party
Did you know that certain countries have different types of food that symbolise luck? It’s time to get on board because, let’s face it, we could all do with a bit of luck!
In China and Japan, long noodles symbolise a happy and prosperous life; and any food that symbolises coins or has a golden hue (think dumplings, lentils, and mandarin) are believed to bring you prosperity.
For an extra bit of luck, pay homage to the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes. Representing one grape for every stroke of the clock, it’s said to give you a fresh start for the year ahead.
And if you’ve been invited rather than hosting, don’t forget to take a little something along to show your appreciation – if you’re not sure what to get, we’ve got a guide full of inspiration for dinner party gifts.
Enjoy a mega movie marathon
If you’ve had a jam-packed year, you might prefer to take things easy. Sometimes, the only way to take your mind off of things is to get lost in a different world. Pick a genre or theme, then make a list of movies that will last all night, well past when the clock strikes 12.
Whether you’re a horror fanatic and want to be scared out of your mind; or are in need of a few comedies if it’s not been the best year ever, this is just one of the many things to do on New Year’s Eve that we can get behind.
Bring family and friends together
Whether you’ve got family in other countries, or just different groups of mates all across the UK, sometimes you just can’t get all of your nearest and dearest together for a big New Year’s Eve blowout.
Why not host your very own murder mystery party, where everyone dresses up and gets into character? Alternatively, classic games like Cards Against Humanity and Would You Rather can keep you entertained for hours – especially after you’ve had a bit to drink, perhaps something from our roundup of easy Christmas cocktail recipes to keep everyone merry!
And if you can’t get everyone together in the same place, a virtual get-together can still be just as fun of a way to spend time with family and friends.
Start scrapbooking
You’ll need to do a bit of prep for this one, as you’ll need to purchase a notebook, some glue and decorations, as well as printing off any photos you want to include.
This is a good way to document the year you’ve gone through – and will give you a chance to reflect on all the good things that have happened. We guarantee you’ll find some positives – and have a newfound appreciation for the small things in life, whether that’s having a cup of tea with loved ones, or enjoying some fresh air on a long walk.
To get started, be sure to check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a scrapbook.
Plan your next adventure
What could be a better way to cheer yourself up and get excited than by organising an adventure? Whether it’s a European city break, a far-flung beach destination, or a chilled staycation; give yourself something to look forward to for the following year.
Start researching a few destinations to discover all the things you can see and do. Then, settle on which one is taking your fancy the most, figure out what dates you can do, and get it booked!
Read a good book
If you’re a fan of taking things easy and enjoying a peaceful evening then one of the best things to do on New Year’s Eve is curl up with a good book. Whether you’ve had your eye on a specific book for ages, or have spotted one that has rave reviews, set some time aside on New Year’s Eve to give it a read.
Set the scene with a cosy blanket for cuddling up in, play some ambient background music, and get plenty of snacks in so you can while away the hours getting lost in a great read. Who knows, you might even end up finishing the entire thing before the clock strikes twelve?
How to spend New Year’s Eve alone
If you live on your own and you’re not a big one for parties, you might end up spending NYE by yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the night – in fact, lots of people choose to be on their own on New Year’s Eve!
While you can still take part in all of the ideas above if you’re by yourself, it’s important not to dwell on it too much. Take the time to enjoy being in your own company, whether that’s reflecting on the last 365 days that have gone by, planning experiences for the upcoming year, or just being in the moment and taking some time out for you.
New Year’s Eve can be an awesome night, but it can also be a tad overhyped. For our money, it’s best to forget about planning the ‘best night out ever’ and focus on what really matters – family and friends, and your own wellness.
We hope we helped inspire you with our fun and alternative ideas on what to do on New Year’s Eve. No matter how you choose to spend the occasion, we hope you have a brilliant time! For more lifestyle and special occasion inspiration, don’t forget to head on over to our blog.
