{"id":6853,"date":"2020-12-24T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2020-12-24T09:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/?p=6853"},"modified":"2026-04-02T14:37:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:37:13","slug":"alternative-things-to-do-on-new-years-eve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-content.thortful.com\/alternative-things-to-do-on-new-years-eve\/","title":{"rendered":"Alternative things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re in need of some inspiration on how to say goodbye to the year, we\u2019ve pulled together a list of fun things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve that doesn’t revolve around a big party (although if that is your preferred way to ring in the next year, check out our tips for <\/span>how to host an epic New Year party<\/span><\/a> along with our guide on curating the perfect <\/span>New Year’s Eve playlist<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The usual barhopping and nights out might not be quite your speed \u2013 so here are some fun alternative New Year\u2019s Eve ideas that will still see you bring the new year in with a bang!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy a night-time picnic<\/span><\/h2>\n

Who says picnics are only for long summer days? This New Year\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the idea of sitting outside stargazing sounds too cold, then set up the picnic on your living room floor instead. It\u2019s the perfect way to say goodbye to the year! <\/span><\/p>\n

Host a good luck household dinner party<\/span><\/h2>\n

Did you know that certain countries have different types of food that symbolise luck? It\u2019s time to get on board because, let\u2019s face it, we could all do with a bit of luck!<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s said to give you a fresh start for the year ahead. And if you\u2019ve been invited rather than hosting, don\u2019t forget to take a little something along to show your appreciation \u2013 if you\u2019re not sure what to get, we\u2019ve got a guide full of inspiration for <\/span>dinner party gifts<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy a mega movie marathon<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a horror fanatic and want to be scared out of your mind; or are in need of a few comedies if it\u2019s not been the best year ever, this is just one of the many things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve that we can get behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bring family and friends together for an alternative celebration<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re still looking for New Year ideas, why not host your very own\u00a0<\/span>murder mystery party<\/span><\/a>, 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 \u2013 especially after you\u2019ve had a bit to drink, perhaps something from our roundup of easy\u00a0<\/span>Christmas cocktail recipes<\/span><\/a> to keep everyone merry!<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you can\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Start scrapbooking<\/span><\/h2>\n

Looking for some craft themed New Year\u2019s Eve ideas? You\u2019ll need to do a bit of prep for this one, as you\u2019ll need to purchase a notebook, some glue and decorations, as well as printing off any photos you want to include.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a good way to document the past year, giving you a chance to reflect on all the good things that have happened. We guarantee you\u2019ll find some positives \u2013 and have a newfound appreciation for the small things in life, whether that\u2019s having a cup of tea with loved ones, or enjoying some fresh air on a long walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

To get started, be sure to check out our step-by-step guide on <\/span>how to make a scrapbook<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan your next adventure<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of our favourite things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve is to plan a fun adventure for the upcoming year. Whether it\u2019s a European city break, a far-flung beach destination, or a chilled staycation; give yourself something to look forward to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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!<\/span><\/p>\n

Read a good book<\/span><\/h2>\n

While plenty of people love planning a big night, there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t plan some cosy and chilled New Year\u2019s Eve activities. If you\u2019re a fan of taking things easy and enjoying a peaceful evening, then one of the best things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve is curl up with a good book. Whether you\u2019ve had your eye on a specific book for ages, or have spotted one that has rave reviews, set some time aside on New Year\u2019s Eve to give it a read.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0Who knows, you might even end up finishing the entire thing before the clock strikes twelve?<\/span><\/p>\n

Write a letter to yourself\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Next up, we have the idea of taking some time to write yourself a letter to open on New Year\u2019s Eve next year! Just grab a pen, some paper, and an envelope, then reflect on everything that\u2019s happened over the past year (plus everything you\u2019re hoping to achieve in the next 365 days).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While writing to yourself might feel a little awkward at first, you\u2019ll probably find that its quite therapeutic, giving you an opportunity to let go of any bad vibes and welcome a fresh start. You might enjoy it so much that letter writing becomes a little New Year\u2019s Eve tradition!<\/span><\/p>\n

Book a theatre trip\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you fancy heading out but aren\u2019t keen on a full-on night out, why not see what\u2019s on at your local theatre and book a trip with your friends? Whether it\u2019s a play, musical, or an opera, this can be the perfect way to spend New Year\u2019s Eve. Or, if you\u2019re looking for a laugh, booking in a comedy night is the perfect alternative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to spend New Year\u2019s Eve alone<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you live on your own and you\u2019re not a big one for parties, you might end up spending NYE by yourself, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t still enjoy the night \u2013 in fact, there are plenty of things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve when flying solo!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Take the time to enjoy being in your own company, whether that\u2019s 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. And if you’ve not yet settled on any goals for the year ahead, we’ve compiled some <\/span>New Year resolution ideas<\/span><\/a> that might come in handy.<\/span><\/p>\n

New Year\u2019s Eve can be an awesome night, but it can also be a tad overhyped. For our money, it\u2019s best to forget about planning the \u2018best night out ever\u2019 and focus on what really matters \u2013 family and friends, and your own wellness.<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope we helped inspire you with our fun and alternative New Year\u2019s Eve ideas. No matter how you choose to spend the occasion, we hope you have a brilliant time! For more lifestyle and\u00a0<\/span>special occasion inspiration<\/span><\/a>, don\u2019t forget to head on over to our\u00a0<\/span>blog<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, and we\u2019ve got a wonderful collection of <\/span>New Year cards<\/span><\/a> so that you can send some well wishes to all the people who\u2019ve been important to you this past year. And if you find that you always struggle with what to write, we\u2019ve got you covered thanks to our other blog full of <\/span>New Year card messages<\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Christmas
\"Marina

Marina Kromitsyna<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Lovely
\"Cards

Cards for feelings<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Happy
\"Natalia

Natalia Gonzalez<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Pretty
\"The

The Pattern Press<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Happy
\"Alyona

Alyona Shirokova<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Happy
\"Pepper

Pepper & Plum<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"David
\"OriginalByPaige\"

OriginalByPaige<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>

\"Mr.
\"Designer

Designer By Lockdown<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re in need of some inspiration on how to say goodbye to the year, we\u2019ve pulled together a list of fun things to do on New Year\u2019s Eve that doesn’t revolve around a big party (although if that is your preferred way to ring in the next year, check out our tips for how…<\/p>\nRead More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":8727,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[462],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAlternative Fun Things to Do on New Year\u2019s Eve | thortful<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don't fancy being stuck in a crowded bar full of strangers at midnight? 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