30 Fun Things to Do on New Year’s Eve to Celebrate 2024
Count down to midnight with these fun activities!
Another year is almost over, which means it’s time to celebrate the start of 2024! Whether you prefer to go big or stay home on December 31, there are so many fun things to do on New Year’s Eve that are sure to make the night memorable and special for you and your loved ones.
If you want to stay in, you can still be festive with a New Year’s Eve movie marathon or a dinner party. (Don’t forget to whip up a New Year’s Eve dessert for later!) If you’d rather celebrate by going out, consider booking a reservation at your favorite restaurant. 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.
SVETIKDCreate 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!
KUNDOYHave 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.
LINDA RAYMONDHost 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!
VASILY PINDYURINCreate 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!
GROUP4 STUDIOGo 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.
HERO IMAGES INCGo 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 2023
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.
FLASHPOPWatch 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!
LEOPATRIZI//GETTY IMAGESHost 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!
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.
ANNA EFETOVA//GETTY IMAGESMake 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.
GOODSHOOT//GETTY IMAGESHave 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!
FOXYS_FOREST_MANUFACTURE//GETTY IMAGESBe Your Own Bartender
Skip the bar and stay home and mix your own cocktails instead. We’ve got plenty of festive New Year’s Eve drink recipes for you to choose from, including sparkling champagne cocktails, big-batch punches, and more.
GOODLIFESTUDIO//GETTY IMAGESHave a New Year’s Eve Movie Marathon
Watching a New Year’s movie or two is a great way to stay entertained while you wait for the ball to drop. You can never go wrong with Ree’s fave, When Harry Met Sally.
Watch the Times Square Ball Drop
Whether you’re braving the event in person or tuning in from the comfort of your own living room, watching the ball drop in Times Square is always a classic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
DGLIMAGES//GETTY IMAGESGo to a Restaurant
Plan a night out at your favorite restaurant or one that’s been on your list to try. Many places will offer fancy prix fixe menus but you can always find options for ordering à la carte.
SOFIE DELAUW//GETTY IMAGESPlan a Staycation
You don’t have to travel to have fun on New Year’s Eve. Plan a fun stay with your significant other or a friend at a hotel near you. There are plenty of things to do while you’re there, like grabbing a drink at the hotel bar, taking a dip in the pool, or ordering room service.
Get Dressed Up
Whether you’re going out or staying in, it’s always fun to get dressed up in your sparkliest attire. Be sure to take some photos to capture your fashion moment!
ALEKSANDARNAKIC//GETTY IMAGESKiss Someone at Midnight
R0mance is always in the air on New Year’s Eve. Take a magic moment at midnight to kiss your main squeeze or another loved one.
SVETIKD//GETTY IMAGESHave a Dinner Party
Show off your cooking skills by throwing a dinner party for your family or a few close friends. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can always get it catered or order takeout.
AJA KOSKA//GETTY IMAGESGive a Champagne Toast
Pop some bubbly and raise a glass to toast another year gone by. If you need help finding the words, check out our ideas for meaningful New Year’s toasts.
DAMIAN LUGOWSKI//GETTY IMAGESGet Organized
Chances are, organizing things around your home is on your list of New Year’s resolutions. So why not get a head start in the final hours of 2023? You’ll feel so proud of yourself the next day!
DISOBEYART//GETTY IMAGESDance the Night Away
Go out dancing with your friends, or have a dance party at home. If you go with the latter option, we’ve got the perfect playlist of New Year’s Eve songs for you!
Light Sparklers
Add a little light to your night with sparklers for the whole family or crew! You’ll feel so festive, and they make for great pictures.
STEPHANIE KEITH//GETTY IMAGESStart a New Tradition
There are so many interesting New Year’s traditions, including a few that you’ve probably never even heard of! Start a new one this year by banging pots and pans, taking a Polar Bear Plunge, or choosing another option from our list above.
BASILICO STUDIO STOCK//GETTY IMAGESCall a Loved One
If you can’t be with the ones you love on New Year’s Eve, set aside some time to video chat and catch up. You could even do a virtual champagne toast!
RALPH SMITHMake a Lucky Meal
Many cultures consider it smart to start the new year by eating certain good luck foods. Whip up a bowl of Hoppin’ John or fried doughnuts for a little extra luck in 2024.
