Fun New Year's Eve Party Ideas & Things to Do

Find the friend with the best rooftop or balcony view. Bring champagne, a Bluetooth speaker, and sparklers for the midnight moment.

Each person shares their favorite memory from the past year over a multi-course dinner. Go around the table with toasts before midnight.

Celebrate midnight in every timezone. Start early with New Zealand (toast at noon), then hit Japan, Europe, and finally your own timezone.

Build a big fire, bring blankets, and watch local fireworks from a good vantage point. Keep it simple and warm.

Everyone dresses up — tuxedos, gowns, the works — but the venue is someone's living room. The contrast is the whole point.

Play increasingly intense games as midnight approaches. Start with cards, escalate to strategy games, and end with a quick round right before the countdown.

Give everyone a journal and time to write goals for the year. Share one resolution each, then seal them in envelopes to open next year.

Rent a karaoke room for the evening or set one up at home. Build a playlist that peaks with your best anthem right at midnight.

Start appetizers at one house, main course at another, dessert at a third, and champagne at a fourth. Walk between houses for a built-in pub crawl.

Cook a fancy dinner at home, open your best bottle, watch a classic New Year's movie, and toast at midnight on the couch.

For the brave — jump into a cold body of water right after midnight. Bring towels, warm clothes, and hot drinks. The adrenaline is unmatched.

Set up a photo booth with props — silly hats, signs, glasses. Use an instant camera or phone printer so guests take home memories.