Looking for fun and family-friendly ways to celebrate the start of 2024? Look no further! Our guide has 39 trendy New Year’s Day activities to help you ring in the new year with a bang. From outdoor adventures to cozy at-home activities, we’ve got you covered. So grab your loved ones and get ready to make some unforgettable memories in the best year yet!
You start counting down from 10, the ball drops in Times Square, and you give your loved ones a big hug as you welcome the new year – it’s New Year’s Eve!
Now that the clock has struck midnight and 2024 is here to stay, you may be wondering what kind of activities you can do on New Year’s Day.
Whether you’re celebrating by yourself or you’re looking for some family-friendly new Year’s activities your kids will be talking about all year long, we’ve got you covered.
39 Trendy New Year’s Day Activities For The Best 2024
- 1. Solve An Escape Room
- 2. Create A Family Time Capsule
- 3. Have A Game Night
- 4. Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes
- 5. Take A Hike
- 6. Create A Vision Board For 2024
- 7. Try A New Hobby
- 8. Bake Something New
- 9. Have A Spa Day At Home
- 10. Make Some New Years Crafts
- 11. Blow Balloons For Your Personal Ball Drop
- 12. Make A Sensory Bin For Kids
- 13. Read A New Years Book
- 14. Create A Digital Photo Album
- 15. Turn Off All Your Screens
- 16. Reflect On The Past Year
- 17. Start A Gratitude Journal
- 18. Call An Old Friend
- 19. Write A Letter To Your Future Self
- 20. Give Back To Your Community
- 21. Set Boundaries
- 22. Start A New Tradition
- 23. Plan Your Dream Vacation
- 24. See A Movie In The Theaters
- 25. Do A Deep Clean
- 26. Finish A Home Project
- 27. Make A Scavenger Hunt
- 28. Walk Around Your Neighborhood With A Suitcase
- 29. Give Yourself Permission For A Fresh Start
- 30. Set Up A Photo Booth
- 31. Have A New Year’s Movie Marathon
- 32. Plan A Secret Santa Gift Exchange
- 33. Take Advantage Of Larger City Events
- 34. Make A Toast To The New Year
- 35. Bake A Homemade Pie
- 36 Explore Your Local Town
- 37 Make A Family Bucket List
- 38. Decorate New Year Party Hats
- 39. Make A New Year’s Even Wishing Tree
This guide will help you kick off the beginning of a new year with a bang, and have fun while doing it!
Get ready to dive headfirst into 2024 and make some unforgettable memories with these New Year’s Eve activities.
1. Solve An Escape Room
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting activity for every family member, then you need to try solving an escape room kit. You’ll have to work together to solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape the room before time runs out. The best part is you can do your own escape room at home. It’s a fun challenge that will test everyone’s problem-solving skills and create memorable moments.
2. Create A Family Time Capsule
Gather everyone in your family and create a time capsule filled with items that represent the past year. You could easily make this into an annual tradition and rediscover the photos, trinkets, or written memories you hid away last time. Then every year you would hide your new capsule somewhere safe and make a plan to open it and celebrate all the good things that have happened in the meantime.
3. Have A Game Night
Gather your friends and family for a friendly game night. Whether you’re playing charades or dusting off some board games for some healthy competition and lots of laughs. Don’t forget to stock up on snacks and drinks for an all-nighter. Who knows when you’ll be together to play these fun games again?
4. Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes
Get rid of all those 2023 dancing moves and learn some new ones for 2024 with your own personal dance party! You can turn your living room into a disco palace dance party or just a gathering place where music is playing. We can all agree dancing and music are great ways to let your hair down a little and have fun on New Year’s Day.
5. Take A Hike
Start the new year off on the right foot by taking a hike in your local nature reserve or park. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and reflect on your goals for the upcoming year. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and water for the journey.
6. Create A Vision Board For 2024
A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and dreams for the upcoming year. Gather some magazines, photos, and other materials to create a collage of what you want to achieve in 2024. Hang it up somewhere visible as a daily reminder of your aspirations.
7. Try A New Hobby
Always wanted to learn how to paint or play an instrument? Use New Year’s Day as an opportunity to try out a new hobby. You can find plenty of tutorials and classes online, grab a craft kit at your local grocery store, or sign up for a local workshop hosting a class. This is the perfect way to tap into your creative side and possibly discover a new passion.
8. Bake Something New
Get your apron on and try out a new recipe to kick off the year. Whether it’s a homemade pizza, a charcuterie board, or a dish to help you learn about different cultures, baking can be extra fun and rewarding for you, your older kids and younger kids. Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious end result with your loved ones or party guests.
9. Have A Spa Day At Home
If you’re the last person who would ever want to host a big New Years Eve party, then one of the best ideas you can have is pampering yourself with an at-home spa day. Take a bubble bath, do a face mask, and give yourself a DIY mani-pedi. You can even whip up some all-natural body scrubs with ingredients you have in your kitchen. Treat yourself to some much-needed self-care on New Year’s Day.
10. Make Some New Years Crafts
Get your creative juices flowing by making some New Year’s crafts. You can create festive decorations for your home or make treat boxes to send to friends and family. It’s a fun way to spend time with loved ones and ring in the new year with a DIY touch. Who knows, you may even start a new tradition.
11. Blow Balloons For Your Personal Ball Drop
Continuing with the crafting theme, why not create your own balloon drop for some festive fun? All you need is a few balloons, string, and a large sheet or tarp to hang them from. Invite friends and family over to help you blow up the balloons and count down to the big balloon drop at midnight.
12. Make A Sensory Bin For Kids
If you have little ones at home, creating a sensory bin can be a fun and engaging activity. Fill a large plastic bin with rice, beans, or even streamers (if it’s available in your area) and add in different toys or objects for them to discover. It’s a better way to keep them entertained while also stimulating their senses.
13. Read A New Years Book
Curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and a book about New Year’s to get into the holiday spirit. It can be a novel, a memoir, or even a children’s book – as long as it has a New Year’s theme. Reading is not only enjoyable but also helps expand your knowledge and imagination.
14. Create A Digital Photo Album
With the rise of smartphones and digital cameras, we often have hundreds or even thousands of photos stored on our devices. Take some time to organize them into a digital photo album, complete with captions and memories from the past year. It’s a great way to reflect on all the special moments and milestones from the year before.
15. Turn Off All Your Screens
Instead of scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV shows, challenge yourself to turn off all your screens for the night. This can help you be more present and engaged in the moment, whether you’re celebrating with friends or spending a quiet evening by yourself.
16. Reflect On The Past Year
Take some time to sit down and reflect on the past year – the good, the bad, and the in-between. Write down your achievements, lessons learned, and any goals you may have for the upcoming year. It’s a great way to gain clarity and set intentions for the future.
17. Start A Gratitude Journal
Starting a gratitude journal is a powerful practice that can improve your overall well-being. Take time to write down things you are grateful for each day, whether it’s big or small. This will help cultivate a more positive mindset and promote self-reflection.
18. Call An Old Friend
The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends. Take some time to call or video chat with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while – catch up on each other’s lives and reminisce about old memories. It’s a meaningful way to spread joy and strengthen your relationships.
19. Write A Letter To Your Future Self
Take a moment to write a letter to your future self – where do you see yourself in one year, five years, or even ten years? This exercise can help you set long-term goals and envision the type of person you want to become. It’s also a fun way to look back on how much you’ve grown.
20. Give Back To Your Community
The holiday season is a time of giving, and there are countless ways to give back to your community. Volunteer at a local charity, donate to a cause you care about, or simply spread kindness wherever you go. The act of giving can bring joy not only to others but also to yourself.
21. Set Boundaries
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s crucial to set boundaries to protect your mental health. Learn to say no to events or commitments that may overwhelm you or take away from valuable time with loved ones. Prioritize self-care and make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly.
22. Start A New Tradition
Creating new holiday traditions can bring excitement and joy into your life. Whether it’s baking cookies with friends, hosting a holiday movie night, or going on a New Years first day hike, starting a new tradition can add some extra sparkle to the season. If you don’t feel too adventurous, you can always put away the Christmas trees and decorations.
23. Plan Your Dream Vacation
Take a break from the winter weather and start planning your dream vacation. Even if you can’t go to New York City or London right away, the anticipation and excitement of planning can bring happiness into your daily life. Research destinations, save up money, and make a plan to make your dream vacation a reality.
24. See A Movie In The Theaters
With the rise of streaming services, going to the movie theater has become a rare occasion. But there’s something special about seeing a film on the big screen. There are plenty of ways to celebrate New Years Eve and watching a movie is one of them. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the magic of cinema. Treat yourself to a movie night and escape reality for a couple of hours.
25. Do A Deep Clean
While it may not sound like the most exciting activity, doing a deep clean of your living space can bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Decluttering and organizing can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
26. Finish A Home Project
We all have those unfinished home projects that we’ve been putting off for months (or even years). Don’t wait until next year to finally finish them. Use the extra free time during the holiday season to tackle that DIY project or home renovation you’ve been meaning to do. Not only will it improve your living space, but it’ll also free up your mind from constantly thinking about it.
27. Make A Scavenger Hunt
Your kids will have so much fun with this one, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained while you enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time. Create clues and hide small treats or gifts around the house for them to find. You can grab a few new things, like gum and erasers during the Black Friday sales and use them as prizes.
28. Walk Around Your Neighborhood With A Suitcase
I have a friend from Guatemala and she told me her family walks around their block with a suitcase every New Years. This is a tradition in some Latin American cultures to manifest traveling and adventure in the upcoming year. It may sound silly, but it’s a fun and unique way to set your intentions for the new year. Plus, they have a great time getting some exercise and fresh air during their holiday season.
29. Give Yourself Permission For A Fresh Start
The start of a new year can feel like a clean slate, but sometimes we hold onto past experiences or mistakes. Give yourself permission to celebrate the special occasion of letting go of any negative emotions or regrets from the previous year and embrace a fresh start. Even if you have to write this permission down on a piece of paper and burn it, do whatever helps you move forward with a positive mindset.
30. Set Up A Photo Booth
This activity is perfect for kids of all ages because who doesn’t love getting creative with pictures? You can set up a DIY photo booth in your living room and use pre-made props and sparkly backgrounds to take silly photos with your loved ones. This is a memorable way to make memories and capture the holiday spirit.
31. Have A New Year’s Movie Marathon
Does anyone else remember seeing the Lord of the Ring movies in theaters when they came to the big screen after Christmas? (Or am I aging myself?) Enjoying a movie marathon with the whole family is a great way to relax and bond during the holiday season. Make some popcorn and hot cocoa, snuggle up with blankets, and watch your favorite films together.
32. Plan A Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Instead of exchanging gifts with everyone in your group, try doing a Secret Santa gift exchange. This way, you only have to buy one gift and it adds an element of surprise and excitement to the holiday season. Plus, it’s a great way to save money and reduce stress.
33. Take Advantage Of Larger City Events
If you live near a larger city, check out their holiday events and festivities. From Christmas skate rentals to light shows or visiting the Denver Art Museum, there’s usually fun things happening in the city during this time of year. It’s a great way to explore new places and get into the holiday spirit.
34. Make A Toast To The New Year
Gather your friends or family and make a toast to the new year. Reflect on all of the good moments from the past year and share your hopes and goals for the upcoming one. It’s a good way to bond, appreciate each other, and look forward to what’s to come. Bonus points if you create a signature holiday mocktail to sip on while you make your toast.
35. Bake A Homemade Pie
We all know that the holiday season is synonymous with delicious food. Instead of buying a pie from the store, make your own homemade pie and share it with your loved ones. It’s a great way to spend time together while also satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.
36 Explore Your Local Town
Save money on gas at the end of the year and get ready to bundle up to explore the businesses and parks in your own backyard. Every new place that you visit in your town will inspire you to learn more about your community. You may even find yourself trying a local restaurant as well. Who knows – you may find new favorite spots that you never knew existed.
37 Make A Family Bucket List
Sit down with your family and make a bucket list of things you want to do together in the upcoming year. These fun ideas could include trying to meet a famous person, visiting a state park, or simply spending more quality time together. Hang it up somewhere visible as a reminder and motivation to make those goals happen.
38. Decorate New Year Party Hats
You can easily make this party favors for your kids, their friends, or any other guests at your New Year’s party. Get creative and make your own New Year party hats to wear on the big night. You can use glitter, stickers, or even draw funny pictures on them. It’s a fun and easy DIY activity that will have everyone excited for the countdown.
39. Make A New Year’s Eve Wishing Tree
Create a tree out of construction paper and have everyone write down their New Year’s resolutions or wishes for the upcoming year on a slip of paper. Hang them on the tree and watch as it fills up with hopes and dreams. It’s a great visual reminder to stay motivated and work towards those goals.
Whatever plans you decide for your New Year’s Eve party, remember to make them memorable and unique.
The best way to decide which activity is perfect for your family’s party is to mix and match. You can decorate hats while watching movies, or play games while waiting for the countdown.
The possibilities are endless and the most important thing is to have fun with your loved ones.
We hope this guide has been helpful in inspiring you to plan a sensational New Year’s celebration that will set off a colorful stream of memories for many years to come.
Good luck with the first day of the New Year and thank you for choosing to spend it with your loved ones, making new memories and cherishing the old ones. Happy New Year!
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
