Noon Year's Eve for kids

What it is

All the excitement of a New Year’s countdown, at a time small children can manage. Kids count down to 12 noon instead of midnight, with a balloon drop, noise makers and a dance party. Parents get the evening free.

Plan ahead

• Two weeks before: send invitations for a morning party on 31 December.
• One week before: buy a balloon drop net or a large bin bag, 50-100 balloons, hats, noise makers, confetti cannons (paper confetti) and bubbles.
• The day before: blow up balloons and fill the net or bag; tape it to the ceiling with a string to release it. Prepare the “hourly” bags.

Set the scene

Silver, gold and black balloons, a big paper clock on the wall, and a “Happy Noon Year” banner. A TV playing a countdown timer video.

Hourly bags

Hang 6 paper bags labelled with “hours” (6 o’clock to 11 o’clock). Every 10 minutes, open one bag. Each has an activity:

• Freeze dance
• A joke to tell
• A bag of glow sticks
• Bubbles
• A mini sweet each
• Make a wish for next year out loud

Countdown and balloon drop

At 11:59, start the countdown video from 10. At “Happy New Year!”, pull the string to drop the balloons and fire the confetti cannons. Play a celebratory song and dance.

Food and drink

• Mini pizzas and clock-face sandwiches (round bread with cheese “hands”)
• Fruit kebabs
• “Bubbly”: sparkling apple juice in plastic flutes
• Cupcakes with sparklers (indoor-safe cake sparklers, lit by an adult)

Tips

• Use paper confetti (it’s easier to clean and biodegrades).
• Under-3s: avoid small balloon pieces and sweets that can choke.