New Year's Eve party ideas
New Year's Eve parties fall into two camps: the big glamorous night and the cosy evening in. This collection covers both, from a roaring twenties party, masquerade ball, casino night and black tie dinner to a family games night, fondue for a few friends and a karaoke countdown.
If you have young children, try a "Noon Year's Eve" with a midday countdown and balloon drop, so everyone celebrates without staying up. And for 1 January, there's a relaxed recovery brunch.
15 ideas
Black tie dinner party
A formal five-course dinner at home with place cards, matched wines, candlelight and a midnight toast.
Board game night
A games café at home with a menu of board games for every group size, snacks and a tournament leaderboard.
Casino and game night
Play-money blackjack, poker and roulette tables, a dress code and prizes for the biggest winner.
Ceilidh party
A live ceilidh band and caller lead everyone through Scottish country dances, with a hearty supper and a dram.
Family New Year's games night
A games tournament for all ages with a points board, snacks and a countdown at midnight (or earlier).
Fondue night
A cosy evening of cheese fondue followed by chocolate fondue, with games until midnight.
Glow-in-the-dark party
Blacklights, neon face paint, glow stick games and a dance floor that lights up after dark.
Hot tub party
A hired hot tub in the garden with fairy lights, floating drinks holders, a playlist and a robe for every guest.
Karaoke night
A home karaoke stage with lights, duets, song-challenge cards and an awards show at the end.
Masquerade ball
An elegant evening of masks, candlelight, a waltz lesson and the big unmasking at midnight.
New Year's Day brunch
A relaxed late brunch to start the year: pancake stack, full breakfast, Bloody Mary bar and resolutions jar.
Noon Year's Eve for kids
A New Year's countdown at 12 noon so children can celebrate without staying up: balloon drop included.
Pub quiz night
Host a proper pub quiz at home with teams, picture and music rounds, a jackpot question and prizes.
Roaring twenties party
Flapper dresses, pinstripe suits, jazz, a champagne tower and a speakeasy password at the door.
Tween New Year's Eve sleepover
A sleepover with a hot dog dinner, a games tournament, a confetti countdown at midnight and pancakes for breakfast.