New Year's Eve is one of those nights you want to have plans set in stone weeks in advance, whether that’s a movie night with your friends or a fancy party in an exclusive venue.
But if your good intentions of planning ahead were foiled by the busy holiday season and you find yourself throwing together a last-minute get-together, don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways to plan a fun and festive night to ring in the new year!
Here are a few last-minute New Year’s Eve plans everyone will love.
- Have A Game Night
If you can find at least one other friend who doesn’t have plans, then suggest having a game night. This could also be a good way to hang with family, like your siblings, parents, grandparents or cousins.
Games like Taboo or Cranium are easy to get people into. Or you can get some controversy going with Cards Against Humanity. You don’t even have to go out to buy something if you don’t want to — the app store has apps like Picolo or Heads Up!, which only require your phone.
- Enjoy A Takeout Extravaganza
Finding a last-minute reservation at a cool restaurant on New Year's Eve? Probably not going to happen. Even the local places might be packed with parties. And even if you do manage to get in, wait times can be long and there will be lots of crowds. Skip all of that and do a takeout night! Order a bunch of stuff from your favorite spots and enjoy as you ring in the new year.
- Make A Fancy Dinner
If you’re a decent cook and don’t want to order in, put your skills to good use by making your own delicious dinner. This is the perfect day to try something new and extravagant. Do it for yourself or invite someone over and just go all out.
- Find Local Fireworks
Most places do some sort of fireworks show on New Year’s Eve, whether it’s something huge and expensive or a small show at a local spot. Do a little research and find a firework show near you, then grab your significant other, a friend or a family member, bundle up, and watch them.
- Scavenger Hunt
If you want to be out and about but not at an overpriced bar or fancy party, New Year’s Eve is a great time for a DIY scavenger hunt — even if it’s just with a friend or two. Come up with a list of challenges that will take you across your city together and assign each one points and see who gets the most by midnight.
- Try A Staycation Night At A Nearby Hotel
Most hotels will inflate their prices on holidays, especially New Year’s Eve, and if you’re in an urban area, a lot of them will probably be pretty booked up. But try a staycation night anyway and see what’s available near you. Sometimes, just being in a hotel room can feel like more fun, even if you’re only five minutes from your home. If you feel like splurging, get order room service and some movies, and enjoy the night in.
