Suffice it to say, there’s probably not too many of us that will be sad to say sayonara to 2020! So, let’s just say we are planning a huge NYE bash for the entire family and we’re looking forward to saying hello to 2021 on New Year’s Day! To close out the year in style, we rounded up a few family-friendly New Year’s Eve party ideas for you. No matter what type of year 2020 was for you and your family…let’s bring in 2021 on a positive note!
For more ideas to celebrate check out Holiday 2020: New Year’s Eve Celebrations for Des Moines Kids; visit our Calendar or sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide..
New Year’s Eve celebration ideas for families, kids & more!
DIY Your Own Ball Drop
The iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York City’s Times Square will occur virtually this year. (Although that’s not really a big change for us Midwesterners.) Counting down the last seconds of the old year as you watch a glittering ball drop in person will add an extra measure of fun to your family’s New Year’s Eve shindig. You can create your own inexpensive ball drop with these ideas from eHow.com.
Go Big With Balloons
Bring the New Year in with a POP with a Mini Balloon Drop from Joy Pop Events. They’re so easy – the kit comes with hanging hooks and instructions on how to fill and hang. Joy Pop is currently taking orders for their Balloon Drop Kit – Balloon Uninflated which is $45.00 and their Mini Balloon Drop – Ready to Go! from 60.00. And, if you really want to go all out order a garland or custom balloon installation too.
Celebrate Around The World
In a year when most of us haven’t been able to travel, this fun theme will give us the opportunity to look forward to when we will be able to do so again. Plus, why celebrate the new year only once when you can celebrate it multiple times? Select a few different countries you want to celebrate and figure out when it will be midnight there. Do a little research and learn about the country’s unique New Year’s traditions. Choose a signature food and drink to share during that country’s New Year celebration. Listen to some authentic music (or a country’s national anthem) and look up how to say “Happy New Year” in a different language. 
Have Fun with Photos
Can you even say you’ve had a party these days without the ubiquitous selfie-station? Capture all the best memories of your family’s NYE festivities by setting up a fun photo backdrop and providing some fun photo props. Whether you’re celebrating in-person or over Zoom, a simple metallic wall covering, and balloons are really all you need for the perfect backdrop.
Make Some Noise
The worldwide tradition of clanging and horn-blowing your way into January 1st is evidently rooted in a belief that noise would keep bad luck and evil spirits away. So, break out the pots and pans, let your kids play their recorder or kazoo or whatever you’ve got laying around and make some noise because we sure don’t need any more bad luck any time soon!
Wear Your PJs and Enjoy Breakfast for Dinner
If we’re going to be celebrating at home, we might as well be comfortable! Go ahead and have everybody slip into their most comfortable, festive, or fancy PJs and snuggle in for a relaxing evening. Nosh on pancakes, waffles, pastries, bacon, eggs and tea or coffee for the parents and OJ for the kiddos. For a fun twist set an alarm clock to go to bed! If you have little kids you may even be able to trick them into thinking the alarm will go off at midnight, even if it’s really 8:00 pm!
Get a Jump Start on Your New Year’s Resolutions
You don’t have to wait until it’s officially 2021 to start thinking about your hopes and aspirations for the coming year. Set out blank cards or pieces of paper and have each family member write down one or two of their goals for 2021.
Choose a Word of the Year
Instead of trying to stick to a resolution, consider summing up what you want most for the coming year in a single word. This is an open-ended way to consider how you want to spend your next 52 weeks—and it’s fun to hear what your kid(s)’ and SO’s single word will be, too.
How does your family plan to celebrate 2021? We’d love to hear!
