10 New Year’s Eve Party Ideas for Kids

New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to let kids’ imaginations run wild, and what better way to do so than with a theme that captivates their hearts?

In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of themes and activities that are not only fun but also easy to set up. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering at home or a lively bash with your friends, these ideas are designed to cater to all settings. Get ready to dive into a world of festive joy and create a New Year’s Eve party that your kids will talk about all year!

New Year’s Eve Party Ideas for Kids

As the year draws to a close and the excitement of New Year’s Eve starts to shimmer in the air, the thought of throwing a memorable party for our little ones comes to mind. New Year’s Eve isn’t just a celebration for adults; it’s a magical time for kids too, filled with anticipation and joy.

To help you create an unforgettable experience for your children, we’ve put together some whimsical and delightful New Year’s Eve party ideas that are sure to sparkle in their memories. From themed decorations to engaging activities, these ideas are tailored to bring the thrill of the New Year to the younger crowd in the most delightful way.

1.   The Theme –  My top choice: “Hollywood Red Carpet!” Nothing like a glamourous night out at the movies full of paparazzi and popcorn to ring in the New Year!  My second choice for a kids theme that you could get creative with is a”Wild New Year’s Night”, and go all out with a Jungle Theme. Whatever theme you choose all of my suggestions can be substituted and altered a bit to suit your party.

2.  Decorations – Keep it simple with all black, white, and silver.  This way if you have extra things left over from Halloween (black) or Christmas you can re-use them!  You can buy this Movie Night Party Pack on Etsy that comes with a set of printables.   Cutting out simple stars, movie reels and board claps with black and white paper will go a very long way to pull this off without much expense.  Add some glitter and use a hole punch to create confetti for the tables.  A Red Carpet Runner is a must for leading up to the door.

3.  Dress code – Kids love an excuse to get creative and dress up in their wildest outfits, so keep black & white as the dress code.  They will probably come wearing one black shoes & one white, one black sock & one white.  Let them borrow your jewelry, hats, scarves, and dad’s ties.  White and black feather boas would be a fun addition to their festive ensembles.

 

4.  Treats – You could buy all the typical candy they sell at the concessions stands, Kit Kats, Twix, Twizzlers, and Sour Patch Kids, or you could step it up a notch and make some more glamorous sweets.  These Oreo Truffle Balls are super easy to make and even your kids can help.  Mix apple or cranberry juice with gingerale to create a kid-friendly bubbly drink and put it in plastic flutes for the kids.

Photo and recipe credit chefdruck.com

5.  Games – Depending on age, choose movies they have most likely seen and print out a movie trivia quiz.  Play pin the tail on the Donkey (from Shrek)  un-scramble movie titles, or guess what movie and act out sherades.  Freeze dance and muscial chairs are goodies but oldies!

6.  Crafts –  Make the kids decorate the Hollywood sign or a Happy New Year Sign.  Cut out large letters and give each child one of the letters to decorate.  Be sure to have them put 2011 somewhere in the letter and they can take a piece of Hollywood or the sign home with them at the end of the night.

7.   Hollywood Walk of Fame  – Have all the children put their hands in white paint and place them on a large piece of black paper and have them sign their name.  This will be just as fun at any party as a keepsake of who was there and what year it was.  Handprints are always fun!

8.  Watch a Movie – Set up the living room like a movie theatre with rows of stadium seating.  Pop some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show!  (or clean up the mess they just made).

9.  The Midnight Countdown – Even if the young ones cannot make it until the clock strikes 12, do a countdown on your own.  (this works well if you are West Coast, you can use the East Coast ball drop) Give each of the kids a goodie bag and once they hit the New Year, throw out small prizes for them to grab and stuff in their bags to take home.  (glowsticks, stickers, lollipops, etc…)

Thank You Tags for the goodie bags from Designer Favors

10.  Award Ceremony – At the end of the night give awards to everyone who came and what they did great this past year.  Best Brother, Best Sister, Best Soccer Player, Best Artist, Best Listener, Best Dancer, Best Pizza Eater etc.. These can just be made out of craft paper, ribbons, markers, and glitter right at home.  If parents wanted to pitch in to buy them each an Oscar Statue – go for it!

For several Oscars party ideas with free printables check out, how to host an Oscars party.

About the Author:

Andrea Fellman is married with two children and lives in Los Angeles.  She is the editor of Savvy Sassy Moms, contributes to Momformation on BabyCenter, iVillage, and is a Moms Fashion File founding member.

Thank you, Thank you very much.   I have to thank my husband, my kids,  Twitter, Facebook, and Savvy Sassy Moms for supporting me, without them I would not be here today!  Thank you to Laurie Turk for believing in me from the very beginning, it has been an honor to work with you and a privilege to post here on Tip Junkie.