15 New Year's Eve Plans That Don't Involve Freezing in Times Square
Why stand in a crowd of strangers to watch a bedazzled ball drop for 10 seconds when you can do these activities instead?
Watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is undeniably the most iconic way to celebrate the occasion. But you have to arrive hours in advance to hold your spot (you can’t even leave for a bathroom break!) and dress like your life depends on it so you don't wind up with hypothermia as your gift heading into 2024. If that doesn’t sound like your jam, try one of these fun, totally underrated activities instead!
Make a Fancy Three Course Meal
Whether by yourself, with your boyfriend, or with a group of friends, preparing and enjoying a multi-course dinner is a delicious and rewarding way to spend New Year’s Eve. Pick your cuisine (Italian, American, Mediterranean, etc.), hit the grocery store, and then get to cooking. Here are a few ideas for where to start, or visit TikTok for more. If you have fine china, tonight is a great opportunity to use it!
Make Reservations at a NYE-Themed Restaurant
Plenty of restaurants around the country participate in NYE-themed offerings such as set menus or special decor. If you’re in or near New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, Dallas, or any other large metropolitan area, you’re in luck!
Try Traditions from around the World
New Year’s Eve is one of the only globally observed holidays, which means that each culture has their own unique way of celebrating. For example, in the United States, the most common tradition is watching the ball drop at midnight. But in Denmark, people ring in the new year by throwing plates at loved ones as a measure of good luck. In the Philippines, families serve 12 round fruits for each month of the year. The Greeks hang onions outside their doors to symbolize fertility and growth, and the Irish bang bread against the wall to ward off evil.
Have a NYE-Themed Movie Night
There is no shortage of movies with New Year’s Eve storylines that can still put you in the holiday spirit without having to leave your couch. Movies like When Harry Met Sally and New Year’s Eve are available for rent on Amazon Prime, Bridget Jones’ Diary on Hulu Premium, High School Musical on Disney+, About Time on Apple TV, Sex in The City on Max or Hulu, and Age of Adeline on Netflix.