How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Kids

Do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kids?  While I don’t generally let my kiddos stay up till midnight until they’re twelve, I do like to do something to ring in the new year … or noon year, as we often call it.  We celebrate the clock striking twelve but we do it during the daylight hours {noon} rather than the dark hours.  It’s not quite as dramatic as a midnight party but it definitely works better for younger kiddos.  I have a few simple ideas on how to celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids and I’d love to hear about your celebrations as well!

The great thing about celebrating with kids is it can be simple because little ones don’t expect much.  One special activity to mark the day is often all it takes to make it feel completely festive and fun!

One of our favorite traditions is counting backwards to the noon hour and then toasting with wine or champagne glasses filled with sparkling water or soda and grapes on a skewer.  In Spain, people eat twelve grapes at midnight {one on each stroke of the clock} to bring good luck and happiness to the new year.

We also love a sundae bar {waffle bowls with sprinkles make it much more festive} …

… and goody bags sealed with blow horns …

… or balloon poppers {this idea can be adapted with sparkling grape juice or soda for a non-alcoholic version for kids or adults}.

If you want some other ideas, years ago I streamed a video called Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Kid-Style!  The video is short and sweet but I shared a handful of fun and simple ideas to ring in the new year with the kids.  Most of them use items you already have around the house so take a peek and do something fun to ring in the new year!

How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids?