Originally published December 31, 2020. Updated December 2026.

New Year’s Eve does not have to mean staying up until midnight or attending a crowded party. Families can create their own celebration at home with simple crafts, meaningful traditions, games, and activities that help children reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one.

Here are some fun New Year’s Eve activities to enjoy with your children.

Create a Year-in-Review Memory Book

Help your child make a memory book filled with favorite moments from the past year. Include drawings, photographs, school memories, ticket stubs, artwork, and short notes about special family experiences.

You can also ask your child to answer questions such as:

  • What was your favorite memory this year?

  • What was the funniest thing that happened?

  • What new skill did you learn?

  • What was your favorite book, movie, meal, or place to visit?

  • What are you most proud of?

Younger children can draw their answers while older children write them down. Add the year to the cover and store the book with your family keepsakes.

Make a Family Time Capsule

A time capsule is a simple tradition that children will enjoy opening in the future. Place written memories, photographs, drawings, and small, nonperishable items in a jar or sturdy container.

You might include a current photo, a handprint, a list of favorite things, a family snapshot, a short letter, or a piece of string showing how tall your child is. Red Ted Art’s family time-capsule ideas can provide additional inspiration.

Label the container with the year and choose a future date when your family will open it together.

Set Goals for the New Year

New Year’s resolutions do not have to feel serious or difficult for children. Help your kids create a list of things they would like to learn, try, read, or experience during the coming year.

Their goals might include learning to bake, trying a new sport, reading a certain number of books, saving money for a special item, or helping more around the house.

You can also create a family bucket list or vision board using drawings, magazine pictures, stickers, and handwritten ideas. Keep the finished list somewhere visible so your family can revisit it throughout the year.

Start a Happiness Jar

Decorate a large jar with ribbon, stickers, or colorful paper and label it with the new year. Throughout the year, have each family member write down something that made them happy on a small piece of paper and place it in the jar.

At the next New Year’s Eve celebration, open the jar and read the notes together. This tradition encourages children to notice and appreciate everyday moments, including a kind gesture, a funny conversation, a family outing, or a personal accomplishment.

Make Origami Bookmarks

Ask your child to create a reading list for the new year and then make homemade bookmarks to use with the books. Red Ted Art’s origami corner-bookmark instructions require only paper and a few basic craft supplies.

Children can decorate their bookmarks with animals, favorite characters, hearts, stars, or colorful patterns. Younger children may need help with the folds, but they can enjoy choosing the colors and decorations.

Have a Family Photo Shoot

Create a simple photo booth at home using a sheet, balloons, streamers, hats, and homemade signs. Children can dress up, make funny faces, hold hand-drawn props, and take turns being the photographer.

The photos do not need to be perfect. The goal is to create fun memories and capture your family’s personality at the end of the year.

Make a New Year’s Eve Craft

A homemade noise maker or party popper can make the evening feel festive. For a craft that does not require complicated supplies, try this New Year’s Eve party popper craft from Kids Craft Room.

You can also make a simple shaker with a paper plate, dry pasta or beans, markers, ribbon, tape, and glue. Make sure small objects are kept away from young children who may put them in their mouths.

Create a Countdown Schedule

If your children are too young to stay awake until midnight, create an early countdown. Write activities on slips of paper and place them inside numbered balloons or envelopes.

Your schedule might include:

  • 6:30 p.m. — Family dinner and cookie decorating.

  • 7:30 p.m. — Make a festive craft.

  • 8:30 p.m. — Play a family game.

  • 9:30 p.m. — Watch a movie and eat popcorn.

  • 10:30 p.m. — Have a photo shoot and read your favorite memories.

  • 11:00 p.m. — Celebrate with an early countdown.

Whether your family stays up until midnight or celebrates earlier in the evening, the best New Year’s Eve tradition is one that gives everyone time to laugh, create, and enjoy being together. Happy New Year!