15 Things to Do Before Midnight on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is more than just the countdown—it’s about celebrating the year that was and ringing in the next one with joy, laughter, and maybe a little bit of sparkle. Before the clock strikes twelve, why not pack your evening with fun, memorable activities? Here’s a list of 15 ideas to help you end the year on the highest of notes!

1. Write a Gratitude List

Take a moment to reflect on the good things this year brought you. Did you land a new job? Make a new friend? Finish a challenging project? Write it all down. If you’re celebrating with friends or family, have everyone share one thing they’re grateful for—it’s a wonderful way to kickstart the night with good vibes.

2. Create a Vision Board for Next Year

Gather magazines, scissors, and glue to craft a visual representation of your goals for the upcoming year. Want to travel to Italy? Cut out pictures of the Colosseum. Dreaming of better fitness? Add images of hiking trails or yoga poses. This activity sparks conversation and creativity, setting a motivational tone for the new year.

3. Bake a “Farewell 2025” Cake

Spend the evening whipping up a fun dessert that’s almost too pretty to eat. Decorate the cake with icing that says “Goodbye 2025” or “Hello 2026.” Not a baker? No problem! Decorate store-bought cupcakes with edible glitter or sprinkles to make them festive.

4. Play “Year in Review” Trivia

Prepare trivia questions about pop culture, sports, or major events of the year. For example: “What was the most-streamed Netflix series in 2025?” or “Which song topped the Billboard Hot 100 the longest?” You can also add personal trivia for inside jokes and shared memories.

5. Make Personalized Party Hats

Instead of store-bought hats, create your own! Provide paper, glue, markers, and decorations, and let everyone design something uniquely “them.” Challenge your group to make hats that represent their personalities, goals, or funniest memory of the year.

6. Write Letters to Your Future Self

Imagine what life will look like a year from now and write yourself a letter to be opened next New Year’s Eve. Include predictions about your job, relationships, or personal goals. Feeling brave? Share excerpts with your group to compare notes next year.

7. Do a Fun Tarot or Astrology Reading

Even if you don’t believe in divination, it’s a fun way to imagine what the new year might hold. Pull tarot cards for insight or check out your zodiac sign’s horoscope. Ask playful questions like, “Will I win the lottery?” or “What’s my vibe for 2025?”

8. Have a Dance-Off

Create a playlist of the year’s top hits and see who has the best moves. You could even assign a panel of “judges” to score each dance for categories like creativity, enthusiasm, or ridiculousness. Loser does the dishes; winner gets a sparkly crown!

9. Host a “Best of the Year” Awards Ceremony

Nominate and vote for fun categories like “Best TikTok Trend,” “Most Embarrassing Moment,” or “Best Outfit of 2024.” Create mini trophies or certificates to hand out. It’s a guaranteed laugh-fest!

10. Play Board Games or Cards

Classics like Scrabble or Monopoly are great for a longer evening, but quick games like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens are perfect for laughs. Add a twist by creating a rule: loser has to make a midnight toast speech!

11. Make a Time Capsule

Fill a box with items like a newspaper, photos, handwritten notes, and trinkets that represent 2024. Write down your favorite memories or inside jokes and seal it up with instructions to open it in five or ten years.

12. Have a Glow Stick Party

If you’ve got a fireplace or fire pit, spend some time roasting marshmallows. Make s’mores or add toasted marshmallows to hot chocolate for a cozy, sweet treat.

13. Create a “Last Supper” Feast

Make a buffet of everyone’s favorite foods—whether it’s pizza, sushi, or mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate way to indulge before the resolutions kick in tomorrow.

14. Make a “Best of 2025” Playlist

Compile a playlist of songs that defined your year. Let each guest add their favorite tracks, and dance through the night reminiscing about the moments tied to the music.

15. Plan a Midnight Countdown

Make the final minutes of the year unforgettable. Pop balloons filled with confetti, shout out resolutions, or toast with sparkling cider as the clock strikes twelve.

Ready, Set, Celebrate!

New Year’s Eve is what you make of it, so why not fill it with joy, creativity, and a little bit of sparkle? Pick your favorite ideas from this list (or try them all!) and end the year surrounded by love, laughter, and good vibes.

What are your favorite New Year’s Eve traditions? Share them in the comments below, and let’s toast to an amazing year ahead!