10 ways to celebrate New Year's Eve with kids

Create a signature cocktail and mocktail for the kids. Give it a long and important sounding name and drink it in your fanciest glassware to toast the new year. Try out our yummy Sparkling ‘Champagne’ Mocktail.

Netflix has special episodes of kids’ shows that feature a New Year’s Eve countdown that’ll have your kids fully believing it’s midnight. Previous years’ shows have included Boss Baby, Skylanders Academy and All Hail King Julien. Ring in the new year at the time of your choosing!

All you need is balloons, an old tablecloth or plastic sheet, painter’s tape to secure the sheet to the ceiling, and long pieces of hanging ribbon that can be pulled to dislodge the tape. It’s a 20-minute job, but do it early in the day to help build anticipation. 

Send everyone to their closets to pick out the very fanciest clothes they own—parents included! Your night will feel special and fun if you get dolled up for it.

Create a playlist that includes favourite grown-up and kids’ tracks. Turn off the lights and use glow sticks and flashlights to set the mood. Have a dance contest with candy as a prize—and then declare everyone a winner.

Hit your local art supply store and buy a roll of craft paper—this will be the backdrop for your photo booth, and your kids can spend some time decorating it. Raid your house for silly props and hats or buy a pack of swizzle sticks and cut out moustaches to glue or tape onto the sticks.

Eat your family’s favourite meal and desserts, wear your favourite outfits, watch your favourite TV shows and read your favourite books. Take turns doing a mix of everyone’s favourites.

Livestream the countdown from London, England, and celebrate at 7 p.m. The kiddos won’t know the difference!

Search “minute to win it games” online and pick a few to try. Drop off supplies at friends’ houses, then Zoom with everyone while the kids play the games. Wrap it up with an 8 or 9 p.m. countdown.

See if your kids can make it to 12 a.m. this year! Just set a rule: If you cry and get fussy, it means you’re ready for bed.