10 Ways to Spend NYE

Growing up, my family hasn’t ever had New Year’s Eve traditions so I usually end up doing something different each year. There isn’t any one way to spend the last night of the year so I compiled a list of things to do. This list is made up of things I have done for NYE and other ideas that are sure to end your year on a high note.

1. Go ice skating

Ice skating is a fun activity you can do indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. Here in Minnesota, there are many outdoor rinks this time of year. If you can’t skate outside, try an indoor hockey rink or community center near you that is offering open skating.

2. Host a Fondue Night

Homemade fondue is one of my favorite ways to celebrate, so NYE is the perfect occasion. It is insanely cheaper than going out to a fondue restaurant and you can customize it just the way you want to. My family has made cheese fondue at home many times and we always have so much fun with it. The dippers we usually get with our cheese fondue are broccoli, green apples, salami, French bread, pretzels, kielbasa sausage, and sometimes others too. This is also great for Valentine’s Day with chocolate fondue!

3. Sign up for a cookiNg class

Cooking classes are a fun way to spend NYE if you would rather follow directions while cooking dinner. It is hands on and usually you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you participate. Some culinary retail shops or cooking schools will offer classes for NYE. Cooks of Crocus Hill and Sur La Table are two stores that offer cooking classes that night, but they do fill up fast so sign up early!

4. INVITE FRIENDS OVER FOR A PARTY

There are so many different things to do if you have friends over to celebrate. Dinner party, themed party, watch the ball drop, make cocktails, watch movies, etc. This way you can go into the new year with your closest friends.

5. Take a vacation

Last year I spent New Year’s Eve in Florida on vacation and it was the perfect holiday getaway! It was nice to switch it up and spend NYE on the beach rather than in the cold MN snow. It was cool to see how other places celebrate NYE and what events they have going on as well. It’s not something I would make a tradition to do every year but it is something new to do every few years or at least try once.

6. Have a game night

A game night is perfect if you’re looking for some fun competition on NYE. You could choose group games and play with friends or family. You could also find a lot of games for 2 people if it’s just you and your significant other staying in. This is a fun way to end 2019.

7. Spend the night on the town

If you are looking to get dressed up and go out, then check out what the bars and restaurants around you have going on. Many places host a themed NYE party that you have to buy tickets online in advance to guarantee getting in. Some restaurants offer a prix fixe menu consisting of multiple courses at a per person rate. For this I would definitely suggest booking your reservation online to reserve a seat!

8. Watch a movie marathon

Is there a certain movie series you’ve been wanting to watch? If so, the last night of the year is perfect for a movie marathon. Grab some popcorn to share (or not) and pick out your movies for the night. You can turn your house into a movie theater setting to make it more fun and get snacks and drinks to accompany your movie night.

9. Cook a nice dinner at home

This is how I plan to spend New Year’s Eve this year and couldn’t be more excited for it. I think it is fun to plan out a fancy meal to make that I wouldn’t make on a normal night. It is also a lot more affordable than a reservation at an upscale restaurant and a lot more convenient than waiting on a long waitlist for a table. So plan out your dinner menu, pick up your ingredients, and start cooking! Of course, any NYE dinner wouldn’t be complete without a glass of champagne…cheers!

10. Plan your resolutions

Not everyone believes in making resolutions for the new year but I think it’s a good excuse to start over and reinvent yourself each year. Make a list of goals you want to reach, habits you want to change, or really anything you want to commit to in the new year. NYE is the perfect time to reflect on what resolutions you want for 2020.