NYE with children: Tips for a successful New Year's Eve 🥳

New Year's Eve is exciting for everyone, but this is especially the case for children. The anticipation of the fireworks and the festive atmosphere are just two things that make this night so special.

While celebrating this day with friends or family is best, our own homes might not offer enough space or options for sleeping arrangements. So how about renting a holiday home? You can share the costs, and often you don't even have to travel far. Holiday parks in the UK are perfect for an NYE holiday with kids. Most holiday parks will have an indoor pool for the little ones and a spa for the adults. By choosing a holiday park, everyone can start the New Year feeling relaxed. 💫

Ideas for an unforgettable New Year's Eve with children

Waiting for midnight can be quite boring for little ones. To avoid any whining or boredom, here are some games and activities you might want to incorporate into your New Year's Eve plans:

1. Decorate: Streamers and balloons are a must-have for any party. Let your little ones get creative!

2. Dress up: Even the little ones will want to dress up for the evening. Perhaps you can come up with a theme, or let the little ones do each other's makeup and rummage through a dress-up box you've brought along for the occasion.

3. Disco: Put the toys aside and get out the disco ball. The kids can make a list of their favourite songs in advance. In the evening, musical statues and musical chairs are a must.

4. Children's mocktails: Of course, your little ones will want to party like grown-ups! Delicious mocktails can be made from their favourite juices. A highlight, of course, will be the ice cubes - ideally with fruit in them. A sugar rim completes the party drink (simply dip the rim of the glass in juice and then in sugar). At midnight, a glass of something fizzy will be a great substitute for champagne.

5. Games: Boredom is taboo on New Year's Eve! Classic board and card games provide fun for the whole family. Alternatively, you can write down wishes or resolutions for the New Year together and later send these skyward with eco-friendly sky lanterns. A personalised photo booth with small accessories like beards, glasses or kissing lips, along with a Polaroid, disposable or digital camera, creates great memories too.

6. Countdown: A balloon countdown adds excitement to the evening. Labelled and filled balloons can be popped every hour on the hour.

7. Children's countdown bags: These are a great idea for making the wait until midnight more exciting! Simply fill them with little surprises like glow sticks, candy, confetti or mini-games, and each bag becomes an hourly surprise.

8. Children's fireworks: Midnight is late for many children. No one will blame you if you set off a small fireworks display early. Sparklers and firecrackers are a real treat for kids, but only under adult supervision!

New Year's Eve dinner with children

Even the children will know that New Year's Eve is no ordinary day. They get to stay up later, the adults dress up, and even during the day, you can hear the occasional loud bang. A delicious meal is, of course, a must to fill the time until midnight. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant for children, but it can be creative and delicious. Here are some ideas for how you can give your children and yourself some culinary delights this New Year's Eve.

1. Raclette: This is a classic dish for a reason, and it's always a treat for young and old. Sitting comfortably at the table and eating in peace takes several hours. Children don't have to spend the whole time at the table; they can dance or play games and come back for snacks every now and then. With raclette, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone.

2. Homemade pizza: You can't go wrong with this meal. It's best to prepare the sauce and dough during the day and let the kids top the pizza before it cooks in the oven. It's fun, and it'll make the time fly.

3. Finger food: Finger food is perfect for a creative meal. Sausage rolls on toothpicks become sausage rockets, along with puff pastry pigs and ladybug-shaped muffins. These animals symbolise good luck and health in the new year.

4. Chocolate fondue: Chocolate fondue is a great dessert idea. Your kids will love dipping grapes, apple pieces and banana slices into the melted chocolate.

Want more family-friendly holiday inspiration? Check out our dedicated family holiday page for more tips.