22 things you can do on New Year's Eve away from the party and hustle and bustle

What to do on New Year's Eve

This post contains advertising and affiliate links. Read more

What to do on New Year's Eve if you are not a party tiger? But still want to do something on December 31? These are our tips for your perfect turn of the year.

Big city, thousands of people, concerts, party - when you hear that, do you roll your eyes? Very good! Because then you've come to the right place.

We'll tell you things you can do on New Year's Eve if you don't feel like partying.

Christmas and the whole of December were already stressful enough? You don't feel like crowds and just want to start the new year comfortably? Fortunately, there are plenty of options.

The turn of the year can be so much more than just a wild party. December 31 is a great opportunity to say goodbye to the old year in a very personal way and start the new year full of joy.

To the question: What to do on New Year's Eve, we have something suitable for everyone. Because on New Year's Eve you can do much more than just celebrate in the club.

Today we want to share creative ideas with you and give you inspiration on how to spend the last day of the year in a very special way.

Are you ready to escape the hustle and bustle of New Year's Eve? Then let's dive into the world of contemplative, personal yet festive New Year celebrations together!

22 things to do on New Year's Eve if you're not a party fan

1. new year's eve in wellness hotel

For all those who are exhausted from the past year and the last few days, thermal spas and wellness hotels are waiting for. Many have special New Year's Eve offers that can be booked even now.

It is not uncommon for wellness hotels to have their own small fireworks display for their guests and an exclusive dinner with several courses.

And then it's just a case of putting your feet up. There's no more relaxed way to slide into the new year.

2. new year's eve in the spa

If you don't want to book a hotel right away, you can also spend the day at the spa. Pack a towel, bathing suit and something to read - that's it. The best thing is to book the sauna and enjoy the silence in the quiet zone.

Some hotels also offer special day spa deals. So you can enjoy all the benefits of a wellness hotel and check out in the evening. Sounds super relaxed, doesn't it?

The earlier you secure a place, the better!

What to do on New Year's Eve

3. new year's eve with friends

Just invite a few friends to join you. It's best if there are no more than 6 of you - that way the work is kept to a minimum and you have enough time for everyone.

A fondue or raclette keeps everyone busy. The time until midnight flies by. A few balloons are also enough for decoration. Or how about a Feuerzangenbowle?

If you don't have any ideas yet, take a look at what the stars have in store for you: "This is the perfect turn of the year for your zodiac sign!“

4. home into the new year

What to do on New Year's Eve when you don't feel like leaving the house? It's simple: stay at home. Sounds unspectacular? But it can be wonderful.

Have a relaxing evening and go for a walk at midnight. Then you can see the fireworks and are usually far away from crowds.

5. the new year's eve hike

It doesn't have to be a 2,000-meter peak, of course. It doesn't even have to be a real summit; any point with a good view will do. Because even if you despise the noise of the fireworks - viewed from a distance, the bright rockets offer an impressive light show.

Instead of ice-cold champagne, which is difficult to swallow at sub-zero temperatures, a warm grog or mulled wine is recommended to toast midnight. There thaw even all immediately, the always have cold hands.

Of course, you can also do the hike during the day. It's always on our to-do list: Hike until 2 pm, then prepare for dinner.

6. new year's eve in a quiet city

Don't feel like partying? In many big cities there is hustle and bustle - in small cities or towns you can enjoy peace and quiet. Go for a relaxed meal there and take a long walk.

A little change of scenery never hurts, so why not at the end of the year?

You will most likely not find a free one. But you can still book a cottage for next year. They are booked up very quickly - and there is a reason for that. Anyone who has ever spent a night in a hut will get a taste for it.

Whether as a couple or with a few friends, this is an experience you'll remember for a long time.

What to do on New Year's Eve

8th New Year's Eve on the ski slopes

Others are stressing out at home and preparing dinner for the evening. And you? The best thing to do is grab your skis and head for the nearest mountain. If you're not a skier, you can also go tobogganing.

9. new year's eve in a sauna

In the sauna it is much more cozy and pleasant than on the slopes. Yes, you can also ring in the New Year's Eve in the sauna.

Many saunas offer a sweaty New Year celebration where visitors dress up as Adam and Eve. This way you can welcome the new year with all your senses, maybe even with an ice bath.

Again, the more friends you have, the more fun it will be. But remember that a glass of champagne (or two or three) after a sauna session has a whole different effect!

If you have a sauna at home, invite friends over on the principle: sweat out all the body toxins to make room for something new.

Combine that with some creative smoothies and finger foods, maybe even a quark mask - turn old into new delicious. It's a fantastic way to start the new year in a light-hearted and exciting way.

Instead of friends, this year you can slide into the New Year with your parents. Just like in the old days with cocoa and a walk in the cold. Relaxed and without much effort, a few rolls are enough for this evening.

What to do on New Year's Eve? Go to the observatory!

At the end of the year, some observatories offer a unique program: On the last day of the year, not only the celestial bodies are examined, but also fireworks over the city, such as over Vienna.

In Berlin, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony will be played to give the transition from one year to the next something grand; in Bad Honnef, there will be an entire Astro New Year's Eve event with Space Crew and telescope raffle.

However, reservations are often required. If you decide to visit spontaneously, check out the smaller observatories: They often don't have an extensive program, but you can still check out the stars and fireworks.

12. make a girls night out

Hand on heart - you really always have too little time for the girls, don't you? Make it a cozy evening with face masks, gossip and your favorite sparkling wine. We have many more great Girls night out ideas for you :)

What to do on New Year's Eve

Pack your boyfriend or girlfriend and go out for a really delicious meal. Treat yourselves and dress up really nice. It's good to go somewhere completely different and taste something new.

14. lead casting and make up crazy things

It is simply part of the new year. Pouring lead is fun and you can let your imagination run wild. What was that again? A chicken? I wonder what that stands for?

Make a note of what you have come up with and keep the notes until next year - let's see what has become of the chicken.

When you get right down to it, it's no longer lead that you're pouring. This has been banned since 2018 because lead is extremely harmful to health.

Instead of lead, you can use wax or tin. Many also use a more liquid pancake batter instead - you heat the pan and each person pours a large spoonful of batter into the pan with a flourish. So, what do you have for a figure?

The great thing about it: the pancake batter is easy to eat 😋

15. go to a New Year's Eve theater

There are many small theaters with New Year's Eve program. Often the "Dinner For One" is played - there is a large number of new versions here, which are really funny.

16. enjoy the silence

Why do you have to do something on New Year's Eve? Just enjoy the peace and quiet and have a relaxing day with your pet.

Whether dog or cat - both will be terrified of the fireworks at midnight at the latest. I'm sure they'll be happy to have you around to protect them. :)

What to do on New Year's Eve pets

17. start fit into the new year

You like to go running? That's great! Then run a round or do a sport that you really like. That way, resolutions don't just stay resolutions :)

When was the last time you saw your kindergarten girlfriend? Well, it's about time. Pack up the photo album and have a relaxing evening with some stories from the old days.

She may also be wondering what to do for New Year's Eve.

19. cooks or bakes together

Don't get stressed and make time for cooking together. There is usually too little time for that. You could also try something exotic. Or bake a delicious cake.

Pack your winter boots, jacket and a tea and head to a vantage point where you can see the fireworks. Preferably a small mountain, tower or other elevation.

21 New Year's Eve in the warm

What to do on New Year's Eve

Italy, Croatia and Spain attract with plus degrees :) It is mostly only 10 ° - but that's still better than the cold at home.

22. fun for young and old

It's especially hard to keep your spirits up when there are still a few hours until the party starts. Here are practical and fun New Year's Eve activities. They are just as easy to do in front of the screen if you can't meet right now. Our personal favorites for kids and adults on New Year's Eve:

Charades, guessing emojis or a New Year's Eve quiz of your own invention are just a few ideas.

Our conclusion

Far too many people worry about what to do on New Year's Eve. The question comes up all the time: What to do on New Year's Eve? Just take it easy and relax. A cozy evening in a small circle can be quite amusing. After all, it's not where you celebrate, but who you spend New Year's Eve with. 💫

We wish you every success with your selection and a happy new year. May all your wishes come true! 😊

To browse further:

* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more