New Year’s Eve, the one night where expectations are high & the bar is rarely met. New Year’s Eve night’s out are often over priced and underwhelming. There’s a huge amount of pressure to be doing ‘something’ when the clock strikes midnight.
Whether it’s your first sober New Year’s Eve or not, we’ve got some ideas of things to do that’ll beat waiting for midnight – only to realise you missed the countdown whilst chatting to a stranger in the smoking area.
So, if you’re dreading the typical New Year’s Eve festivities or are unsure on how to spend your first NYE sober, read on for a few ideas that will ensure you wake up the next day feeling refreshed & ready for the new year.
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1. Staycation
Prices do suck around NYE, rates pretty much double for this one date. But, if you’ve nothing planned & you don’t care where you go, you can always try for a last minute deal. A house or cabin with friends, a romantic getaway or a family trip. Plan a fun night AND something exciting in the area for the 1st of Jan to start the year off right.
2. Overseas Trip
Again, you will be surprised at what you can get last minute if you’re open minded and willing to book very close to the time! Go to a city you’ve never been to before. Or, make being away over NY a proper 1-2 week holiday. There are plenty parts of the world that are cheap once you’re there & get lots of sun this time of year – SE Asia for example – just check it’s not rainy season where you’re going if you’re after sunshine.
3. Watch the Fireworks
If your able to travel to your nearest city, wrap up warm & head out to watch the fireworks. Bring some AF drinks (ideally something warm & in a thermos!) and find a spot to enjoy the show. When you know you’re not going out to get hammered, you can be a lot more organised. Bring chairs, snacks & games to keep you entertained while you wait.
4. Go for Dinner
Got a favourite restaurant? See if they have a New Year’s Eve party on. A lot of restaurants will offer tickets for a NYE special menu and some sort of live entertainment. Chances are the deal will include booze, but you can call or visit the restaurant and speak to them about swapping out champagne for 0% fizz or mocktails. Enjoy a nice meal, some entertainment and stick around until midnight if you’re feeling it.
5. Host a Games Night
If you’ve got the space, host your own party! Invite your good friends over & take the pressure off of everyone trying to find something to do! Get some snacks & drinks in and let the games begin! The beauty of hosting is that you can ensure plenty of AF options & ask guests to BYOB.
If you don’t have your own home, perhaps you can use a friend’s house & offer to host.
For game night inspiration, check out these:
Card Games:
Board Games:
6. Find Your Nearest Battle Bar
Boom Battle Bar offers activities like axe throwing, darts and shuffleboard all under one roof. If you can’t play games under your own roof – why not go out and play some games? Nothing quite like a little competition to end your year!
Alternatively, look for local games bars like NQ64 in Manchester & London, or places like flight club or swingers for some activities to keep you busy.
7. Laugh Your Ass Off
Got a local comedy club? A lot of comedians will still gig on New Year’s Eve. See if your local stand up club has an event on & grab a friend or two. Go for a meal beforehand if the club doesn’t offer food & make an entire evening of it. A word of warning though, alcohol can be pretty prevalent at this sort of gig so make sure you are comfortable being around alcohol before buying tickets.
8. Find Live Music
If you’re more musically inclined, fancy a singalong and quite possible a bop, look for some live music. Again, there will be a lot of alcohol floating around so you’ll need to make sure you’re with good company that you can relax and have fun with and be comfortable around others drinking (probably too much). But if the mood is right, a small gig can be magical & a really fun way to spend the night.
9. Stay Home
Coming to terms with the fact that New Year’s Eve is just another night, staying home, sticking the kettle on & watching TV can be a liberating move. Whether you’re alone or not. Do something for you. Cook a nice meal, make your favourite alcohol free drinks and settle in. Whether you choose to watch the New Year’s Eve coverage or not is up to you.
10. Make Big Plans for New Years Day
New Year’s Eve is about celebrating the passing of another year. It’s saying goodbye to the year passed & a big welcome to the future. Who says you have to do that at midnight?
Spend New Years Eve setting big goals for the year ahead & then get to them on New Years Day!
Do something you’ve never done before, or something you’d never have previously done on New Years Day – like going for a run. Start your new skin care regime, exercise regime or sit down to learn the new skill you’ve promised yourself to work on. Make being hangover free on this day more special than normal. Cook your favourite meal, spend time with family or friends (or be alone if that’s how you prefer it).
If you’re up for something a bit more adventurous, check out places like Woburn Safari Park or Go Ape – just check your nearest is open on January 1st.
11. Connect with Sober Friends
If it feels like you have no one to do anything with, or your friends are still hell bent on wasting their night on a bender, consider connecting with the sober community.
It can feel daunting to meet up with virtual friends for the first time but the sober community truly are amazing & will make you feel more than welcome. Check out our resources for ways to connect.
Sober New Year’s Eve
Enjoying New Year’s Eve sober can feel like a challenge. But, going against the grain & choosing not to drink at a time where it feels like everyone is, is something you can be really proud of yourself for! So make it special, whatever that means to you, and make it a night you wont forget (for once!).