What to do if you’re staying in for New Year’s this year
A surprising number of folks are opting for a chill New Year’s Eve, according to a new poll. An Associated Press poll done with the University of Chicago found that only 5% of Americans will spend the holiday at a large social gathering this year, with the rest opting to spend the night at home.
If you have similar plans this New Year’s Eve, here are some exciting ways to spend the night.
Our picks this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your No. 1 source for things to do, see, make, buy and eat through the holidays. Here are our recommendations:
LISTEN: What’s on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ holiday playlist?
DRINK: Here’s the holiday spirit Atlanta’s sipping this Christmas
DO: Seven places to show off your ice skating moves in and around Atlanta
VISIT: Full AJC holiday guide for things to do, buy and enjoy
For our full coverage of holiday events around metro Atlanta, check out the AJC’s Things to Do page.
Game night
Game nights can be known for being a slow way to spend an evening, which is just what you need for an all-nighter like New Year’s Eve.
Bring out all the games in your house or choose a time-consuming one you typically skip and let the games begin. You’ll go into the new year laughing and scheming with the ones you love.
Cook an elaborate meal
Maybe there’s a meal you saved on Pinterest months ago that you’ve never had the time to make. Or perhaps there’s a global cuisine you’ve always meant to try your hand at but never did. New Year’s Eve is the perfect night to test out long dormant cooking skills with a brand new meal, ready to eat before the clock strikes midnight.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, make multiple courses and a new cocktail.
Movie marathon
These days, most of your favorite movies and franchises are streaming somewhere on the internet. Take advantage and spend your New Year’s night having a movie marathon.
Pick a franchise like “Harry Potter” or “The Hunger Games”. And if you want to be creative, choose a theme for your movie night and watch them as you wait for 2025 to ring in.
Have a 2024 dance party
If you still want to dance this New Year’s Eve but also want to skip the long lines at the clubs, have a dance party at home. Create a playlist with all of your favorite songs from this year, and maybe some old favorites.
You and your group can dance the night away without worrying about the DJ, because you’re the DJ.
Reorganize your home
For many, the new year is about growth and change, and there’s no better way to usher that in than with organizing your space.
Choose one room in your house you’ve spent the whole year fretting over, or if you’re feeling particularly productive, sweep your way through your entire house and renew for the new year.
