The start of a new year always brings a fresh wave of excitement and possibility, and 2025 is no different! Planning an event to celebrate the arrival of the new year? Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a community event, or a private party with friends and family, incorporating fun event activities can make the occasion truly memorable.
From interactive games to creative workshops, we’ve curated a list of 12 exciting activities that will engage your guests, elevate their experience, and set a joyous tone for the year ahead.
1. Personalized Time Capsule Station
Give your guests a chance to capture their dreams and memories by setting up a time capsule station. Provide materials like notecards, photos, and small trinkets. Guests can write letters to their future selves or include mementos from the evening. Seal everything in a decorative container to be opened at the next year’s event (or even years down the line).
Why it works:
This activity helps guests reflect on the past year while thinking about the future. It’s both sentimental and interactive—a perfect icebreaker for attendees.
2. A Spectacular Countdown Dance-Off
What better way to welcome 2025 than by turning your countdown into a dance battle? Create a playlist with popular hits and classics, ask guests to form teams or go solo, and battle it out until the clock strikes midnight!
Pro tip:
Make it even more engaging by hiring a DJ to hype up the crowd and add special lighting effects to turn your venue into a dance arena.
3. Interactive Cocktail or Mocktail Bar
Take your beverage game to the next level with an interactive bar where guests can make their own drinks. Provide recipes or mixologist-led demonstrations to teach guests how to create their signature cocktail or mocktail to toast the new year.
Why it works:
This combines entertainment with something tangible—everyone gets to drink their masterpiece. You can also customize the ingredients to align with a theme or to highlight popular flavors of 2025.
4. Digital 2025 Resolutions Wall
Set up a large touchscreen or digital board where attendees can type in their resolutions or goals for 2025. Display the entries throughout the night to inspire everyone. For a more interactive twist, turn it into a guessing game by keeping resolutions anonymous!
Why it works:
This modern take on a resolutions board is collaborative and sparks meaningful conversations among guests.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Themed Party Zone
Turn down the lights and crank up the fun by hosting a glow-in-the-dark party zone. Offer guests glow sticks, necklaces, bracelets, and face paints. Designate a part of the venue for black lights and luminescent backdrops, perfect for glowing selfies.
Pro tip:
If you want to amplify the wow factor, consider LED performances or glow-in-the-dark games like bowling or Jenga.
6. 2025 Trivia Quiz with Fun Prizes
Test your guests’ knowledge with a trivia game featuring questions about 2024 events, pop culture, and general New Year’s traditions. Include fun prizes like themed gift baskets, discount coupons, or silly trophies for the winners.
Why it works:
Trivia engages guests of all ages, and team-based games often encourage socializing. This is particularly great for building camaraderie at corporate events.
7. Photo Booth with 2025 Props
No New Year’s celebration is complete without a photo booth! Provide props like “2025” glasses, hats, and silly accessories. Choose a unique backdrop that reflects your event theme or elevate it with green screen technology for customizable backgrounds.
Pro tip:
Consider offering instant prints or digital sharing options so guests can immediately save and share their memories.
8. DIY Craft Corners
For a more relaxed activity, set up a DIY crafting corner. Popular ideas include making friendship bracelets, designing custom phone cases, or painting mini canvases. These crafts also double as souvenirs!
Why it works:
Crafting appeals to both adults and kids, and it gives everyone a meaningful keepsake to remember your event.
9. Fireworks or Light Show Spectacle
A stunning fireworks display is a surefire way to wow your guests. If fireworks aren’t feasible, consider a drone light show or laser display for a modern and environmentally friendly alternative.
Why it works:
The visual spectacle of lights in the night sky creates a magical, unforgettable moment that symbolizes new beginnings.
10. Live Music or Karaoke Stage
Hire a live band or DJ to keep the energy high, or set up a karaoke stage to invite guests to showcase their vocal talents. You could even host a mini talent-show competition with the singers!
Pro tip:
Curate the playlist to include throwback hits from 2024 and upbeat anthems to energize your attendees as they welcome 2025.
11. New Year’s Mystery Box Raffle
Create excitement with a mystery box raffle. Fill the box with unexpected prizes—everything from gift cards to quirky novelty items. Announce winners throughout the evening to build anticipation.
Why it works:
The thrill of surprise keeps guests engaged, plus raffles add an extra layer of fun and involvement to any event.
12. Gratitude Circle to End the Night
What better way to close out 2024 and welcome 2025 than by expressing gratitude? Gather your guests in a circle, pass a microphone around, and ask each person to share a positive memory from the past year or what they’re most excited about for the new one.
Why it works:
This heartfelt activity helps create connections and leaves everyone feeling uplifted, united, and optimistic for what’s to come.
Make Your Event Unforgettable
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these 12 activities will ensure your event is fun, engaging, and meaningful. Incorporate a mix of games, creativity, and heartfelt moments with Fun Print to give your guests an experience they’ll talk about for years.
Make 2025 a year of excitement, joy, and togetherness. Start with a memorable event, and the rest will follow!
