2020 is a year that just about EVERYONE will be eager to see go, so it seems especially sad that you probably can’t give it the BIG farewell party that you’d like to! But, just like every other holiday and event in 2020, we’re encouraging you to make the best of things and look for ways to make happy moments with your loved ones. Here are a few ideas to ring in the new year, 2020-style!
Things to Do
Family Game Night
Did you get any new games for Christmas or Hanukkah? This is the night to get them all out for some friendly competition.
Play Minute to Win It Games
If your family likes their games short and sweet, try out some of THESE quick and easy options. (These are also great if you’re doing a movie marathon and want fun activities in between each film.
Hot Cocoa Bomb “Ball” Drop
If you’re on social media (especially any local Mom groups), chances are good that you’ve heard about hot cocoa bombs. Pick some up from a local bakery or entrepreneur, or try your hand at making them yourself. Then do your own countdown before dropping the bombs in mugs and adding hot milk. Then “Cheers” to the New Year with some hot cocoa!
Make it to Midnight Movie Marathon
If there are any holiday movies you haven’t had a chance to watch yet, line them up. Or, if your family has a favorite movie series, watch them all in a row.
Netflix Countdown
If you’re planning to have the kids in bed well before midnight, you can still have a festive countdown at the time of your choosing with help from Netflix. There are plenty of options including Fuller House, Boss Baby, Skylanders, and more.
Fondue Night
Think Melting Pot, the home version!
Dance Party
Get the kids involved and create a playlist of favorite songs from 2020 or dance favorites throughout the year! (You could even have the kids do a little research to find the most popular dance songs from the year each person in the house was born.)
“Fancy” Finger Food Party
If you’ve been living in sweats lately (since March, maybe?), use the last night of the year as excuse to get dressed up. Even if you’re staying home. Order or make some appetizers and make some festive drinks.
Drive Around and Look at Lights
If you haven’t done this already, this is typically one of the last nights before people take them down for the season.
Dollar Store Balloon Drop
With some inexpensive items (plastic table cloth, confetti, crepe paper, balloons, tape and scissors), you can make your own balloon drop to up the fun-factor at home. Find out how to make it HERE!
Set Goals for 2021
Give everyone a piece of paper to write down 3-5 goals for the New Year. Then fold them up and put them in an envelope to open on New Year’s Eve next year and see how you all did!
Virtual Events
Please Touch Museum Countdown from Home
The Please Touch Museum typically throws a huge NYE bash for families every year. Since they’re currently closed, they’re offering ways that you can celebrate at home with them. On December 31, they will be posting (to their website homepage) a Countdown from Home video with music from Trinidelphia and a special Countdown to 2021 with Squiggles from Hamilton Hall. You can watch the video any time you like! To add more fun to your party, they’ve also posted crafts, recipes and more that you can do before the countdown.
Virtual Noon Year’s Eve with Romp N’ Roll of Willow Grove
BYO juice and bubbles! Romp n’ Roll will be streaming their celebration on their Facebook page starting at 11:50 a.m.
Kids Music Round with Miss Marilyn: Countdown to Noon
This is a free Zoom event starting at 11:30 a.m. RSVP to receive the link HERE.
Bucks County Playhouse
Kim Sledge: Home for the Holidays streaming December 24 through January 1
A Christmas Carol streaming now through January 3
The Playhouse Merry Little Christmas Concert streaming December 18 through January 1
Music Mountain Theatre
Holiday Concert streaming now through December 31
Frosty the Snowman streaming now through January 1
Roxey Ballet Company Channel
The Nutcracker streaming now through January 1
Places to Go
Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia
New Year’s Eve is the final day to see the Holiday Garden Railway. There are limited tickets still available in the morning.
Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square
Timed tickets are required. Reserve ASAP, as there are very limited tickets still available in the morning on December 31 and January 1.
Peddler’s Village in Lahaska
The lights and Gingerbread Display are open until January 10 this year!
Franklin Square in Philadelphia
Enjoy socially distant holiday activities like Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO, playing 18 holes of wintery splendor at Chilly Philly Mini Golf, spin with holiday music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, AND MORE!
Sesame Place
Even if you don’t visit the park, Sesame Place recently announced that they WILL still have New Year’s Eve fireworks around 6 p.m. So you might want to drive over to the mall parking lot to view them!
Adventure Aquarium
Spend the day with your favorite aquatic friends and view the underwater Christmas trees.
What to Eat
Kids Countdown to New Year’s Eve with Cinderella at Germantown Garden Grille, Germantown Avenue
This magical and socially distanced dining experience will be an unforgettable way to say goodbye to 2020 with the kids. There are three seatings available – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. As of December 28, it appears that the private igloo seating is sold out, but there are still outdoor seats available.
Positano Coast, Walnut Street
Positano Coast is offering a menu for 2 priced at $120 including crab tacos, lamb meatballs, diver scallops, fried calamari and more. Plus, a bottle of prosecco! Orders must be placed by December 30. View the menu HERE.
Delice et Chocolat, Lancaster Ave in Ardmore
Place you order now for this delicious multi-course meal priced at $64 per person. It includes lobster bisque, crab cake, either rack of lamb or seared scallops, one side and dessert. See the menu HERE.
