New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest date nights of the year. Regardless if you’re single or attached, many people feel the pressure to make the night fun and special.

by Cherie Burbach

Many singles are stumped for an activity idea for New Year’s. Remember, what you do isn’t as important as who you are with for the night. It’s close friends and a great relationship that will mean the most at midnight.

However, if you are scratching your head for something different to do than the usual boring party or night out at a bar, here are a few suggestions to make your evening memorable.

Theme Movie Night

Who says you need to hang out at a bar on New Year’s Eve? Plan a quiet night with friends by hosting a theme movie party. Poll your friends to see what kind of “theme” they are interested in (scary movies, French titles, movies featuring a certain actor, etc.)

Then, build on that theme. If your choice is to watch scary movies, for example, serve Halloween-inspired foods. For French film viewing fill up with appetizers you’d find in Paris. For more ideas, find out which foods are in the movie (for example, jambalaya in Any Given Sunday) and serve those.

Costume Party

Who says Halloween is the only time to dress up? Make your New Year’s party extra fun by having attendees dress up in their all-time favorite costume. For extra incentive, center activities around the costumes. Suggest that people talk and act like the person or thing they are dressed like. Be sure to give out a prize for the best outfit.

Game Night

Games always help make a night fun, so why not pull out a few on New Year’s? If you have an even number, peruse some of the games available for couples. If not, games like Scattegories, Apples to Apples, and Charades will keep your guests entertained.

Pub Crawl

Bars go out of their way to make New Year’s Eve fun. But why spend an entire night at just one place? See if your city offers a pub crawl along with bus service. Hop on the bus and go from bar to bar all night. You’ll meet lots of people and never get bored! Be sure to call a cab for the ride home.

New Year’s in Another City

Think you’ve hit all the hot spots in your home town? Why not travel to another city for New Years instead? Spots like Chicago, New Orleans, and Las Vegas are always busy on the last day of the year. Best of all? Most of us have off of work on New Year’s Day, so you won’t need to use as much vacation time.

Vacation in Your Own Home

Can’t afford to travel? Bring your favorite destination home. Find decorations and food available specifically in your favorite spot. For example, if New Orleans is a favorite place to go, purchase a king cake and beads for the night. If you’re hankering for a sunny vacation on the beach, decorate with a tiki bar, pool furniture, and a sandbox (so you have something to sink your toes into). Serve “boat drinks” to set the tone.

New Year’s Eve is a night filled with high anticipation. No matter how you decide to spend the evening, be thankful for the year you’ve had, and look positively on the one to come. If you have a great relationship, give thanks. If not, take comfort in the fact that a great guy or girl is waiting out there somewhere to meet you.