New Year’s Eve is going to look a whole lot different for many people this year because of Covid-19. It won’t be much different for us as we usually spend New Year’s Eve at home. But for others, New Year’s Eve usually means going out for dinner, a banquet hall for a dance, or a night on the town.
This year, many places have restrictions and here in Ontario, we’re in a lockdown which means all non-essential businesses are closed including restaurants, bars and large social gatherings. So what can you do for fun this New Year’s Eve if everything is shut down?
Well, guess what? You can still have a fun New Year’s Eve this Covid year! Here’s how to have a fun New Year’s Eve this Covid year:
How to Have a Fun New Year’s Eve This Covid Year
Virtual event.
Sure technology has a few downsides, but this year, being able to connect virtually has been a lifeline for work, education and keeping in touch with friends and family. Many businesses have pivoted to online, with creative ways to keep people engaged and spending their hard-earned money. There are many online games, classes, tours and activities that you can participate in virtually, and there is no better time than on New Year’s Eve. Join a virtual event
Toronto is hosting a variety of virtual events, here is a list of them: 15 virtual events for New Year’s Eve 2021 in Toronto (blogto.com)
Scavenger hunt.
Arrange a virtual scavenger hunt with some friends or family on a Zoom call. Virtual scavenger hunts are remote games where players have to collect items and finish challenges before time runs out. Since we can’t go out to find things, this idea is to finish items in your own home, and fulfil the challenges at home as well. Accomplish all the tasks and find all the items and present them to your challengers via video call. Here are some fun ideas: Virtual Scavenger Hunt Ideas & Sample Lists (teambuilding.com)
Virtual escape room.
Another idea is to partake in an online escape room. How does it work? Teams are placed within a virtual room and presented with a mystery. They then have to crack codes or complete challenges to escape. Here are some of the best escape rooms to try this year: The best virtual escape rooms to play with friends this New Year | Spectator Life
Board game night.
Pretend the internet is down, and the TV can’t connect and bust out the old board games for a night of laughs and challenges. Our favourites here are classics like Monopoly, Game of Life and Clue, and the newer fave, Speak Out. Playing a game of Spit, 21, or Gin Rummy with a regular deck of cards is also fun, and even more competitive when there is a small reward involved. Enter to win the board game Clue here: Holiday Gift Guide for Kids and a Giveaway! amotherworld
Karaoke fun.
A karaoke machine is also a fun way to spend the evening. Belt out your favourite tunes while your children watch on, and your teenagers roll their eyes at you. Want to include family members outside your household? You can connect on Zoom, Watch2Gether, or Houseparty, the video-calling app that makes for an easy and fun virtual gathering. Here’s how to set up a virtual karaoke party with your friends and family online: How to Throw a Karaoke Party on Zoom | WIRED
Video game tournament.
Have a video game tournament with the family. My boys love playing NHL hockey on the PS4 against each other. The kids have been playing multi-player virtual games such as Fortnite and Minecraft for some time now, so they know how valuable gaming is to connect with their friends. This is how the new generation Z socializes, especially this past year.
For the musically-inclined, compete in a round of Rock Band, or have a Just Dance competition in your family room. If you don’t know how to set it up, just ask the kids – they are likely much more technically savvy than you are!
Get dressed up.
Closets full of clothing but nowhere to go? Now is the time to dress up in fancy outfits and take photos of one another. The dress you were supposed to wear at your child’s Grade 8 graduation, or the fundraiser event that was cancelled this past summer? Wear it on New Year’s Eve. Might as well get a little fancy, even if you have nowhere to go!
Create some new photo memories.
While you’re all dressed up, arrange a photo shoot. Take some pics for memories because 2020 has been like no other, and for social media if you dare. Feeling spunky? Perform a few silly dance videos while you’re dressed up and post them on TikTok.
Can’t be bothered to get out of our pajamas? Totally understand! Instead, stay cozy in your loungewear and take some fun photos with the family with face-changing apps on Snapchat or Instagram. Silly faces are optional.
Stay safe and have fun! Happy New Year!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Photo by Eugene Zhyvchik on Unsplash
