The 23 Best New Year’s Party Themes for 2022
Ring in the new year in a way that’s uniquely your own.
By Amy Mitchell
New Year’s Eve can certainly come with high expectations. Getting your outfit just right, scoring tickets to the most exclusive party, finding a partner to kiss as the clock strikes midnight…it can all add up to more trouble than it’s worth. Which is why, if you’re thinking of hanging at home and making fun for yourself, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve gathered up 22 of the best New Year’s party themes for 2022, and there’s an idea for every style of celebration.
Whether you’re looking to host a soiree that’s cutesy and casual or fancy and for adults only, you’ll find a party theme here that’s sure to fill the bill. (What’s also in store: decoration ideas and even a few New Year’s Eve party games to pair with each theme.) So forget going out, and start looking forward to staying in—especially because there will be more time for snacking on tasty New Year's Eve appetizers and sipping on New Year's drinks!
Wherever and however you choose to watch the ball drop in Times Square, you can still make the night feel fun and lively with these unique and creative New Year’s Eve party ideas. From romantic dinners for two to cookie baking competitions to backyard hangs by the fire, there are so many ways to ring in 2022. And just because you’ll be at home doesn’t mean you can’t dress up, so pop on a favorite piece of clothing, glam up with a pretty New Year’s nail art idea, and look your best for those New Year’s Instagram posts!
Holiday Movie Marathon Party Theme
Who says that you can't watch holiday movies after Christmas is over? Build a fire, curl up with the fam, and binge-watch a lineup of your favorite holiday classics. Wear matching Christmas pajamas while nibbling on popcorn, brownie bites, and sipping hot cocoa. Play Binge-Watch Bingo using buttons or popcorn to mark the squares.
Ice Skating Party
Gather your friends for some winter revelry. Embrace the cold weather and serve up some Hot Buttered Rum with Vanilla Ice Cream Balls and your favorite desserts for an ice-skating party. No snow? No problem. Throw on a scarf and make it a porch party.
Backyard Fire Pit Party Theme
Take the party outside—to the backyard, to be exact. Bring out blankets, sip hot toddies, and toast marshmallows for gooey s'mores. Someone across the lake will surely be shooting fireworks at midnight!
Cozy Pajama Party Theme
If you're going to be home, you may as well enjoy maximum comfort! Lounge all night in your softest holiday PJs and slippers, sip hot chocolate by the fire, and enjoy some dessert as you watch the ball drop in Times Square on TV.
Be a Bartender Theme Party
We can't think of a better time to take an online mixology class. The evening will fly by, and you'll have an expertly crafted cocktail in hand (made by you!) at midnight to toast the new year!In this MasterClass, learn how to craft cocktails with a James Beard honoree who has been at the forefront of the NYC craft cocktail movement and founder of the world’s best bar.
Home-cooked Dinner Party for Two Theme
Make a memorable dinner together that's worthy of New Year's Eve. Learn first-hand from culinary superstar Alice Waters. Cooking as a couple sounds like a New Year's resolution we can get behind!
Fondue Party Theme
When it's freezing out, sometimes the only answer is cheese. And not just a cheese board, but a piping hot bowl of fondue with plenty of bread, fruits, and vegetables to enjoy it with. Get our Three-Cheese Fondue recipe here, and don't skimp on our Cable-Knit Breadsticks either—they'll go fast!
Midnight Breakfast Party Theme
That's right: You can finish the year off with the most important meal of the day—breakfast. Serve up stacks of pancakes, extra bacon, and of course, bottomless mimosas, with a breakfast-themed New Year's Eve party. Pajamas required!
Wine Tasting Party Theme
Play sommelier for the night. Round up a few bottles of your favorite wines, and have a tasting for two. Create the ultimate cheese board, and whip up other New Year's appetizers to round out the menu.
Holiday Cookie Party Theme
If you didn't get around to baking any Christmas cookies before December 25, now's your chance to get your sugar fix! Your batch doesn't have to be holiday-themed, but if your Christmas decorations are still up, might as well, like these Christmas Light Sugar Cookies.
Game Night Party Theme
Break out the board games, card games, and even video games for a New Year's Eve party full of laughter and friendly competition.
Around the World Dinner Party Theme
Instead of cooking any old New Year's dinner menu, experiment with cuisines from around the world. You might just discover a new dish you love!
Dessert Party Theme
Say goodbye to 2021 in the sweetest way (if that's possible!), and start the new year with a satisfied sweet tooth. Try our gorgeously whimsical Peppermint Icebox Pie for the occasion.
Champagne Party Theme
Toast the arrival of the new year with a champagne theme. Think shimmery silver and gold decorations, and, of course, lots of bubbly. And even if you're staying home, go ahead and dress up for the occasion!
Après-Ski Party Theme
Sure, you may not be at a ski lodge fresh from the slopes, but après-ski means "after ski," so you can definitely turn that vibe into an at-home party theme. Serve champagne, hot toddies, and spiked hot chocolate, and make sure your indoor or outdoor fireplace is going strong to combat the chilly weather (no mountains required!).
Comfort Food Party Theme
What's better than a whole buffet of comfort foods, like this delicious Anchor Steam Mac and Cheese recipe? (After 2021, we could all use some!) Round out the menu with your favorite slow-cooked meat, cornbread, and your favorite dessert, of course!
Tarot Card Reading Party Theme
Look to the cosmos to see what the new year has in store for you. Try an online tarot card reading for yourself and friends who may be scattered in different locations this New Year's Eve.
Pie Swap Party Theme
Everyone loves pie, so why not center your whole New Year's Eve celebration around the delicious dessert? Ask your group of friends or family members to make a pie for someone else and deliver it to their doorstep. Everyone will be surprised and maybe even discover a new favorite, like Double-Crust Apple-Cheddar Pie, Nancy Fuller's Pecan Slab Pie recipe that'll feed 16 people (leftovers!), and other favorite chocolate pie recipes.
Country Karaoke Party Theme
You may not sound like Carrie Underwood, but belting out your favorite country songs always makes for a good time. Surprise your crew by handing out awards for Best Duet, Most Passionate Ballad, Best Spot-On Impersonation, and so forth.
Poker Night Party Theme
Gamble the night away without forfeiting tons of your hard-earned cash. Trade in no more than $20 for poker chips so no one is tempted to bet the farm, and serve offer up easy-to-nibble finger foods and drinks. If you win the jackpot, you're guaranteed bragging rights for all of 2021!
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