This post is by our regular contributor, Kristi.
Tired of spending money? I know I am.
Especially after gift-giving and string of holiday parties, my bank account always feels a bit too light for comfort this time of the year, even though I do my best to keep it frugal.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to celebrate the New Year, though. There are some great, inexpensive, and seriously fun and frugal ways to watch the old year fade and embrace the new.
Whether you host or attend a party, or keep it low key this year, here are 16 cheap ways to ring in 2016.
1) Order-in potluck party
Let’s be real. No one wants to cook anymore by the time the New Year rolls in. From Thanksgiving to Christmas and parties and potlucks in between, we’re all spent, both figuratively and literally in the kitchen.
Instead of asking everyone to cook, invite your closest friends over and have every order their favorite dish of take-out. It should cost everyone no more than $8-$12 each to contribute to the order in potluck party.
2) Multicultural New Year’s tradition party
There are some crazy New Year traditions around the world. For example, in Spain, they eat 12 grapes, one at each chime of midnight. In Denmark, they smash porcelain plates against the doors of their friends. Pick a few of your favorites and celebrate a multi-cultural New Year.
3) Tapas party
Finger foods and appetizer style foods are cheaper and easier to prepare than providing big, hearty dishes. They also create a more social atmosphere for your New year party.
4) Roaring 20s party
Encourage your guests to come dressed up in suspenders and feather-tipped headbands. Dance to Jazz and imbibe in “bootleg” liquor.
5) New Year’s ball at home
Tickets to New Year balls cost upwards of $100 each. Host a “ball” at your home instead and ask your guests to come dressed in their finest.
6) Wine tasting party
Provide a plate of fruit, cheese, and crackers but ask your guests to bring their favorite bottle of wine. Open up every bottle and have a wine tasting party.
7) White elephant party
Did you get a useless trinket or ugly sweater for Christmas? Now’s your chance to offload it on friends. Everyone brings an item to re-gift through a white elephant party as you wait for midnight.
8) Dessert Party
Plan on eating right in the New Year? Milk the last of 2015 for everything it’s worth. Pick up a cake, pie, or some cookies and have a dessert party as a last hurrah of sweets.
If you like to bake, be sure to include Vasilopita, the traditional Greek New Year’s cake that is baked with a charm or coin hidden inside and served at midnight. The person who receives the slice with the coin will have good fortune throughout the New Year.
9) Movie marathon
Pop some popcorn and watch every movie of the Lord of the Rings or binge watch your favorite TV show on Netflix. Pause at midnight to kiss your significant other, then fall asleep in a popcorn and cheese-puff-induced movie marathon coma.
10) Fondue party
Everyone likes fondue. Chocolate fondue is super easy and inexpensive to make too. It’s just three ingredients: chocolate, cream, and salt. Just melt your own chocolate fondue on the stovetop or in the microwave and pick up some dippables, like marshmallows, a bunch of bananas, and a box of vanilla wafers or graham crackers.
11) Board game night
You don’t have to dust off your boring monopoly set to have a board game night. Cards Against Humanity, Never Have I Ever, and Telestrations are perfect for an adults-only New Year parties, and they will all have you rolling with laughter.
12) Local fireworks/New Year’s events
Take advantage of your nearest local fireworks display. Pack a midnight picnic of chocolate covered strawberries and champagne (or sparkling cider if you’re driving), and snuggle up with a blanket to watch the fireworks with your significant other.
13) Bonfire and fireworks party
Don’t have a fireworks display near you? Then you’re probably out in the country where you can put on your own pyrotechnic party. Make sure to follow your state’s rules on fireworks, though, since the bigger ones aren’t legal in every state.
If all else fails, have a bonfire and celebrate the New Year with sparklers and confetti poppers.
14) Sleepover party
Who says sleepovers are just for kids? Invite your friends to celebrate the New Year without having to worry about how they’ll get home after enjoying the party. Everyone can partake in that third glass of wine without worrying. Make sure to pick up some fruit and bagels for your guests in the morning.
15) Classic NYC ball drop party
Whether you live in the Big Apple and can attend or you just watch the celebration on TV, it doesn’t quite seem like New Years without watching the Times Square ball drop.
16) Quiet date night
The holiday season can get overwhelming. Don’t feel guilty for wanting to ring in the New Year with a quiet night in. Watch your favorite movie, cook your favorite meal, or simply order in pizza. Have a low-key night and start the New Year feeling rested.
Stay safe!
Whatever you decide to do to celebrate the New Year, stay safe. If you enjoy the New Year’s parties a bit too much, call a taxi or Uber ride instead of driving home under the influence. There’s nothing frugal about paying court costs and lawyer fees for a DUI.
How are you celebrating the New Year?
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I am going to be in Cancun over the new years and it’s the first time in my adult life I have been on vacation during winter break! I cannot wait. We will probably just watch the ball drop on television because I’m sure my kids will crash before midnight.
I pretty much have the cheapest NYE of all. I just rent a movie from redbox and eat a home cooked meal!
Beachbudget You know what you’re doing, Tonya! New Year’s Eve is typically my least favorite holiday. Lots of high expectations for it to be an awesome night. I’m not opposed to NYE parties and bigger gatherings, they just never seem to work out as planned.
New Year’s is probably my least favorite “holiday”. If you try and go out for New Year’s every place jacks up prices and it costs a fortune. These are great ideas! Once I have my own place (no rommates), I’ll start hosting a potluck!
We don’t really do anything for New Year’s Eve unless someone we know is throwing a party. But we do have a white elephant party that a friend throws every Boxing Day. It’s a lot of fun, and more people should do it.
Some great suggestions. I particularly like the idea of a Movie Marathon. Instead of Lord of the Rings, perhaps I’ll settle in for a long night of the Alien series.
holly@clubthrifty.com That sounds like an awesome start to the New Year!!! Have fun!
Beachbudget Sounds much like my night will be! Low key and almost free =]
ferventfinance It’s true, a lot of restaurants do tend to jack up the prices. If you go during granny hours (3-5) you can get some great deals though.
AbigailP We’re not doing anything except maybe ordering in, watching a movie, and pausing to watch the ball drop (if I make it that late!) Someday when the kids are older I will actually do some of the things on this list =]
RetirementSavvy Oh heck no! The alien movies scare the bejeebies out of me. Have fun!
I haven’t made a final decision on what I’m doing for NYE. I may try one of these suggestions.
Okay I feel sort of lame, because my boyfriend and I always stay in on NYE. We Netflix or watch a blu-ray movie and make dinner at home, and drink hot cocoa. It’s so cheesy. Sometimes I feel like we’re an elderly couple when we should be going out at our age on NYE. haha.
We honestly find it comfy so that’s why we stick with it. Maybe we’re old souls? =)
I think that people get carried away on New Years. You do not have to spend a ton of money to enjoy the evening. The point it sharing the event with people you care most about. I love the fondue night. I will definitely consider that for next year! Thank you for sharing.