11 fun ways to celebrate New Year's Eve at home during the COVID-19 pandemic

Not a fan of staying up late? Start the party early with a New Year’s Eve brunch that includes a festive spread of some of your favorite breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles, crepes, omelettes, and bacon! Don’t forget the mimosa's!

Pajama party? Onesie party? Blacklight party? Masquerade party? New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to dress up, even if it’s just to sit on the couch.

If you’ve had plenty of “loved it, couldn’t wear it” outfits in your closet this year, this is the time to give them a spin. You may also use this as an excuse to buy a shiny new outfit.

Top it off with some sparkly evening makeup to go along with those fancy hors d'oeuvres and/or charcuterie board.

A low-key celebration can easily be taken to the next level with some decorations! You’re setting the mood not only for the night but for the rest of the year, so make it count!

Throw up some streamers to brighten up the room, get NYE-themed plates and cup for snacks, grab noisemakers and party hats, and if you’re feeling really extra, get some confetti poppers and sparklers for the countdown at midnight!

Pop the popcorn and host an all-night movie marathon! While there aren’t quite as many New Year’s Eve movies as there are Christmas films, there’s still plenty to watch to celebrate the “out with the old, in with the new.”

2011’s ensemble comedy aptly titled “New Year’s Eve” is always a go-to. You can opt for a classic like “Sleepless in Seattle” or for something a little more glitzy like “The Great Gatsby” starring Leo DiCaprio!

It’s the year of the “Zoom,” so why stop now? Just because you can’t be with your friends and family in person doesn’t mean you can’t connect and countdown to 2021 together. NYE is the perfect time to call your loved ones and host a virtual party. To make it even more special, ask everyone to dress up for the occasion!

You’re toasting to a new year, so you better make sure you have a good drink in hand. This is the time to put your mixology skills to the test by creating the perfect “hello 2021” cocktail/mocktail.

Try Sip Clean for a non-alcoholic rosé or choose from the variety of chic and delicious champagne-based drinks.

The French Pear Martini includes chilled champagne, pear vodka, and elderflower liqueur. The Rosemary 75 Champagne Cocktail changes color right in front of your eyes and consists of gin, brut champagne, rosemary simple syrup, and pea flower extract.

Or you can try the Pomegranate Cranberry Champagne Punch with champagne, cranberry reduction, and pomegranate juice!

2020 has been a hard year. Turn down the lights (and if you have some disco or strobe lights, turn those bad boys on) and let loose with a dance party with those in your immediate household. In other words, dance like nobody's watching.

If you want to take it to the next level, grab a microphone (or remote control) and unleash your inner Beyoncé as your belt out your favorite tunes. Here's some inspiration!

A little game of “whodunit” never hurt nobody. And who doesn’t love a murder mystery party? If you can’t get everyone in the same room, you can turn to My Mystery Party who host virtual murder mystery events.

There’s even a party called “When the Clock Strikes Murder” that’s perfect for NYE. The games are formatted and tested to be played on Zoom, Google Hangout, etc. and can fit 40+ people!

Throw it back to your childhood by gathering everyone for a slightly-competitive board game. You can play Monopoly, Life, Clue, or opt for something more interactive like Twister. Don’t forget about adult card games like Cards Against Humanity, Never Have I Ever, or Do or Drink. Everyone will be laughing and enjoying themselves in no time!