How to add colour to New Year celebrations at home

Hyderabad: This New Year’s Eve, there are those who are planning to go out and celebrate and others who want to bring in 2026 on a quieter note in the company of family and close friends. Some want to avoid the cold weather, a few are just recovering from the effects of cold, virus, and pollution, and many prefer to be homebound to spend time with elderly parents and young children.

With all the changes over the last few years, New Year’s Eve celebrations have come in all forms. Whether you’re at home, on the town, or hanging with family, there’s no shortage of things to do on New Year’s Eve . However, you choose to spend New Year’s Eve this year, with a casual movie night with family or go all out with a full party with friends, here are stay-at-home New Year’s Eve ideas that will help you count down to 2026 in style.

Cook A Dish at Home

Considering that ordering your favorite meal on New Year’s Eve often costs more, it’s a good idea to splurge a little and prepare your favorite meal for dinner to enjoy with family, with delicious starters and a light main dish, plus a dessert.

Make New Year’s Resolutions Together

Do a quick recap of what has happened in the past year and share it to have a good laugh. Then get out a piece of paper and plan things to do on New Year at home before midnight and set your resolutions or intentions for the New Year, such as what you hope to achieve. You can even make resolutions as a family or group of friends and find partners to keep you accountable in the upcoming 12 months, like exercising or starting a new hobby.

Play Board Games

For a more chill and fun evening, invite a few friends and family over to play some games. You might not be able to gather everyone to come to your home, but don’t let that stop your fun. You could consider hosting a virtual game night specifically designed for New Year’s Eve for your crew and set a time and a virtual platform where each person can log on. Check out online in areas like Pinterest and more that can give you some great ideas for New Year's party games.

Hold a Countdown

Kids and adults love the countdown at the final hours, minutes, and seconds of the old year. Blow up several balloons with the hours left (say Three Hours to Go, Two Hours to Go, and so on) and let your kids, friends, and family take turns to pop them as each hour passes.

Watch a Funny Movie or Favorite TV Show

Pop in a movie you already have at home, light a few candles, grab some snacks, and park yourself on the couch until the New Year. This is also a good time to watch some old home videos and reminisce on the good times.

Prepare Festive Cocktails

A fun New Year’s Eve celebration is only as good as the drink you choose to toast when midnight approaches. So, for this special occasion, stock up on all your favorite drinks and mixers so you will have plenty of options. You can also whip up some festive cocktails or mix your go-to drink. For children and those who don’t drink, make some tasty mocktails. The idea is to have a delicious drink at hand for the night.

Dance to This Year’s Hits

Loosen up, turn up the music, turn down the lights, and dance in your living room with friends and family. You can always spice up the New Year’s Eve party at home and engage in a karaoke battle, and see who wins.

Hyderabad citizens who are staying home this year

Manognya Reddy, retired from Oracle India, says, “We have stayed home or close to home with friends for years. Not interested in loud music, crackers, or traffic snarls. Just a quiet way to usher in the new year!”

Vijaya Naidu, Home maker, says, “Every new year it's a celebration for us to be snug and cozy with our near and dear at home. We relax with our favourite drinks and food. There is no rush, no noise, and this evening is filled with the togetherness of loved ones. The Music is of our choice, we dance to glorify our past, and making merry is what we look forward to. We have arranged a barbecue corner for hot kebabs this year. “

Sudha Durbha, Home maker, says, “We are planning to stay home as I have elderly parents to take care of. Would like to spend the evening calmly and peacefully. Will watch some programs on the TV, wish all the family and friends, and get set for another beautiful day.”

Waquas Ahmad,33, of Sapala Organics Private Limited, says, “I would like to stay home and enjoy time with my wife and son. Being a private corporate employee, spending a day with my family is more important than any other activity in the world for me.”

Sangeeta Dhawan says, I have been at home for the last 5 years on New Year’s Eve.

Staying home for me for New Year's offers a cozy, intimate, and stress-free way to welcome the new year, allowing for meaningful reflection and bonding with loved ones through fun activities like movie marathons, themed dinners (fondue, DIY pizzas), games, or virtual celebrations, while avoiding crowds and the hassles of going out, proving it's a festive alternative to big parties. I watch the TV too. One is safe and comfy at home. Can dress up or dress down the way u want to. Dance away the blues and have all the fun until midnight, and then wish one and all family and friends.

KhusrouVakil, CEO, Medisun medical products, says, “We propose to spend New Year's Eve at home as there would be many challenges to visit a hotel or restaurant with all the kinds of restrictions imposed by the police. We will have a barbecue in our small garden with my daughter’s family and my son’s family, and we also propose to bring in the New Year by raising a toast with champagne. We will have exotic meats with typical Parsee cuisine. Children will entertain us with Tombolo and karaoke music.

And at the stroke of 12, our grandchildren will cut the cake and distribute it to all the members of our family.”