At some phases in life, "New Years Eve" is an instant-message for "crazy party". And at other phases, December 31st is a night for festivities that include the kids. Below are ideas for a memorable family New Years Eve.
"First Nights" Family New Years Eve Celebrations
Photo by Susan Cole Kelley, courtesy of First Night Boston.
In Boston, St. Louis, Boulder City, and many more cities, "First Night" events celebrate a family-friendly New Years Eve, with parades, fireworks, and, most of all, performances-- by musicians, dancers, acrobats, you name it. First Nights are low-cost, too. Typically, guests buy and wear a First Night button, which gives admission to all the fun.
Family New Year Celebrations in the Southeast
Photo of First Night Alexandria Fireworks Display: Michael Geissinger
About.com's Guide for Southeast US travel offers a round-up of "First Night" family New Years celebrations in North Carolina, Arkansas, and more.
Family New Year Celebrations in Toronto
Family New Year fun at the Toronto Zoo - photo courtesy of Tourism Toronto.
About.com's Guide for Toronto covers family New Year events, such as Toronto Zoo's Annual New Years Eve with countdown, and Citytv New Years Eve Bash ( a general-age event that's free to attend and free of alcohol). Toronto is also a good place for Christmas windows, and of course has plenty of family-friendly sightseeing --see more about Toronto - Top Things to Do.)
"First Night Bethlehem" Family New Years Eve
Fireworks photo courtesy of Bethlehem PA.
No surprised, that a town named Bethlehem celebrates Christmas in a big way: Bethlehem PA has a giant Christmas market with music, food, crafts, gifts, and much more. And on December 31st, the town throws its family New Years Eve party, "First Night Bethlehem", with music, performing arts, magicians, ice-skating, fireworks...
Hershey PA: Family New Years Eve
Family New Year at Disney World
Photo courtesy of Disney World Resorts.
Throughout December, many special Disney Christmas events take place in Disney World, and December 31st brings a big night of festivities, with fireworks, a special version of IllumiNations at Epcot, live entertainment, and more.
Florida New Years Eve Celebrations
About.com's Guide for Florida Travel highlights family-friendly events in Jacksonville, Orlando and St. Petersburg.Panama City Beach Family New Years Eve
Photo courtesy of Panama City Beach.
Panama City, in Northwest Florida, shines a big spotlight on family New Year fun: street festivities and live entertainment at Pier Park; early in the evening, activities for families include bouncy houses, stilt walkers, live music. A countdown leads up to a Beach Ball Drop, and a grand finale of fireworks. Free to the public; check link above for packages at resorts and condos.
Wilmington and Cape Fear Coast, North Carolina
Giant Lighted Beach Ball, photo courtesy of Wilmington-Cape Fear Coast CVB.
LEGOLAND California Theme Park: Family New Year
Fireworks over Miniland - photo courtesy of LEGOLAND California.
At this theme park in southern California (ideal for ages under 12), celebrations for Holly Jolly Holiday are included with regular admission, and lead up to nightly fireworks in late December and big family New Year bash. Midnight strikes at 6 p.m.; like the famous party in Times Square, there's a countdown and a huge LEGO brick drops 22-feet; performances and fireworks, too.
