Are you planning a New Year's Eve party and looking for exciting game ideas for adults? Then you've come to the right place! We've put together the best New Year's Eve games for you that are guaranteed to get your guests in the mood and get them excited. From fun drinking games to creative party games, there's something for everyone. So grab your friends, open the champagne and let's celebrate the New Year together!
Classic drinking games with a new twist
No New Year's Eve is complete without a couple of sophisticated drinking games! But why not try something new? Here are some ideas on how you can spice up classic games:
- "21 Drink Fun"An exciting variation of the popular card game "21". For every win with a score of 21, players have to overcome fun challenges. Perfect for getting the party going! You can find the game here.
- New Year's Eve BingoCreate bingo cards with typical New Year's Eve events (e.g. "Someone spills champagne", "Dinner for One is quoted"). Whoever has a row full first gets to hand out a shot.
- Countdown shots: Prepare 12 shot glasses and fill them with different drinks. From 23:48, one shot is drunk every minute - until the toast is raised at midnight!
Action games for more movement
So that your guests don't just sit around, these games ensure action and laughter:
- Balloon challengeEach guest gets an inflated balloon clamped between their knees. Now everyone has to try to burst the others' balloons without using their hands. The last one with an intact balloon wins!
- New Year's Eve LimboStretch a rope across the room. Everyone has to walk under it without touching it. After each round, the rope is stretched lower. If you don't make it, you have to drink.
- Wall PongAn ingenious combination of darts and beer pong! Perfect for putting your coordination to the test - especially after a few drinks. Check out the game here.
Creative New Year's Eve games
Get your guests' creativity flowing with these entertaining game ideas:
- New Year's resolution pantomimeEveryone writes a funny New Year's resolution on a piece of paper. The slips of paper are shuffled and everyone has to draw one in turn and pantomime it. Whoever guesses it gets a sip.
- New Year's Eve tabooLike the classic taboo, but with New Year's Eve-related terms. It's particularly funny when typical words such as "year", "new" or "fireworks" are taboo!
- "Drawing Without Dignity"A hilarious drawing game in which your dignity definitely falls by the wayside - perfect for an exuberant New Year's Eve party! Find out more about the game here.
New Year's Eve challenges for brave party guests
We have a few special challenges for all those who like to go above and beyond:
- Ice cube challengeEach participant gets an ice cube. Whoever can hold theirs in their hand the longest without dropping it wins. The losers have to drink a shot.
- Fireworks roulette: Prepare various shots, including a particularly spicy one (e.g. with Tabasco). Everyone has to drink a shot without knowing which one is the "firework shot".
- "Buzz Wire" drinking gameA shaky challenge that puts your stamina to the test. Perfect to start the new year with an extra dose of thrills! You can watch it here.
New Year's Eve games for large groups
Have you invited lots of guests? No problem! These games are perfect for larger groups:
| Play | Number of players | Material required |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Eve Bingo | Unlimited | Homemade bingo cards, pens |
| Balloon challenge | 5-20 | Balloons |
| New Year's resolution pantomime | 6-30 | Slips of paper, pens |
| "Quick and Dirty" | 4-20+ | Card game |
The card game "Quick and Dirty" is particularly recommended for large groups. With three different game modes, it is super flexible and is guaranteed to make people laugh and come up with crazy answers. You can find more information about the game here.
Romantic games for couples on New Year's Eve
Are you celebrating New Year's Eve just the two of you? We have a few suitable game ideas for that too:
- Midnight kiss challengeSet a timer for 60 seconds. Kiss for as long as possible without laughing. Whoever laughs first must fulfill one of the other's wishes.
- Joint resolutionsTake it in turns to write down funny or romantic resolutions for the New Year. Shuffle the slips of paper and take turns. The other person has to guess who wrote the resolution.
- "Dizzy Date" card gameAn exciting drinking game especially for couples. With 100 funny and intimate cards, it brings a breath of fresh air into your relationship - perfect for a romantic New Year's Eve! Find more details about the game here.
New Year's Eve games without alcohol
Of course, not every game has to involve alcohol. Here are a few ideas for alcohol-free entertainment:
| Play | Description | Material required |
|---|---|---|
| Make a time capsule | Each guest writes a message or prediction for the coming year. Everything is sealed in a box and only opened next New Year's Eve. | Box, paper, pens |
| New Year's Eve quiz | Create a quiz with questions about the past year (events, celebrities, etc.). Whoever answers the most questions correctly wins a prize. | Prepared quiz questions, prizes |
| Make wish rockets | Make paper "wish rockets" together and write your wishes for the New Year on them. At midnight, they are symbolically "ignited". | Construction paper, pens, glue |
Conclusion: These New Year's Eve games will make your party unforgettable!
With this selection of New Year's Eve games for adults, you're guaranteed an atmospheric and entertaining party. From classic drinking games to active challenges and creative group activities, there's something for everyone. Remember to adapt the games to your guests and the size of the room. And of course: party responsibly and look after your fellow players.
If you're looking for more inspiration for your New Year's Eve party, take a look at our collection of drinking games for adults for adults. Or browse through our unusual party games for even more variety. For outdoor fans, we also have a selection of fun party games for outdoors.
No matter which games you choose - with the right attitude and good company, your New Year's Eve party is guaranteed to be a complete success. With this in mind: Happy New Year and have fun celebrating! 🎊🥳
New Year's Eve games for adults: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which New Year's Eve games are particularly suitable for large groups?
Games such as New Year's Eve bingo, the balloon challenge or "quick and dirty" are particularly suitable for large groups. These games are easy to explain, great fun and can easily be played with many participants.
Are there also New Year's Eve games without alcohol?
Yes, there are lots of great New Year's Eve games without alcohol. For example, making a time capsule, a New Year's Eve quiz or making wish rockets together. These games provide entertainment and promote cohesion within the group, all without alcohol.
What romantic games can couples play on New Year's Eve?
Couples can play romantic games on New Year's Eve, such as the midnight kiss challenge or making joint resolutions. Card games such as "Dizzy Date" or "Date Night Questions" are also perfect for an intimate New Year's Eve for two.
