If you’re lucky enough to have a birthday near New Year’s Eve, why not combine the two celebrations into one epic bash? A combined New Year’s Eve and birthday party is a genius way to double the fun, bring people together, and create unforgettable memories.
But if you want your party to stand out, you’ll need more than just a countdown and a birthday cake. With the right mix of themes, activities, and entertainment, you can host a party that people will be talking about well into the new year.
Here’s how to make it happen and don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. From themes and games to food and drinks, this guide will give you everything you need to plan the ultimate combo celebration.
Choose a Theme That Suits Both New Year’s Eve and a Birthday Party
A strong party theme sets the tone for the entire event, and when it’s a combo New Year’s Eve and birthday party, you need something that balances both vibes. You want glitz and glam for the New Year, but you also want a personal touch to celebrate the birthday star. Here are a few winning theme ideas that do just that:
1. Pajama Party Paradise
Who says you can’t stay cozy while partying? A pajama party theme is perfect for people who want a more laid-back, intimate vibe. Think fluffy blankets, oversized pillows, and cozy loungewear. Serve hot cocoa, marshmallow-topped treats, and mini pancakes for that "breakfast for dinner" feel. Bonus points if you set up a mini “sleepover station” with slipper giveaways for guests.
2. Masquerade Ball
If you’re aiming for something more elegant, a masquerade ball never fails to impress. It gives guests a chance to dress up in fancy attire while adding a sense of mystery with those iconic masks. Hand out masks at the door or invite guests to create their own as a pre-party activity. Set the mood with dim lighting, candles, and a playlist of classical and modern instrumental music.
3. Decades Party
Time to bring back the '70s, '80s, '90s, or even the 2000s. Ask your guests to come dressed in outfits from their favorite decade (or you can choose the decade for them). From disco balls to denim-on-denim, you’ll have a visually stunning party that also makes for hilarious photo ops. The music playlist writes itself just fill it with hits from the era and watch people sing along.
If you really want to make the party pop, combine the Decades Party theme with the Pick Me Up Game. Imagine people dressed as 90s heartthrobs using the game’s flirty pickup lines. It's a recipe for unforgettable fun.
Get Creative with Games and Activities
Every party needs some entertainment, and when it comes to a combined New Year’s Eve and birthday bash, you’ve got endless possibilities. The goal is to keep everyone engaged, laughing, and moving. Here are some of the best activities for the night:
1. Pick Me Up Game (Perfect for Adults 18+)
If you want your party to be the most talked-about event of the year, you NEED to bring out the Pick Me Up Game. This party game is all about quick rounds of flirty, cheeky, and hilarious pickup lines, making it a hit with small and large groups. Here’s how you can make it work:
- Choose one player as the "Hot Date" each round.
- The other players deliver their best (or most cringe-worthy) pickup lines from the Pick Me Up Game cards.
- The "Hot Date" picks their favorite line, and the winner earns a "Hot Date" scenario card.
- First player to win 3 rounds becomes the "King or Queen of Rizz."
It's simple, fast, and guaranteed to have your guests laughing so hard they forget about the countdown. This is a must-have for your New Year’s Eve birthday bash.
2. New Year’s Resolution Guessing Game
Here's how it works: everyone writes down a New Year’s resolution on a slip of paper (anonymously, of course). Then, you draw them one by one and have guests guess who wrote each one. It’s surprisingly revealing and always leads to fun conversations.
3. DIY Photo Booth with Props
Photo booths are party staples, but you can make yours even better with a DIY touch. Grab a shimmering, metallic backdrop and a few funny New Year’s Eve and birthday-themed props (crowns, hats, and quirky signs). Guests will be snapping away all night, and you’ll have plenty of memories captured.
4. Casino Night
Feeling lucky? Set up mini "casino tables" for simple card games, roulette, or dice games. You don’t need professional equipment just a table, some cards, and a playful competitive spirit. Guests can win small prizes, and you can even turn it into a "birthday casino" where chips can be redeemed for party favors.
Serve Food and Drinks That Match the Vibe
Food and drinks are crucial for any party, but for a combined celebration like this, you’ll want to offer snacks that fit both the birthday and New Year’s Eve themes. Here’s what to serve to keep everyone happy (and full).
1. Signature Birthday-New Year’s Cocktail
Surprise your guests with a custom cocktail that fits the vibe. Name it after the birthday star or call it something clever like "The Midnight Birthday Buzz." Use fun ingredients like edible glitter, fruit-infused vodka, or champagne to give it that festive pop.
2. Mini Birthday Desserts
Instead of one big birthday cake, opt for mini birthday treats like cupcakes, cake pops, or mini cheesecakes. This way, people can grab a quick bite between dancing, games, and chatting. It’s also easier to manage than cutting and serving cake slices.
3. Grazing Table or Snack Bar
People like to snack throughout the night, so set up a grazing table with charcuterie boards, fruit platters, and sweet-and-salty combos. If you want to go all-out, create a “midnight munchies” station with mini burgers, sliders, and fries for guests to enjoy after the countdown.
Add Those "Wow" Moments
If you really want to make the party memorable, you’ll want to add a couple of "wow" moments that surprise and delight your guests. Here’s how to take your party to the next level:
1. Balloon Drop at Midnight
It’s not a New Year’s party without a big moment at midnight. Set up a simple DIY balloon drop using plastic sheeting and tape. Fill it with gold, black, and silver balloons, and release them as the clock strikes 12. It’s magical, simple, and everyone will love it.
2. Birthday Countdown Instead of New Year’s Countdown
Here’s a cheeky twist: Instead of counting down to midnight, count down to the birthday star's "official birthday moment." If their birthday technically begins at 10:23 PM, do a countdown to that exact minute. It’s unexpected and makes the birthday person feel extra special.
3. Mini Fireworks (Safely, of Course)
If you have an outdoor space, consider adding a mini fireworks display or even some sparklers for your guests. The magic of sparklers combined with a birthday cake moment will make for iconic photos.
Don’t Forget the Party Favors
Party favors are often overlooked, but they’re a great way to make your party unforgettable. Here are a few simple yet thoughtful ideas to send your guests home with:
- Mini "Recovery Kits" with aspirin, water bottles, and eye masks.
- Personalized Champagne Bottles with a fun message like "Here’s to 2024!"
- Themed Goodie Bags filled with mini bottles of your signature cocktail, cookies, or mini versions of birthday cake slices.
- "My Phone Number" Cards for singles at the party. It’s cheeky, playful, and fits perfectly with the Pick Me Up Game vibe.
Make It a Night to Remember
Throwing a combined New Year’s Eve and birthday party is all about blending two celebrations into one unforgettable night. From pajama parties to masquerade balls, and from Pick Me Up Game hilarity to countdown surprises, you have everything you need to plan the best party of the year.
With games, food, and a few surprise moments, your guests will leave feeling like they just attended a party that was way more fun than the average New Year’s Eve gathering.
If you’re looking to add a fun, cheeky twist to your party that guarantees non-stop entertainment, make sure you have the Pick Me Up Game ready to go. It’s the ultimate way to crown your “King or Queen of Rizz” while keeping the whole group engaged.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start planning. Just remember, you’re not throwing just a New Year’s Eve party you’re throwing a night that no one will forget. So get your game on, plan that midnight balloon drop, and let the fun begin.
