And once again, a year has passed—do you also feel like time is flying by? All the more reason to pause, reflect on the beautiful moments, and celebrate the end of the year properly. Especially for children, New Year's Eve is an exciting occasion: there are fireworks, a big meal, and a very special atmosphere in the air. Sometimes, it’s not even easy to stay awake until midnight. :) Here are some tips for spending a wonderful New Year's Eve with your child—from activity ideas to recipes for a delicious New Year's Eve meal.

What should you keep in mind for New Year's Eve with children?

What your New Year's Eve celebration at home looks like mainly depends on the age of your little explorer. If you celebrate New Year's Eve with your baby , they will probably sleep most of the time. That means, as on all other days: be considerate. For example, you could end the year with a relaxed meal with your loved ones. With a baby monitor at the dining table, you'll hear when your baby needs you. It’s important to keep your baby’s usual sleep pattern even on New Year's Eve. If it’s close to midnight and your baby is sleeping soundly, you shouldn’t wake them intentionally. The chances of starting the year with a tired, crying baby in your arms are quite high. :) However, if your baby wakes up because of the fireworks, it’s better to watch the spectacle from the window rather than going outside. The noise and smoke can irritate your baby’s hearing or respiratory system—the same applies to sparklers, by the way.

If your little explorer is a bit older, you can consider a short vacation for New Year's Eve. Many hotels offer special New Year's Eve celebrations for parents and children. This way, you can enjoy a real highlight at the end of the year. But whether you're going on vacation or celebrating at home, you should include your child in the New Year's Eve planning . Because, as you probably remember from your own childhood, sitting at the adults' table all evening is pretty boring. Celebrate New Year's Eve with friendly parents so your child has a playmate. We have some activity ideas ready for you—but first, be sure to plan rest breaks throughout the evening. This helps prevent your little explorer from getting overtired from staying up late and the festive excitement.

Activities for children on New Year's Eve

Games

Playing is a wonderful way to pass the time. In addition to the board, dice, and card games you already have at home, New Year's Eve can be a bit more extravagant. A party ensures an especially great atmosphere. For a fashion show , dress up with everything you can find—the crazier, the better. :) For a bit of action, try "" Orange Rolls ": everyone places an orange on the floor and tries to roll it into a target using only their nose. Want more guessing games? Then pantomime is perfect. Choose a category, such as "Animals." Now everyone imitates an animal, and the others have to guess what it is.

Photoshoot

New Year's Eve is a great opportunity for a photoshoot with family and friends. A lovely idea is to recreate the same end-of-year photo every year: same people, same outfit, same pose. This way, you can capture wonderful memories over the years and look back on how small your little explorer once was. Of course, there’s still plenty of time during the evening to take other pictures, too. How about a challenge ?! Have your child collect funny accessories, which you then style together. The funniest picture wins!

Crafting for New Year's Eve

Making New Year's Eve decorations is a great activity, and your child will be thrilled when their artwork becomes the eye-catcher of the evening. We have four craft ideas for you to help you celebrate the New Year in a festive way:

Recipes for a New Year's Eve dinner with children

Raclette

New Year's Eve and raclette—they simply belong together. :) As soon as your little explorer learns more and participates more in family meals , raclette can make its way to the table, too. Most children enjoy filling their own little pan. To reduce the risk of burns , it’s best if you handle the hot parts. And what can go on the raclette grill? Everything your child has been allowed since the introduction to complementary feeding —including treats like vegetables , pre-cooked noodles, beef , or salmon . When it comes to the cheese, use a little less so no hot cheese sticks to the palate. It’s best to check the temperature again before eating. For a sweet finish, you can fill the small pans with pancake batter and garnish as desired with apple or banana pieces.

Pizza Lollies

A great snack that’s quick to prepare. For the pizza lollipops, you need:

• 2 ready-made pizza doughs from the refrigerated section

• 2 glasses of tomato sauce

• 100 g salami or vegan cold cuts

• 200 g grated cheese

• 100 g fresh spinach

• 200 g feta

• Wooden skewers

Here's how:

1. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can remove the included parchment paper, as it is usually too small.

2. Spread the tomato sauce on the dough, then top it with the salami and grated cheese. Top the second dough with feta and spinach.

3. Roll up the topped dough tightly from the long side and press the end together slightly.

4. Cut the dough roll into thin slices and place them on the baking paper.

5. Bake the pizza rolls at 200°C for about 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Take the tray out of the oven and insert the wooden skewers into the dough while it’s still hot.

Good luck piglet

These cute lucky pigs bring good luck in the new year. You need this:

• 1 organic lemon

• 200 g curd cheese

• 8 tbsp milk

• 1 egg white and 1 yolk

• 8 tbsp oil

• 100 g sugar

• 1 packet of vanilla sugar

• 400 g flour

• 1/2 package of baking powder

• Sugar eyes

Here's how:

1. Wash the lemon thoroughly and grate some zest. Mix the zest with quark, 6 tbsp milk, egg, oil, sugar, and vanilla sugar, then combine the mixture with flour and baking powder to form a smooth batter.

2. Mix the egg yolk with 2 tbsp milk.

3. Roll out the dough on a floured work surface to about 0.5 cm thick.

4. Now cut out circles with a round cutter (an alternative is a drinking glass). Leave some dough aside to form small circles for the nose and semicircles for the ears. Press both onto the heads and make two holes in the nose.

5. Brush the unbaked lucky pigs with the egg wash.

6. Bake the lucky pigs at 175 °C (top and bottom heat) for about 10 minutes.

7. Take the cookies out of the oven as soon as they are golden brown. After cooling, you can add the sugar eyes.

We wish you a wonderful New Year's Eve celebration and a happy New Year!