New Year’s Eve is just around the corner (we’re truly ready to kiss 2024 goodbye), and if you're not planning to party like you're 17, we feel you. No need to trek across the city for that house party, and certainly no need to get stuck in traffic. To celebrate without the drama, while staying safe and sound, here are some New Year's plans that don’t require dressing up—or even being in town. So for all you Humbugs (which, by the way, we fully approve of), here are some fun ways to ring in 2025 quietly, with just the right amount of revelry, so you can wake up without a hangover in the New Year!
12 New Year's Eve Activities To Elevate The Festivities
Sign Up For A Staycation
Instead of simply Netflixing and chilling at your humble abode, we recommend a getaway that doesn’t take you far from Bangalore. Plan a staycation and cosy up in the lover’s nest of your choice while you count down to the New Year. If you're planning a big, extravagant gesture and want to treat yourself, The Oberoi is an excellent choice. Alternatively, you could enjoy a Spanish-Mangalorean villa with an open terrace shower right here in Koramangala at Casabianca. For those on a shoestring budget, or those who want to spend New Year's with a bit of community spirit, an Airbnb will work splendidly.
Watch The Sun Set On 2024
Bid adieu to 2024 by catching a spectacular sunset at the Hebbal Lake, one of the city’s most serene spots. Or perhaps you want to stay in town at Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake. Then, head out for a long drive or check into a resort (like this one) that’s not far away from the city. Or pick from these, especially if you're with fam. They are less than 50 kilometres from town. For those of you who insist on an adventure, at the break of dawn, catch the sunrise at Nandi Hills or at the peak of these hiking trails. See, the best New Year plans are ones that lead you to nature!
Cosy Up With Bae
Prefer a cosier setting? Then whisk your love away for a meal to remember. Bangalore is dotted with romantic restaurants (you can take a cue from this list, which is sure to be dolled up for the special occasion). Order an indulgent meal in a gorgeous setting, and you're sure to get the good lovin’ on New Year’s Eve. If they aren’t sold out, we suggest booking yourself a table at Grasshopper. Feasting with loved ones is the best way to celebrate the New Year, if you ask us!
Pamper Yourself
Had a rough year and don’t want to do anything but vegetate? Great plan! Look and feel as bright as a daisy as you (and your partner/pal/fam) welcome 2024. The best way to achieve that dazzling look is to check yourself into a spa in town. Spas often offer couples' packages, where you and your loved one can get pampered to no end. Or going solo works great too! You could choose from these 15 spots, or check out Meraki, which caters to a range of budgets and has multiple locations across Bangalore. You'll be as ready as you can be to take on 2024.
Rent Out A Movie Theatre
This one is our favourite this year! Bring out the gang and do exactly what you'd do at home, but on a bigger scale. And with a massive screen! With a whopping 135-inch screen, a pro-level Dolby Atmos sound system for that theatre experience, and 13 seats for you and your crew to fill, this space is available for rent for a show lasting 3.5 hours. Pick any movie the squad wants, and then go around watching each one's favourite—if it's available on streaming platforms, of course. Take your own food (copious amounts of popcorn to start with), and then sit back and relax. Read more about it here.
Play Games At This Resort
If you want to leave the world behind and indulge in a day of unadulterated fun, check into Area 83. Located off Bannerghatta Road, this expansive property lets you do everything from paintball to bubble soccer. Best of all, you can play foosball—but not just any foosball. You and your squad turn into the players, making it human foosball! Giant swings and human slingshots will also get your heart pumping. But if you want a moment of serenity, you can go kayaking on the waters of the gorgeous lake on the property. Read more about it here.
Escape From An...Escape Room
If you want to round up the squad without having to get drunk and spend too much money, pick a slot (or two) at live escape rooms across the city. The Amazing Escape in Indiranagar is great if you want realistic and scary scenarios, while the Escape Room in Koramangala is another favourite.
At Home Date Night
Though dinners at cafes and restaurants are a ten-out-of-ten plan, a cute, cosy, and quiet date night at home with some flowers, delicious food, and your partner is a comfortable, homely, and budget-friendly option. This plan is simple to execute, very low-maintenance, and honestly perfect for homebodies (like me!). Here's our recommendation for the wine that will help elevate the whole experience. You can order flowers, light candles, and enjoy the full candlelight vibe, all in the comfort of your home.
Card Night With The Homies
For some of us, card games are always a jolly good time, where laughter, fun, nostalgia, and competitiveness unfold. It’s also a very economical plan—an opportunity to gather your favourite people and revel in the good old days, where real conversation happens and no one is drowning in their screens.
A Skype With Loved Ones
If you're celebrating the New Year away from home, the only plan that makes sense is to spend some quality time video-calling your favourite people, no matter where they are in the world. You can cook some great food for yourself, reflect on the past year, and exchange learnings and goals for the upcoming one. We highly recommend this activity with all of your friends.
Hire A Private Chef
This idea is perfect for someone who wants to have an elevated dining experience in the comfort of their home. Hiring a private chef to cook five-star level food for you while you enjoy and cherish the time with your loved ones is a great way to host a simple yet sophisticated get-together and welcome the New Year in the most relaxed and charming way.
Read!
This is a tried-and-tested, fail-proof, ten-across-the-board idea for all our introverts out there. Just sit with your favourite book and wine, snuggled up in your bed, as the clock strikes 12. And as they say, you set the energy and vibe for the entire year on its first day, so logically, you’ll be meeting your reading goals in 2025. Here are some of our book recommendations that you can check out!
