New Year’s Celebration Ideas for Phoenix Kids- FREE Vision Board Worksheet Printable

New Year’s celebrations don’t have to be loud, late, or overwhelming to be memorable; especially for kids! With a little creativity, you can ring in the new year in a way that feels fun, magical, and meaningful for the whole family.

Whether you’re celebrating on December 31st or hosting a “Noon Year’s Eve” party, here are some of our favorite kid-friendly New Year’s celebration ideas, including a special printable to help kids dream big for the year ahead. Here's some ideas from a Phoenix local!

Host a Kid-Friendly New Year’s Countdown

Kids love the excitement of a countdown, just not always at midnight!

Ideas to try:

• Do a noon or early evening countdown

• Use a YouTube countdown video or make your own balloon countdown

• Celebrate with confetti poppers, bubbles, or ribbon wands

• Let kids dress up in sparkles, costumes, or pajamas

Finish the countdown with cheers, music, and a fun family dance party.

Create a New Year’s Craft Station

Set up a simple craft table where kids can create and celebrate at the same time.

Popular New Year’s crafts include:

• Party hats or crowns

• Firework paintings

• Noise makers

• Memory jars (write favorite moments from the past year)

Craft stations are perfect for playdates, parties, or a cozy celebration at home.

Make a Kids 2026 Vision Board

One of our favorite New Year’s traditions is helping kids reflect and dream forward—without pressure.

Our Kids 2026 Vision Board Worksheet is a fun, age-appropriate way for children to:

• Choose a word for the year (like kind, brave, or creative)

• Set simple goals for learning, fun, and friendship

• Draw or glue pictures of what they hope for

• Practice positive self-talk and confidence

This activity works beautifully as:

• A New Year’s Day family activity

• A classroom or homeschool lesson

• A party craft for New Year’s celebrations

Download the Kids 2026 Vision Board Worksheet here and let kids color, decorate, and proudly display it all year long.

Plan a New Year’s Treat Table

Celebrate the new year with kid-approved snacks that feel special.

Fun ideas:

• “Midnight” cupcakes with sprinkles

• Fruit sparklers with star shapes

• Hot cocoa or “champagne” apple juice

• Cookie decorating with gold and silver icing

Pair treats with a countdown and you’ve got an instant celebration!

Start the Year with Kindness & Gratitude

New Year’s is a great time to gently introduce gratitude and kindness in a way kids understand.

Try:

• Sharing one thing you loved about the past year

• Writing kind notes for family members

• Talking about ways to help others in the new year

• Letting kids set a kindness goal (like helping at home or using kind words)

These small conversations help kids feel confident and connected.

Add a Little Pixie Dusted Magic

Want to make your New Year’s celebration extra special? Turn it into an event with:

• A character visit

• A themed tea party

• A guided craft or vision board activity

• Music, dancing, and interactive games

At Phoenix's Pixie Dusted Party, we love helping families start the year with joy, imagination, and a little sparkle.

Celebrate the New Year the Kid Way

New Year’s with kids is all about connection, creativity, and celebration not staying up late. With simple activities, meaningful traditions, and our Kids Vision Board Printable, you can start the year feeling excited, intentional, and full of magic.

Here’s to a bright, joyful, and dream-filled new year!