14 New Year’s Eve Party Theme Ideas

There’s so much pressure around New Year’s Eve! The following is a list of our favorite New Year’s Eve party theme ideas for every kind of party animal: those who will be in bed by 10, as well as those who can’t wait to cut loose until dawn.

Everyone wants to make sure you’re doing it “right” — should you party down or spend the evening meditating on the upcoming year? A black-tie affair or a casual night with friends and family? When you’re the one making the plans, sometimes inspiration needs a little spark.

Once you’ve decided how to celebrate, decide where to do so with Peerspace. It’s a comprehensive guide to unexpected, exciting venues for parties, meetings, office retreats, and social events in metro areas across the country. Between these incredible ideas and a stunning Peerspace venue, you’ll have the party of the century. To illustrate the point further, we’ll include information about real Peerspace venues that we think would be a great match for each party idea. Enjoy!

1. Throw the slumber party of the (new) year

Feeling wiped out by the holiday season? Then why not host a cozy and warm PJ party? Encourage your guests to don attire of snuggly flannel and adult-sized onesies, and spend the evening playing cards and board games. The menu doesn’t get any simpler: serve a combination of sweet and salty snacks, such as cookies, popcorn, and sweet, spiced nuts. A hot cocoa bar with stir-ins and toppings (spiked or not) is just the right special touch. 

To execute this idea to perfection, why not book this huge 4,000-square-foot event loft in Philadelphia, PA? This totally mod five-bed Fishtown retreat includes four TVs, ping pong and billiards tables, a gourmet kitchen, a popcorn machine, and a Jacuzzi. It’s the perfect mix of party and relaxation, all in one big, beautiful space.

2. Host a more mystical New Year’s Eve celebration

Have a mystical end to an otherwise busy year and invite the best vibes in 2025. First, have your guests write resolutions on scraps of paper and release them into the night. You can also opt to burn sage to drive away negativity. And finally, open all of the doors and windows and bang drums and gongs to let the old year escape.

Are superstitions real? Well, does it matter? This is one of the most low-key New Year’s Eve party theme ideas. And you can bring yours to life at these exotic, serene gardens and events space in Scottsdale, AZ. It comprises gardens, koi ponds, bamboo forests, and an otherworldly dining space. To make it even more unique, make sure your party incorporates one or two international NYE superstitions!

3. Plan a delectable Italian-inspired New Year’s Eve

Every culture has its own traditions about how to ring in the new year. An Italian New Year’s party theme is just one example of the many options! Of course, it’ll be centered around food: lentils resemble coins, so eating soup made of lentils is thought to bring prosperity. Foods with rich flavors and high-fat content are a symbol of abundance. Throwing old things out of the window during your celebration is believed to help make room for a fresh start in the new year. 

If you’re in London, UK, then this eccentric Italian-inspired venue in Holborn can make a festive setting for your New Year’s Eve party theme ideas. It has space for 400(!) guests and is the perfect spot for eating up some Italian comfort cuisine.

Check out our favorite Italian-themed party ideas to inspire more Italian-style eats and activities this NYE!

4. Make it a Hollywood red carpet event

Rent a private party venue through Peerspace and host the elegant New Year’s Eve party you’ve only seen in movies! Pack the dance floor with a live big band, delight them with hand-passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and fine wines, and offer a Viennese table as guests wrap up their evening.

Attendees should express themselves in the most glamorous way possible: creative black tie (that is, tuxedos with personal, exciting touches) and floor-length gowns. Distribute Venetian masks and drop confetti and balloons at midnight.

If you’re in the Bay Area, we think this Art Deco, mod, old Hollywood-inspired event venue makes a superbly elegant spot for your red carpet New Year’s Eve party. It’s a gorgeous setting that can provide you with craft drinks, tasty cuisine, and A/V equipment, all in one amazing setting!

5. Ask guests to get creative with a costume party

This New Year’s Eve party theme is different from the previous one because it is more free-for-all and lighthearted fun! Consider it Halloween in colder weather, with less pressure and more time to plan your costume. Carry the theme further with interesting party fare that’s easy to eat while wearing full makeup: warm cheese puffs, shrimp gazpacho shooters, bacon skewers, fried ravioli or empanadas, and bites of caramel apples. Offer prizes for the best costumes in various categories!

To put New Year’s Eve party theme ideas like this one over the top, you need an over-the-top venue. How about this Wicker Park mansion in Chicago, IL? It has multiple outdoor decks and an open floor plan that makes it extremely spacious and ideal for your party’s flow.

In the words of a Peerspace reviewer: “What a perfect place to have an event!!! Dave was so kind, welcoming and helpful!! The house is fabulous and everyone that attended the reunion had a wonderful time! Thank you Dave for such a beautiful space and all your help in making our event wonderful!!”

6. Plan an “I survived an apocalypse” party

Party like you survived the end of the world! Celebrate with your favorite foods, your most guilty pleasures, and check things off of your bucket list (or make plans to do so). Most of us want to unwind and cut loose nowadays and are looking forward to a more positive 2023. Oh, and zombies are optional.

Book an abandoned house in Los Angeles, New York City, or elsewhere to really give your party some apocalyptic vibes with ease. Our friends in Virginia should consider renting this abandoned historic Victorian mansion in Farmville. It is an 8,500-square-foot home with proceeds from its rental benefiting a 501c3 nonprofit.

7. Party like it’s Mardi Gras

Of course, it’s early, but feathers and beads are never a bad idea! Laissez le bon temps rouler as a New Year’s Eve party theme with hurricane cocktails and zydeco music. Choose your favorite N’awlins-themed menu: jambalaya or gator with red beans and rice. Voodoo as an activity might be more of a commitment than you’re looking for. Instead, hire a tarot card reader or palm reader respectfully reminiscent of Marie Laveau.

Check out our resource on decorating for Mardis Gras for more decor and venue inspiration!

8. Get luxe with a Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve theme

Gatsby is one thing; a Jazz Age-themed New Year’s Eve party for mere mortals is yet another. Ring in the new year with rouged knees and fringe, as well as stockings rolled down and long strings of pearls. Prohibition was alive and well, so guests should have a secret knock and a password to cross the threshold. Once inside, your bar should be fully stocked with gin, whiskey, and absinthe for the truly adventurous.

Be careful: Moonshine, though popular, is not for the inexperienced drinker and will change the mood of the party! Your authentic-inspired menu should include party snacks of deviled eggs, shrimp cocktails, mixed nuts, cheeses, and olives.

If your party will take place in the New York City area, consider renting this private speakeasy in Brooklyn as your party spot. It has space for 60 revelers and craft cocktail capabilities. If you need more space, the host offers additional rentals like a rooftop to accommodate you.

Our epic roaring 20s party ideas will give you both venue and theme ideas to make New Year’s Eve party theme ideas like this incredible!

9. Dance your way into the new year with an epic dance party

Dance the night away in a dreamy dance party venue on Peerspace. You can book a dance studio with wood floors and mirror walls, a warehouse with tons of room and mood, or a disco den with wild lights and 70s vibes. This is an idea that is all about location, so ensure you choose a spot that will make your guests want to shake a tail feather as soon as they enter!

Host yours at this huge versatile ballroom event space in Seattle, WA, which not only has the amazing dance party ambiance you want but professional DJ equipment on the premises! You and your guests will have a blast though very little work will be needed on your part.

10. Make your venue glow when you throw a blacklight party

Black light parties will never go out of style. And what better occasion to have one than when celebrating the start of a new year? Attire: white tee shirts and a lot of energy! Provide bowls of glow-in-the-dark bracelets, as well as UV body and face paint. Decorate with glowing balloons and tableware. Turn on the blacklight and rave until midnight!

This is undoubtedly among one of the most unforgettable New Year’s Eve party theme ideas. Find the perfect venue and more to make it happen by reading our glow-in-the-dark party ideas!

11. Spiked bubbles set a party-perfect tone

Bubbles set a festive, cheerful mood. Greet guests with a bubble-machine entrance to a room adorned with clear and pearl-colored balloons, reminiscent of champagne bubbles. Serve bubbly drinks with spherical ice cubes, assorted savory puffs, and gelees with tapioca beads for dessert.

Our favorite venue to bring this idea to life is this downtown wine bar and lounge in Oakland, CA. Steeped in ambiance, its mix of textures, lighting, and on-site sparkling wines will complement your bubble soiree perfectly.

Love this party suggestion? Then check out these effervescent bubble party ideas to plan every aspect of your party.

12. Throw a “When in Rome” feast

No one celebrated debauchery and excess as they did in Ancient Rome! There’s no such thing as “too much” with this theme. Seat guests on soft furniture and pillows suitable for lounging or long, farm-style tables with wooden benches with greenery, marble, and touches of gilt to adorn them. Hire a harpist or strolling mandolin player to set the mood.

Book this Ancient Rome-inspired mansion in Whittier, CA to complete the scene. It has indoor and outdoor space, plus room for 300 toga-wearers.

In regards to the menu, decadence should be your guide: assorted roasted meats and fish, goat’s milk cheese, grapes, figs, fresh bread, honey, and poppyseed, all served on family-style trays and bowls with the intent to be eaten without utensils. Serve carafes of red wine in goblets, and offer warm towels for guests to clean their fingers between courses. The togas, of course, are optional.

13. Party under the stars with a New Year’s Eve rooftop rager

In some areas of the country, partying outdoors on New Year’s Eve isn’t completely out of the question, especially if you have space heaters on hand. For our readers in Norfolk, VA, we recommend hosting a New Year’s Eve under the stars at this stunning fully-furnished downtown rooftop.

This event space has space for nearly 200 guests and includes six space heaters, a sound system, access to the venue’s indoor event space and kitchen, and of course, gorgeous city views. Serve shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, bubbly, and other upscale foods to fit your theme. Hosting your NYE party here is sure to impress your guests an start your new year beautifully.

14. Plan a retro rock ‘n roll New Year’s Eve

Host your own rockin’ New Year’s Eve when you plan a retro rock ‘n roll party. This is one of our favorite New Year’s Eve party theme ideas for anyone who loves vintage vibes and classic rock. Invite your guests to come dressed as their favorite rock icons of yesteryear and celebrate in an on-theme Peerspace venue, like this musician’s rustic Laurel Canyon cabin in Los Angeles, CA.

You will definitely feel the 70s California rock ‘n roll vibes in this 1,500-square-foot cabin thanks to its wall of vinyl records, vintage furnishings, the guest cabin/music studio in the backyard, and its soaring ceilings. It’s incredible indoors and out and sure to get your friends and family excited about starting the new year in such a cool spot.

Peerspace makes the best New Year’s Eve party theme ideas happen

Everyone deserves a magical New Year’s Eve, but not everyone knows how to make it happen. Now you do! With these ideas and a killer event venue rental through Peerspace, you’re well on your way to creating a New Year’s Eve theme party for you and your friends that will go down in history. Have fun, and don’t forget to tell us how it goes!

Find unique New Year’s Eve party venues on Peerspace