There’s something magical about the final day of the year. It’s like the calendar itself is holding its breath, ready to flip over and give us a brand-new start. And where better to count down to the stroke of midnight than gathered around a cozy fireplace? The crackling flames, the warm glow, and the way the room seems to hum with the excitement of the new year—it’s the perfect setting for fun, games, and creating lasting memories.

I’m not talking about just sitting and staring at the fire (though let’s be honest, sometimes that in itself can be mesmerizing). No, this is about turning your living room into the ultimate party spot—one where you can play games, share stories, and enjoy a little bit of laughter as the year comes to an end. So, pull up a chair (or a floor cushion), toss on your coziest socks, and let’s talk about how to make New Year’s Eve around the fireplace the best one yet.

1. Set the Scene: A Fireplace Worth Celebrating

Before we dive into the games and the fun, let’s make sure your fireplace is ready to be the star of the evening. After all, it’s not just a heat source tonight—it’s the heart of your New Year’s celebration.

Dress Up the Mantel

Give your mantel a festive makeover. Twinkling string lights, fresh pine garlands, or a simple arrangement of candles can make the space look celebratory without overwhelming the room. If you have a few leftover holiday decorations (I know I do), now’s the time to repurpose them. Think gold accents, sparkly stars, or even a festive countdown clock as part of the decor.

Comfort is Key

Pile up those throw blankets, grab the fluffiest pillows you own, and create a warm nest for your guests to settle into. If you’re like me, you’ll want to include one chair—strategically placed near the fire—for the person who likes to hog all the heat (there’s always one!).

Snacks and Drinks Close By

Set up a small snack station or bar cart within arm’s reach. Trust me, once everyone gets cozy, nobody will want to move. Popcorn in decorative bowls, homemade s'mores kits, and warm drinks like hot chocolate or spiced cider will keep spirits high. For the adults, a little mulled wine or a champagne punch never hurts!

2. Games to Keep the Laughter Rolling

Now that the stage is set, it’s time to bring out the games. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a group of close friends, these games are a great way to pass the time until midnight.

Fireplace Trivia Challenge

Why not test everyone’s knowledge with a bit of trivia? Write down questions related to the year gone by—news, pop culture, or personal family moments—and quiz your guests. Split into teams and award small prizes for the most correct answers.

Example questions:

What was the most-streamed song of the year?
Which movie topped the box office in 2023?
What’s one funny family memory that happened this year?

If you’re playing with kids, include fun “would you rather” questions or easy riddles to keep them involved. For example: Would you rather eat only marshmallows for a day or drink hot chocolate for every meal?

Charades by the Fire

This classic game is even better with a crackling fire in the background. Write down movies, songs, or actions on slips of paper and let the guessing begin. Add a New Year’s twist by focusing on things that happened during the past year.

(For those competitive folks out there—yes, acting like a grumpy cat meme counts as a charade prompt!)

The Resolution Guessing Game

This one’s simple but always fun. Have everyone write down a New Year’s resolution (real or silly) on a piece of paper. Fold the papers and toss them in a bowl. Read them out loud and have the group guess who wrote each one.

It’s hilarious when Uncle Bob claims he’s going to start taking ballet classes, but it turns out it was your cousin the whole time!

3. Story Time: Reflecting on the Year

Reflecting On The Year With Story Telling

If games aren’t your thing, storytelling is a beautiful way to spend the evening. The fireplace has a way of encouraging us to open up, to reflect, and to share those little stories we sometimes forget to tell.

Your Favorite Memory

Ask everyone to share their favorite memory of the year. It could be something big—like a family trip—or something small, like a quiet moment they loved. You’d be surprised how these stories can warm your heart just as much as the fire does.

The “High and Low” Game

Each person shares their “high” (best moment) and “low” (most challenging moment) of the year. This can be funny, emotional, or somewhere in between, and it gives everyone a chance to connect on a deeper level.

Campfire Ghost Stories—New Year’s Edition

If you’re up for a bit of fun, dim the lights and tell some (lighthearted) ghost stories. The flames flickering in the dark make the perfect backdrop for a little suspense.

4. Countdown to Midnight: Make It Special

No matter how you’ve spent the evening—whether laughing through charades or swapping stories—the final minutes of the year deserve a little ceremony.

DIY Countdown Clock

Make your own countdown clock using a chalkboard, poster board, or even a big sheet of paper. Mark off the hours leading up to midnight and let someone take on the job of updating the countdown as you go.

A New Year’s Toast

Prepare some sparkling cider or champagne (for those who are old enough), and hand out glasses as the clock nears midnight. You can keep it light with a simple “Happy New Year!” or share a heartfelt wish for the year ahead.

Fireplace Fireworks

If you can’t set off real fireworks, bring the sparkle inside. Hand out sparklers (if it’s safe and the room has good ventilation) or use confetti poppers to mark the moment. Bonus points if you have a fire-safe container to drop the used sparklers into!

5. Keep the Cozy Going: The After-Midnight Wind Down

Just because the clock strikes midnight doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. This is my favorite time to settle in and enjoy the first moments of the brand-new year.

Post-Midnight Treats

Prepare a few indulgent late-night snacks to keep everyone energized. Think leftover holiday cookies, mini pancakes, or even a grilled cheese station with fancy toppings.

Quiet Reflections by the Fire

After The Celebration Have A Quiet Reflection By The Fire

After all the excitement, sometimes the best thing you can do is sit in silence, staring into the flames. It’s a wonderful way to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next.

A New Year to Remember

Celebrating New Year’s Eve around the fireplace turns a simple night into something truly special. The warmth of the flames, the glow of the room, and the joy of being surrounded by the people you love—what better way to begin a brand-new year?

As the fire slowly fades and the room quiets, there’s a moment where everything feels possible. A new year, a new start, and the chance to make more memories just like this one.

So here’s to laughter, to stories, and to cozy nights by the fire—may your New Year’s Eve be unforgettable and your year ahead filled with warmth and happiness. Cheers!

Countdown & Cozy: New Year's Eve by the Fireplace