New Year party games that get everyone excited: a fun collection of ideas from classics to DIY
When it comes to New Year’s, it’s a special time spent with family and relatives.
Osechi dishes and New Year’s money are exciting, but having games everyone can play instantly livens up the gathering.
In this article, we’ll introduce game ideas perfect for the New Year.
From classic New Year’s games and easy DIY activities to popular board games and active play, these are all things people of all ages can enjoy! As the new year begins, why not put down your phones and spend some fun time laughing together?
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Exciting New Year’s games: A fun collection of ideas from classics to DIY (51–60)
Treasure Hunt
Many of you probably visit your grandparents’ home for New Year’s, right? For children, that alone is fun.
So why not hide some treasure around the house and let them go on a treasure hunt? Just searching will be exciting for them, and if they get a present too, they’ll be overjoyed.
A game where you guess the song using only gestures
Gesture games are familiar, but this one is an evolved version.
It’s a game where players have to guess the given song using gestures only.
Of course, you must not sing! Even if you love music and know lots of songs, you’ll need flexible imagination.
It’s challenging, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
It’s recommended because any number of people can play.
No Loanwords Allowed Game
The “no loanwords” game is a game where you’re not allowed to use katakana loanwords in conversation.
The rules are simple, but when you try it, it’s surprisingly difficult.
We don’t usually think about it, so it’s startling to realize just how many loanwords we use (lol).
You can adapt it into a “no dialect” game too, which would be fun.
Even when you try to stick to standard Japanese, dialect slips out and the conversation gets lively.
Kehaigiri Game
@163kakan I really wanted to! ❣️🤣Sign SlashThe one I wanted to do55 years oldNew Year's partyGo for it, me!#158cmSmall Attacker#oneteamTranslationI love TikTokI love the admins.To be continued#youtube
♪ Original Song – Kaa-kan – Kaa-kan
Here’s a fun “presence-sensing sword game” you can enjoy even with just two people for New Year’s! All you need are blindfolds and long, soft sticks that won’t hurt if they hit someone.
Foam toy swords from 100-yen shops add to the atmosphere and excitement, but you can also make your own with newspaper.
For blindfolds, use something handy like an eye mask or a towel.
Once blindfolded and holding the stick, try to sense your opponent’s presence and swing; whoever lands a hit on their opponent wins.
If you have a larger group, split into teams and play matches for even more fun.
Picture matching card game
https://www.tiktok.com/@hoiku.labo/video/7182103671222652162A card-matching game that gets everyone excited for New Year’s—from kids to adults! Here’s how to play.
First, cut construction paper into pieces that are easy to hold and paste your favorite illustrations on them.
Create pairs of New Year–themed illustrations such as daruma dolls, Mt.
Fuji, rice cakes (mochi), battledores (hagoita), spinning tops (koma), and New Year’s dishes (osechi).
Feel free to adjust the number of pairs depending on the number of players.
It’s also a great idea to prepare coloring sheets so kids can enjoy coloring the illustrations before playing.
NG word game
An NG Word Game that helps you notice your own catchphrases you say unconsciously.
First, write down the catchphrases of your teammates—everyone except yourself—and decide each person’s forbidden NG word.
Once you’ve decided, stick a slip of paper with that word on your forehead without looking at it, and the game begins.
While steering others into saying their NG words, the winner is the one who makes it to the end of the conversation without saying their own.
The probing makes the dialogue awkward and hilariously funny! You can bet there will be plenty of people who keep blurting out their NG words!
Pétanque
Petanque is a ball game that originated in France.
The rules are simple: you throw your own balls toward a target called the “cochonnet” (also known as the jack), and whoever gets closer wins.
You’re allowed to hit and knock away your opponent’s balls, which adds to the excitement of the competition.
It’s a game that both adults and children can enjoy together.
Mario Kart Tournament
Released in 1992 as a Super Famicom title, Super Mario Kart set the record for best-selling domestic Famicom-related software.
Since then, new entries in the Mario Kart series have been released one after another, and as of 2020 the series’ cumulative worldwide sales have surpassed 150 million units.
While there are some advanced techniques, its simple, speed-focused rules make it enjoyable across generations, which is likely the reason for its enduring popularity.
It’s also great for playing with children who may find card-game rules hard to learn, making it a perfect fit for New Year’s holidays at home!
Pop-up Pirate
The heart-pounding Pop-up Pirate game keeps you on edge with its unpredictable popping moments! Players take turns sticking swords into the barrel, and the person who makes the pirate on top pop out loses.
It’s such a simple game, yet it somehow always gets everyone excited.
Pop-up Pirate has been a beloved long-selling toy since 1975.
While the original features a pirate character, many versions are now available that use Disney characters and popular Japanese anime characters.
Do-Re-Mi Song Game
“Do-Re-Mi,” the song everyone in the family should know.
This is a game based on that song, but it’s pretty difficult.
Precisely because it’s difficult, it gets exciting and fun.
You don’t need anything at all.
It’s an easy, pick-up-and-play game, so give it a try with everyone.