Party games to liven up your New Year’s celebration: a fun collection that will keep everyone laughing non-stop
Have you ever been stumped when someone at a New Year’s party asked, “Got any fun games we can play?” The truth is, there are tons of party games anyone can enjoy right away! From brain teasers and games that spark hilarious, unexpected answers, to unique activities that let your acting skills shine—this article is packed with ideas that will put a smile on everyone’s face.
We’ll introduce easy-to-prepare games that anyone can try, regardless of age—perfect for any party.
You’re sure to find tips that will make this year’s gathering truly unforgettable!
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Party games to liven up New Year’s gatherings: A collection of hilarious games that will have everyone in stitches (71–80)
Foot reflexology! Hand push sumo
It’s a game of hand-pushing sumo on a reflexology mat—just watching it makes the soles of your feet tingle.
They say foot pressure points hurt more the less healthy you are, so for someone exhausted, just stepping into the ring is a challenge.
And when you stumble, your soles get ground into the mat even more.
Play this terrifying game, and you can almost hear the screams echoing.
linked ring traversal
The team hoop-passing game is fun for both participants and spectators.
All you need is a sash-shaped hoop made from paper tape and some background music.
Form several teams of three.
Drawing lots to decide the teams could be fun, too.
Before the game starts, each group of three holds hands; when the music starts, the person on the end passes the hoop over their body and on to the next person.
If anyone is uncomfortable holding hands, providing cute gloves is a good alternative.
Each team does the hoop pass and competes to see how fast the last person can finish passing through.
If the paper tape breaks, start over.
Be sure to prepare plenty of hoops.
Balloon time bomb
Attach a balloon to the time-bomb toy, wind the timer, and the balloon time-bomb starts! The balloon gradually inflates.
While holding it, play games like the Yamanote Line game or shiritori, passing it to the next person in turn.
The person holding it when the balloon pops loses.
Even a simple game becomes thrilling and exciting thanks to the time-bomb!
Party games to liven up New Year gatherings: A collection of hilarious, laughter-filled games (81–90)
Quiz: Go for the Sweet Spot!
Would you like to try “Quiz Ii-sen Ikimasho!”, a game with a strong psychological element? The questions in this quiz don’t have definitive answers, such as “From how much does a meal qualify as ‘high-end’?” Everyone answers based on their own sense, then you reveal all the answers and the person whose number is closest to the average wins.
Talking while you answer can make the mind games even more fun.
By the way, you can use original questions or take inspiration from commercially available quiz games.
Reflex Game
It’s a very simple game: can you catch a falling chopstick? The catch is you never know when it will drop, and there are feints and other tricks, so it’s surprisingly challenging.
Simple, but it really gets people excited.
Plus, it’s great because you can play it anywhere as long as you have something stick-shaped.
Self ball toss
You know the ball-toss game at school sports days, right? This is a version where you both throw and serve as the goal yourself.
You balance a basket on your head and try to toss ping-pong balls or crumpled paper into the basket above your head.
The person who gets the most in within the time limit wins, but since you can’t see the basket on your head, it’s pretty tricky.
In conclusion
Party games are like magic—they can instantly liven up the atmosphere, whether or not you have preparations or props.
From games that test your acting skills to ones that let you enjoy psychological battles, their unique variety is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Use the games introduced here as inspiration, close the distance with your friends, and enjoy a wonderful time that’s perfect for the start of a new year!