As the buzz of the holiday season is coming to an end, create an unforgettable New Year's Eve that is "glowing with possibilities" with these glow-in-the-dark New Year's Eve countdown ideas (they're also great for Noon Year's Eve if your littles just can't make it to midnight)! Just fill ten bags with some simple glow-in-the-dark activities, crafts and games to keep your little ones engaged and excited for the New Year. Then, begin the countdown whenever works best for your family. Start earlier if you have younger children, or a little later if you have older children. New Year's Eve countdown bags are a great way to ring in the New Year, but still get everyone to bed at a reasonable time! Grab the countdown bag labels for free!
To get started, you'll want to adhere the countdown labels to the outside of ten black kraft bags using Elmer's® CraftBond® Extra-Strength Glue Sticks. Remember to print these labels on neon card stock, as neon colors produce a maximum glowing effect when used with a Black Party Light. Hang the Neon Fringe Door Curtain as a backdrop behind your countdown table. Fill the countdown bags, and arrange them from ten to one. Dim the lights for some glow-in-the-dark fun!
10. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK SLIME
To kick off the countdown, fill the number ten bag with Elmer's® Glow-in-the-Dark Washable Glue, contact lens solution and baking soda. You'll also want to toss in a few Clear Round Favor Containers to hold the slime. Click here for the best no-mess slime recipe!
9. NEON CUP GAMES
In this bag, you will place 21 neon plastic cups for each person playing the games. For the first game, you will stack 21 cups with the top cup being a different color. To play, move one cup at a time from the top of the stack to the bottom of the stack. The first person to get the single color cup through the rotation and back to the top wins!
For the second game, you will create a tower with all 21 cups. To play, toss a ball at the tower. The person who knocks down the most cups wins!
8. DIY NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY HAT
The kids can create their own glow-in-the-dark New Year's Eve party hats with the Color Your Own New Year's Eve Party Hats and 8-Color Crayola® Neon Crayons.
7. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK PUNCH BALLOONS
Continue the countdown with neon punch ball balloons. Just blow them up, and let the fun begin!
6. DIY NEON BRACELETS
For this glow-in-the-dark activity, simply fill the bag with neon pony beads and bracelets. Tie in a little math by creating a pattern with the beads. These DIY neon bracelets are sure to keep those little hands busy!
5. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK BALL DROP GAME
For the glow-in-the-dark Ball Drop game, fill the bag with neon bouncy balls or table tennis balls. To play, place a neon bucket on the floor for each person. You can line the buckets with foam or a soft towel to help prevent the balls from easily bouncing out. Stand on a chair, and drop the balls into the bucket. The person who makes the most baskets in one minute wins!
4. NEW YEAR'S WAND
Make New Year's Eve a little more magical for kids with this fun wand craft kit. Simply peel of the backing to easily adhere the pieces, and voila... your kiddos will have their own DIY New Year's Eve noisemaker!
3. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK DANCE PARTY
Keep the party going with a glow-in-the-dark dance party. If you want to get fancy, you can tape the glow bracelets/necklaces to your arms, legs and body (so that they look like a stick person). Put on the Glow-in-the-Dark 2021 Glasses, turn up the music and dance!
2. COOKIES AND MILK
Cookies and milk are the perfect way to toast the upcoming New Year with your little ones! Just fill this bag with your favorite cookies and some neon plastic cups.
1. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK NOISEMAKERS
Get ready to ring in the New Year with this collection of noisemakers and musical instruments.
0. GLOW-IN-THE-DARK BALLOON DROP
No New Year's Eve celebration is complete without a glow-in-the-dark balloon drop! Just fill a Balloon Drop Bag with neon balloons. When your countdown is complete, shout "Happy New Year" and pull the cord to release all of the balloons!