Want to ring in the new year with your entire family, without busting the kids’ bedtime routine?
Consider one of these December 31st afternoon or early evening events. Some mark the “new year” at 12 noon, while others use 8 p.m. for the countdown and festivities.
Don’t forget about holiday light displays for a New Year’s Eve activity — many of the displays close down after December 31st. Seasonal skating rinks are also an option for a family-friendly, early NYE activity.
Other ideas:
• The Peach Bowl Parade is a family friendly event, taking place on Thursday, Dec. 30th at 1 p.m. in downtown Atlanta.
• The Center for Puppetry Arts is offering 25% OFF tickets to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, thru Jan. 2nd.
You may also be interested in:
- NEW for 2021: World of Illumination drive-thru light shows
- NEW! Festival of Lights drive-thru light show at Atlantic Station
- FREE: Prism Winter Lights display at Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta
- Lights of Life drive-thru holiday attraction in Marietta
- Discounts for Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens
- Discounts for Stone Mountain Christmas
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
FREE: NYE Bash at The Battery with early fireworks for kids
This is actually two FREE events — an “early innings” event for families with young children, followed by the “late innings” festivities for everyone else.
The family-friendly early innings, for those wishing to ring in the New Year early, will start at 6 p.m. in the Plaza. The Heavy Hitters and BLOOPER will be on hand as well as David Girabaldi, a performance painter who transforms blank canvas in minutes. At 8 p.m., balloon baseballs will drop in celebration of the “New Year,” so the wee ones can ring in 2022 without pushing bedtime too far.
The late innings festivities start at 9 p.m. The 12South Band will provide the entertainment from the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage. The midnight countdown will include pyrotechnics and 2020 will begin with a confetti and aerial fireworks display.
Get the details, including where to park for FREE and more.
FREE: Noon Year’s Eve at The Avenue West Cobb
This is a kid-friendly celebration and countdown to noon on New Year’s Eve. It is FREE to attend, and you don’t need a ticket.
The main event will be a countdown to noon, featuring handheld confetti cannons and sparkling cider. There will also be face painting, live music, sweet snacks, and more.
The event takes place on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
More info here
The Avenue West Cobb is located at 3625 Dallas Hwy, Marietta, GA 30064.
FREE: Noon Year’s Eve at The Avenue Peachtree City
Party the morning away with this celebration and countdown to noon on New Year’s Eve. It is FREE to attend, and you don’t need a ticket.
A live DJ will host the countdown, featuring handheld confetti cannons and sparkling cider. There will also be face painting, live music, popcorn, cotton candy, and a photo booth.
The event takes place on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park, at the Avenue Peachtree City — located at 239 City Circle, Peachtree City, GA 30269
More info here
FREE: Noon Year’s Eve Countdown at Hickory Flat Library
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31st.
Includes crafts, snacks, other activities, and a super fun surprise at the end of the countdown.
More info here
Hickory Flat Public Library is located at:
2740 East Cherokee Drive
Canton, GA 30115
FREE: Noon Year’s Eve Storytime at Collins Hill Library
11:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 31st.
The Collins Hill Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library is located at:
455 Camp Perrin Road Northeast,
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Early NYE Celebration at Stone Mountain with 9 p.m. fireworks
This is a modified version of the Stone Mountain Christmas event that takes place nightly at Stone Mountain Park — you can see our detailed post, including admission rates and discounts, here.
From the Stone Mountain Park website:
During Stone Mountain Christmas on Dec. 31, Stone Mountain Park will operate the Christmas event as usual and then we’ll ring in the early New Year with a magical snowfall and early 2022 countdown. When the clock strikes 9 p.m., enjoy snow and fireworks to usher in the early New Year!
NYE Bubble Bash at the Children’s Museum
Kids can enjoy music, dance, and crafts. They’ll make their own noisemakers and party hats and have a special countdown.
There are two sessions this year:
* 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (countdown to noon)
* 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (countdown to 4 p.m.)
You need an advance ticket, and none will be sold at the door. The price is $22 for non-members (both kids and adults) and $10 for members.
Details and tickets here
Noon Year’s Eve on the Roof at Ponce City Market
This Noon Year’s Eve event at Skyline Park starts at 10 a.m. and goes till 3 p.m. Families can enjoy unlimited games, mini-golf, 3-story slide, and all-you-can-drink hot chocolate.
When the clock strikes 11:59 a.m., the crowd will gather for a countdown to a noon balloon drop!
Tickets are $25 for all ages and are sold online.
Kids 3 and under are free.
See more details and get tickets here
Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at Sparkles Family Fun Center
Hats and horns for everyone at this afternoon party!
$20 Admission includes skate rental, 1 game of Laser Tag, playground (kids 10 and younger), plus a countdown to 1000 balloons dropping.
More info here
Sparkles Family Fun Center is located at:
1000 McCollum Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Noon Year’s Eve Skate Party at Hot Wheels Rink
It’s happening from noon to 5 p.m. at Hot Wheels Skate Center in Woodstock.
Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, for all ages. Includes skate rental, playground, and 8 game tokens.
There will be a huge balloon drop and prizes.
More info
Hot Wheels Skate Center is located at:
228 Farm Ridge Dr NE
Woodstock, GA 30188
Noon Year’s Eve at Avalon
The event will include face painting, New Year’s activities, complimentary snacks from cotton candy and popcorn booths and a donut wall, and photo opportunities in our Noon Year’s Eve photo booth and balloon wall.
A kids-only bubbly bar will offer sparking juices. Mimosas and additional adult beverages along with a food pop-up from Chick-fil-A will also be available for purchase.
Tickets are $15 online.
Kids 2 and under are FREE.
More holiday fun:
