New Year's Eve Ideas For Those Who Like To Welcome It Without Glitz & Glam

The information in this post might be outdated

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner (truly waiting to kiss 2023 goodbye) and if you have don't plan to rage it and pretend that you're 17, we feel you. No need to also traverse the city to hit up that house party and certainly no need to get stuck in traffic while doing so. So, to celebrate them without the drama, while being safe and sound, here are some New Year's Plans that don't require you to dress up or to be in town even. So for all you Humbugs (which, by the way, we fully approve of), here are some fun things to do, to ring in 2024, quietly and with just the right amount of revelry that will let you wake up without a hangover in the New Year! 

Sign Up For A Staycation

Instead of simply Netflixing and chilling at your humble abode, we recommend a getaway that doesn’t take you away from Bangalore. Plan a staycation and you can cosy up in the lover’s nest, of your choice, while you count down to the New Year. If you are planning on a big extravagant gesture and want to treat yourself, then, The Oberoi is an excellent choice. Or you could enjoy the Spanish-Mangalorean villa with an open shower in the terrace right here in Koramangala called Casabianca. For those of you on a shoestring budget or those who want to spend New Year's with a little bit of community spirit or an Airbnb will work splendidly.

Watch The Sun Set On 2023

Say goodbye to 2023 by catching a spectacular sunset at the Hebbal Lake, one of the city’s most serene spots. Or perhaps you want to stay in town at Sankey Tank and Ulsoor Lake. Then, head out for a long drive or check into a resort (like this one) that’s not far away from the city. Or pick from these, especially if you're with fam. They are less than 50kms from town. For those of you who insist on an adventure, at the break of dawn, catch the sunrise at Nandi Hills or at the peak of these hiking trails. See, the best New Year plans are ones that lead you to nature! 

Cosy Up With Bae

Prefer a cosier setting? Then, whisk your love for a meal to remember. Bangalore is dotted with romantic restaurants (you can take a cue from this list that is sure to be dolled up for the special occasion. Order up an indulgent meal, in a gorgeous setting, and you are sure to get the good lovin’ on New Year’s Eve. If they are not sold out, we suggest that you book yourself at Grasshopper. Feasting with loved ones is the best way to celebrate the New Year if you ask us!

Pamper Yourself

Had a rough year so don't want to do anything but vegetate? Great plan! Look and feel bright as a daisy as you, (and your partner/pal/fam), welcome 2024. The best way to achieve that dazzling look is to check yourself into a spa in town. Spas, often, offer couples packages where you and the beloved can get pampered to no end. Or going solo is great too! You could choose from these 11 spots, or check out Meraki which will easily cater to an array of budgets and has many chains across Bangalore, and look as ready as you can to take on 2024.

Rent Out A Movie Theatre

This one is our favourite this year! Bring out the gang, and do exactly what you'd do at home, but on a bigger scale. And with a massive screen! With a whopping 135-inch screen, a pro-level Dolby Atmos sound system for that theatre experience, and 13 seats for you and your crew to fill up, this space is up for rent for a show lasting 3.5 hours. Pick any movie that the squad wants, and then go around watching each one's favourite. If it's available online on streaming platforms, naturally. Take your own food (copious amounts of popcorn to start with) and then sit back and relax. Read more about it here.

Play Games At This Resort

If you want to leave the world behind and indulge in a day of unadulterated fun, check into Area 83. Located off Bannerghatta Road, the expansive property lets you do everything from paintball to bubble soccer. Best of all, you can play foosball. Not just any foosball though. You and your squad turn into the players making it human foosball! Giant swings and human slingshots also get your heart pumping. But if you want a moment of serenity, you can go kayaking on the waters of the gorgeous lake on the property. Read more about it here.

Escape From An...Escape Room

If you want to round up the squad without having to get drunk and spend too much money, pick a slot (or two) at live escape rooms across the city. The Amazing Escape in Indiranagar is great if you want realistic and scary scenarios, while the Escape Room in Koramangala is another favourite. 

At Home Date Night

Though dinners at cafes, and restaurants are a ten-on-ten plan, a cute, cosy, and quiet date night at home with some flowers, delish food, and your partner, is a plan that is comfortable, homely, and really budget-friendly. This is simple to execute, very low maintenance, and honestly perfect for homebodies (like, me!). Here is our recommendation for the wine that will help you elevate the whole experience, you can order flowers, light up candles, and have the full candlelight feel, in the comfort of your home.

Card Night With The Homies

For some of us, card games are always a jolly good time, where laughter, fun, nostalgia, and competitiveness unfold. It is also another very economical plan, a way to get your favourite people together and revel in the good old days, where a conversation is actually happening, with people engaging and not everyone drowning their faces in the screens.

A Skype With Loved Ones

If you are celebrating your New Year away from home, then only plan that makes sense for you to spend some quality time video-calling your favorite people, sitting across the world. You can cook some great food for yourself, reflect on the year, and can exchange some learnings, and goals for the upcoming one. We highly recommend this activity with all of your friends.

Hire A Private Chef

This idea is for someone who wants to have an elevated dining experience, in the comfort of their home. Hiring a private chef, who will cook some five-star level food for you, and you just enjoy and cherish the time with your loved ones, is a great way to have a simple, and sophisticated get-together and welcome New Year in the most relaxed, and charming way. 

Read!

This one is a tried and tested, fail-proof, ten-across-the-board idea, for all our introverts out there. Just sit with your favorite book, and wine, and remain snuggled up in your bed, as the clock strikes 12. And as they say, you set the energy and vibe for the entire year on its first day, so logically you will be meeting your reading goals in 2024. Here are some of our book recommendations that you can check out.