In this article

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and from the beach to the clubs, there are plenty of countdown parties happening here on our little red dot.

If dancing into the new year and kissing strangers at the stroke of midnight isn’t quite what you had in mind for NYE, there are many other ways you can close off the year that don’t involve insane crowds and bad cell service – yep, we’ve all been there.

If you’re looking for a more low-key affair that’s still loads of fun, here are 9 ideas you can consider.

1. Mahjong The Night Away

Gather your mahjong kakis, load up on sustenance (i.e. coffee, chips, cup noodles) and mahjong into the final moments of 2017!

Image Credit: Our Pastimes

Whether you play with no money or choose to raise the stakes, you’re bound to have a good time. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make yourself your first bit of cash for 2018.

2. Have A Games Night

If mahjong isn’t your cup of tea, why not have a Games Night?

Image Credit: What Do You Meme

Get everyone to bring their favourite card and board games (Monopoly Deal, Limpeh Says, What Do You Meme), and for even more variety, there are tons of apps that are just a (free) download away. Here are some of our favourites: Guess The Word SG, Charades!, Psych!, and Undercover.

The rules are simple, and there is plenty of fun to go around. Just don’t get too competitive, because you don’t want to start the new year with a few less friends!

3. Steamboat Party

Steamboat is never a bad idea.

Image Credit: Intekma Resort & Convention Centre

This NYE, gather all your closest chums at your place and steamboat for as long as you like – the night doesn’t end until the clock strikes 12. You can’t go wrong with Hai Di Lao’s soup bases, which you’ll be able to find at these places.

If you have the time, go shopping for the ingredients together. Load up your trolleys, over-buy, and go all out! And make sure to grab a ton of alcohol on your way out. The idea is that no one makes it to midnight without feeling nicely buzzed.

4. Go Night Cycling

If lazing around and stuffing your face with chips and soda isn’t your idea of a good time, here’s a more active NYE proposition – night cycling.

Image Credit: Night Cycling Safety

Plan a route, maybe even to Marina Bay Sands, if you and your party want to catch the fireworks. The best part is, now that there are so many bike-sharing providers in Singapore, you can just pick up a bike, and leave it wherever you end your journey!

A word of caution though: You may begin 2018 with a sore bum. But it’ll be worth it, we promise.

5. Sing K Until You Lose Your Voice

Instead of losing your voice scream-singing at a party, why not do it in the comfort of a KTV, among your most (and least) talented friends?

Image Credit: Kavenyou

Channel your inner Mariahs and Whitneys, belt your favourite 2000s hits, and sing to your hearts’ content!

Ring in the new year with all your favourite songs and in the company of all your favourite people – there’s no better way to bid 2017 goodbye (and good riddance).

6. Down Tequila Shots At Haji Lane NYE Street Party

If you want to head out to a party but don’t want to deal with people pushing, shoving, and stepping all over your favourite pair of shoes, why not head to the Haji Lane NYE Street Party?

Image Credit: TimeOut

With a shot of tequila in one hand and a friend in the other, groove to reggae, hip hop, and 90s R&B. Arrive early because the first 300 partygoers to turn up at 6pm get 1 free shot! With DJ Jag and DJ Gravity putting on the tunes, bring your moves and party the night away at the festive Haji Lane!

Haji Lane NYE Street Party
Address: Piedra Negra, 241 Beach Road, Singapore 189753
Time: 6pm
Admission: Free
Facebook

7. Go For A Super-Singaporean Countdown

2018 Lai Liao!

Image Credit: Loof 

Just like last year, Loof is ending the year on a super Singaporean note, with good cheer and even better beers.

Make your last meal of 2018 count with their Bak Chor Mee Grilled Cheese, and sip on delicious cocktails like the Holy Mati-mony.

While you’re at it, try your hand at giving the best ‘blowjob’ ever – blowing a Bestman Balloon, that is. Balls will be dropped at the stroke of midnight, as everyone welcomes the new year Singaporean-style, with a loud “2018 Lai Liao”!

Loof Presents: 2018 Lai Liao
Address:
331 North Bridge Road, #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, 188720 
Time:
9pm – 2am
Admission:
 Table reservations: A minimum spend of $120++ per pax applies | Walk-in: $38 inclusive of 2 alcoholic drinks, Bestman balloons & confetti
Facebook

To reserve a table, call 6337 9416 or email [email protected].

8. Prawn To Your Heart’s Content

This is a bit of a random one, but hear us out.

Image Credit: Mini Baker

There’s just something very chill – not to mention, satisfying – about waiting for a prawn to come nibbling on your bait, removing it from the hook, and then proceeding to barbecue yourself a little snack as you go along.

Definitely one of the more unconventional items on this list, you can eat, drink, and be very merry here. And hey, if you pick a venue that’s near the fireworks, all the better!

9. End The Year On A Literal High

To end the year on a literal high, head down to Universal Studios Singapore.

Image Credit: The Resorts World Sentosa Blog

An odd choice for NYE, what this means for you is fewer people, shorter queues, and more rides to yourself!

If you haven’t yet been to USS, this would be the time to do it. On NYE, rides will run until 11.30pm, but stick around till 12 and catch the beautiful New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular! A very different kind of New Year’s Eve, this will without a doubt be one of your more memorable NYEs.

Universal Studios Singapore
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Opening Hours (NYE): 10am – 12pm (rides close at 11.30pm)
Contact no.: 6577 8888
Website

Whether you’re someone who likes to go out to party, or someone who prefers to chill at home with your favourite people, here are some fun ideas that will definitely make for an amazing New Year’s Eve!

Incredibly easy to put together and organize, we wish you the very best time, and a very Happy New Year in advance!

Also read Banksy And 49 Other Street Artists Will Be Showing Their Best Works In S’pore This January

(Header Image Source: What Do You Meme)