Sober New Year’s Eve: Our top fun ideas to celebrate
Traditionally, the festive period and drinking alcohol have always gone hand-in-hand, but what if you are sober and want to celebrate New Year’s Eve differently this year?
More and more people are opting to bypass a new year's hangover. They want to wake up fresh and ready to start the new year as they mean to go on - sober.
Since being sober became cool, there are many more events available to attend that are alcohol-free. However, these events are in short supply on New Year’s Eve. This may mean that you have to make your own plans to protect your sobriety.
At Recoverlution we celebrate sobriety and recovery from any addiction. We have therefore pooled our top fun ideas to celebrate New Year’s Eve without alcohol.
Sober ideas for New Year’s Eve
Depending on which part of the country you are from, a great way to celebrate is to attend a New Year’s Eve fireworks display sober. London has the biggest and arguably the best display in the country. The atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric.
London 2023 Fireworks display
After a few extremely tough years of lockdown, war and now the cost of living crisis, many will be heading to the capital for free new years eve celebrations. Whilst many will be drinking, you can plan your own sober adventure with family or sober friends.
Aside from paying to see the London fireworks, there are many places where you can view them for free. Take some warm clothes, your own snacks and drinks and watch them light up the sky as Big Ben rings in the new year.
Among many of the places you can watch London's fireworks for free, the best places to see them include Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge. Cannon Street is also an amazing place to see the 2023 New Year fireworks. However, a word of warning, if you don't like busy places, this won't be for you. You will also need to get there early to secure your spot.
Hold your own sober get-together on New Year’s Eve
If you don't fancy wandering far from home, you can always organise your own sober New Year’s Eve get-together. This doesn't have to be extravagant or even well-planned to go well. Keep activities simple and include some music, board games, tasty snacks and of course, plenty of alcohol-free beverages.
Being with like-minded others, who want to welcome in the New Year and say goodbye to 2022 without a drink in their hand, can help you to enjoy the company of others without alcohol. Being sober and holding your own party also puts you in control of the company you invite and of your environment. You could make it even simpler and just invite a few friends in recovery around for a meal. Many other people in recovery are often at a loose end on New Year’s Eve. They will be delighted to attend a sober get-together.
Plan a sober night in
Having a sober night in on New Year’s Eve might be new to you and to those you love. However, it is a chance to make new traditions and to create new and happier memories.
You can decide as a family what you would like to do and how to celebrate. Some might prefer a movie marathon, playing board games or going for a walk at midnight to watch local fireworks. The great thing about being sober is you will also be able to drive if you have a licence. You can take advantage of this and drive to a local fireworks display or hill to watch the sky light up as the New Year comes in.
Attend a recovery meeting
There are many recovery meetings that remain open for New Year’s Eve. They recognise that this time of year can be tricky for many in recovery from alcoholism and addiction.
You will be able to find a local face-to-face meeting or online zoom recovery meeting by checking the relevant website. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step fellowships offer meetings on New Year’s Eve. Smart Recovery, which Recoverlution are partnered with, also offers online meetings and in-person meetings throughout the Christmas period.
For many in recovery from a substance use disorder, attending a recovery meeting is a safe option. It enables you to instantly connect with like-minded others and enjoy a sober New Year’s Eve together.
Host a theme party
If partying is your thing and you enjoy hosting events, hosting a themed New Year’s Eve party can be a great way to celebrate sober. Just pick a theme, whether it is the 80’s, a beach party or fancy dress and get ready to have some fun and laughter.
To take the focus off of drinking you could also have some simple but fun party games, some music and snacks. To get everyone in the spirit, you can also ask them to dress up and have a competition to vote for the best outfit. If you want your event to remain alcohol-free, say so when you invite people and ensure you ask some recovery friends.
Attend a show or performance
If you want to go out New Year's Eve and be entertained, there are plenty of shows and performances around. Check for local open mic nights, comedy or theatre performances online. Being sober on New Year’s Eve doesn't mean having to stay in. If you are comfortable in your sobriety and not bothered by others' drinking, you really can do anything you choose.
Celebrate being sober on New Year’s Eve
If this is your first New Year’s Eve sober and you are alone, it can be difficult to not feel like you are missing out somehow. However, there are many single people in sobriety who are in the same boat. If you don't fancy going out or mixing with others, you could take the evening to really spoil yourself and celebrate your sobriety.
How this looks will be very individual to you. Maybe you want to try a new recipe, do some meditation or head to your local 24/7 gym. Maybe there is a book you want to read or a movie you want to watch.
Often, we forget to appreciate the simplest of things in recovery. A warm bath, soothing music and fresh bed sheets, can really set you up for a lovely relaxing evening. Being sober is amazing, so don't feel like you are missing out. Plan an early morning walk whilst others are still recovering in bed, take in the nature and fresh air of a new day and new year.
Connect virtually with others
Use New Year’s Eve to make some new connections with others in recovery. This will help to set you up for a sober new year.
Recoverlution is an online platform that offers 24/7 support and resources for those in recovery. It provides a virtual space to connect with others in recovery through online community meetings and chats. It is a place to learn, connect, and grow with others who are on the same journey.
You could host your own group, play a quiz game with others on our platform, or simply see in the New Year sober with them. Whatever you decide to do for 2023 New Year’s Eve, as long as you plan ahead, you don't have to do it alone.