The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will host its Countdown to Noon event on Dec. 31, with family-friendly countdowns at noon and 1 p.m., among other activities at the museum.
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The time has come to put 2023 in the rearview.
And the best way to do that is celebrate the fresh potential that a new year brings with it.
There is no wrong way to send the year out. Some prefer a big blowout or an elegant gala with hundreds of fellow revelers. Other people like a quiet night at home with a few friends watching the ball drop.
Those with small children may do their partying in the daytime hours. The more adventurous will be up all night.
No matter how you prefer to ring in the new year, a multitude of events are planned for Dec. 31, both around Johnson County and throughout the area. Here is a selection of some of the best, to help with your party planning.
New Year’s Noon Confetti Countdown
Details: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Greenwood Public Library
Everyone loves the countdown to midnight on New Year’s Eve. But for families with young ones, staying up that late isn’t realistic. Still local families can experience all of the excitement a day early, without a late night and missed bedtimes. This family-centric event invites people to drop by the Studio any time for a fun activity, take part in a scavenger hunt in the Kids Department, then take part in a noontime countdown celebrating the coming new year.
A Night in Hollywood New Year’s Eve Party
Details: 6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday, Garment Factory Events, 101 E. Wayne St., Franklin; garmentfactoryevents.com
What: Downtown Franklin’s regal and historic Garment Factory Events captures the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown this New Year’s Eve. Guests are encouraged to celebrate like the stars dressed in black, red or gold outfit to enjoy gourmet food and live music by BlueWater Kings Band. A three-course plated dinner service, dessert and coffee bar, and champagne toast are included with tickets to this 21-and-over event, which are $95.
Sakura New Year’s Eve Party
Details: 6 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Sakura Event Center, 126 E. Main Cross St., Edinburgh; sakuraeventcenter.com
What: Edinburgh’s family-friendly micro-event center is planning a laid back bash packed with gaming, karaoke, snacks and more. Come out and play Xbox, switch, and rhythm games with fellow gamers before watching the ball drop. Tickets are $20.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Details: 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday, Greenwood Moose Lodge 2079, 813 W. Smith Valley Road
Ring in the new year with friends old and new during this community event at Greenwood Moose Lodge 2079. Guests 18 and older can snacks, party favors, a champagne toast, and music from Evajo and Keith, which starts at 8:30 p.m. People may bring their own side dish to share with the table, or enough for all. The bar will be open, and no outside drinks are allowed. Reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased for $20. For more information, go to facebook.com/gml2079.
Neon Glow
Details: 8 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday, BoJak’s Bar & Grille, 377 E. Jefferson St., Franklin
New Year’s Eve gets fluorescent in downtown Franklin, as BoJak’s Bar & Grille hosts its annual party themed “Neon Glow.” This year’s event features a state-of-the-art DJ production, a countdown experience, drinks, party favors, a photographer and more. Artists will adorn guests in neon face paint, transforming the dancefloor into a glowing, vibrant party. Tickets are $10 for a high-top table, and $5 general admission. Find a link to buy at facebook.com/bojaksbar.
New Year’s Eve Bowling Party
Details: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Hi-Way Lanes, 400 N. Morton St., Franklin
Start the new year with a strike, as Hi-Way Lanes offers a special night of bowling and fun for the community. Guests can get three hours of unlimited bowling, shoes included, as well as party hats and noise makers, a pizza buffet, a live DJ and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets $200 per lane, and pre-registration is required.
Countdown to Noon
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis; childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/213
What: Get the party going a little bit earlier on Dec. 31 at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which returns its popular Countdown to Noon event. Families can cheer and celebrate among the confetti as the museum’s famous water clock counts down at noon and 1 p.m. while Grammy award-nominated musician Zak Morgan performs. Special family activities include Inventing the Future, a 2023 Family Paper Time Capsule and Traditions Around the World. Admission to the celebration is included in regular museum admission. Learn more at childrensmuseum.org.
Family New Year’s Eve
Details: 6-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; indianamuseum.org/programs/family-new-years-eve
What: New Year’s Eve has a reputation as a hard-partying night that goes well into the early morning. But for parents with young kids, that’s not in the works. Luckily, the Indiana State Museum has created an ideal event that is both fun and festive and family friendly. Guests can enjoy face painting, music and a dance party as they get in the celebratory mood. Photo-ops will be set up to remember your night, and people can explore all three levels of the museum. The night ends with a balloon drop and confetti celebration at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 per person and free for children younger than age 3.
Midnight
Details: 9 p.m. Sunday, Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Ave., Indianapolis; discovernewfields.org/midnight
A swanky soiree helps usher in 2024 during Newfields’ brand new event. The inaugural Midnight gala is a black-tie, 21 and over party features a brand-new curated fireworks showcase on the Clowes Pavilion ceiling, endless flavorful food stations and festive specialty cocktails and mocktails, Tito’s Ice Bar on the Alliance Sculpture Court and a one-of-a-kind countdown. Music will be provided by The Rhythm Rockets, Chicago’s premier old-school swing, rhythm & blues band. Tickets are $150 for members and $175 for the public. Alcohol-free options are available as well for $100 for members and $125 for the public.
