As New Year’s Eve approaches, families in Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) are preparing for a special celebration designed for children. The Noon Year’s Eve events allow kids to enjoy a festive atmosphere before they head to bed, featuring activities ranging from dance parties to craft stations. Several venues, including the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum and local libraries, are hosting events on December 31, 2023, providing a family-friendly alternative to traditional midnight celebrations.
Exciting Activities at Local Venues
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is set to host its eighth Noon Year’s Eve celebration, following last year’s successful turnout of 210 attendees. According to Ginny Weibel, the museum’s director, the event was created to engage children in New Year’s festivities. “We want kids to be involved in New Year’s, as well as adults,” Weibel stated. Families can expect a range of enjoyable activities, including a dance party, crafting party hats and noisemakers, and even a visit from Cinderella. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is included in the museum’s $7 admission fee, with free entry for babies under 12 months.
Nearby, the Lackawanna County Children’s Library will host its inaugural Noon Year’s Eve event. Early Childhood Program Coordinator Jenna O’Malley expressed excitement about the festivities, which will include story time, a dance party, and a countdown to noon on a large screen. This free event starts at 11 a.m. at the library located at 520 Vine St., with suggested registration available online.
Other libraries in the region are also joining the celebration. The Valley Community Library in Peckville will feature a scavenger hunt and a DIY glitter play dough station, beginning with story time at 11 a.m.. Meanwhile, the Ringtown Area Library is co-hosting its seventh Noon Year’s Eve party at the Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Hall, with doors opening at 10:45 a.m. This year, attendees can look forward to unique activities involving fire trucks.
Dining and Alternative Celebrations
For families seeking a festive meal, the Backwoods Bar and Kitchen in Dallas is offering a kid-friendly brunch buffet during its celebration. The buffet costs $25 for adults and $20 for children, with reservations required. This provides an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a meal together while participating in the celebrations.
For those unable to attend an event in person, Weibel suggests hosting a mini celebration at home. Caregivers can coordinate their countdown to coincide with midnight in another time zone, allowing for a fun countdown experience without staying up late.
To enhance the holiday spirit, the Lackawanna Children’s Library recommends several books for families to read together, including “The Night Before New Year’s” by Natasha Wing and “Goodbye Old Year, Hello New Year” by Frank Modell. Additionally, an online party planner has suggested creative ideas such as using bubble wrap for a substitute balloon drop.
As families in NEPA gear up for these engaging Noon Year’s Eve celebrations, the events promise to create lasting memories and foster a sense of community among attendees.
