20 Fun (and Mostly Free!) Things to Do on New Year's Day

Yes, taking a nap is an activity—even if it's a very low-maintenance one. Break out your new silk eye mask, a fresh set of bed sheets, and turn on that white noisemaker you got over the holidays for a pleasant mid-day nap after a long celebratory night.

BUY NOW Slip Silk Eye Mask, $50

If you didn't participate in Black Friday or Cyber Monday, or if you totally forgot to buy something, do a little post-holiday sales shopping. There's sure to be some lingering!

BUY NOW Urban Outfitters Reusable Shopping Bag, $12

Left with a few items that you don't necessarily want to keep but want to put to good use? Arrange a re-gift swap with friends to see if you can find a loving home for the item elsewhere.

BUY NOW Paper Source Mistletoe Mint Wrapping Paper, $10

Whether you plan on participating in Dry January, Whole30, or want to set another specific 30-day challenge, like a fitness routine, start out the year strong with one of your goals already in the works.

BUY NOW Balelinko 10 lb Dumbbells, $35

There are typically college football games every New year's Day, which means you can spend some time rooting for your favorite team and eating all of the best game-day snacks, of course.

BUY NOW Macy's Chip N' Dip Bowl, $28

If you've refreshed your closet with a few new clothing items over the holidays, it might be time to give your old ones a new home. Go through all of your clothes, and donate them to places like Goodwill or resell them for a little extra cash at places like Buffalo Exchange or Plato's Closet.

BUY NOW Acrylic Shelf Dividers, $26

When all you want to do is chill and sit around, consider getting cozy on the couch or head to the theater. Make a day of it with a full movie marathon and prioritize all the Oscar nominees you want to see before award show season is in full swing.

WATCH NOW King Richard, HBO Max

Setting goals on January first might sound cliche, but it really can be a good opportunity to sit down and check in with yourself. Whether you want to take the traditional approach of setting goals or you just want to write freely, this day is always a great excuse to get back in touch with yourself. If you need a prompt, write down five things you want to leave in 2021 and five things you want to take with you in 2022.

BUY NOW The Five-Minute Journal, $30

When you live somewhere chilly but still want to get outside and be active, ice skating is the ideal activity. If you're lucky, the lines will be a lot shorter than they were pre-Christmas. Don't forget to bundle up.

BUY NOW Revony Beanie, $14

January first is all about recalibrating and relaxing. A great way to do so? Pick up a new book you've been meaning to read. If you need any suggestions, consider some of 2021's bestsellers, like The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe and You Love Me by Caroline Kepnes.

BUY NOW Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, $18

Go window shopping or make use of the extra day off by prepping and packaging up all the returns you need to make after the holidays (you may want to double-check which shops or shopping centers are open first, as the holiday may affect hours).

BUY NOW Patagonia Market Tote, $29

Pamper yourself! Make the entire day about doing things that'll relax you and make you feel rejuvenated, whether that's doing a face mask and soaking in the tub, hanging out with friends, or volunteering.

BUY NOW Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath Soak, $18

Visiting an art, history, or science museum is a fun and enriching thing to do, but it'll also take up a big chunk of time, which is perfect if you're looking for something that'll keep you and the family busy all day long. Many museums will still be open on New Year's Day, but make sure to double-check their websites before you make the trek.

BUY NOW MoMA Admissions Ticket, $25

Host a celebratory brunch, or plan a party at your favorite brunch spot if you don't feel like entertaining and cooking for a bunch of people.

BUY NOW West Elm Champagne Flutes, $60

Spend the day volunteering or working with a cause you care about, whether that means participating in a beach cleanup or researching causes and organizations you want to get involved with in the upcoming year.

BUY NOW Sayemeto Trash Picker, $12

If you have a fire pit, invite some friends over for a midwinter barbecue and huddle around the fire to stay warm. Or, if it's simply too cold to go outside, do the same thing around an indoor fireplace.

BUY NOW Wrought Studio Fire Pit, $74

Whether you want to go on a full-on trail hike or just stroll through the city, going for a long walk somewhere scenic in your area is a nice way to clear your head.

BUY NOW New Balance 990v5 Sneakers, $185

Teach yourself a new game or skill, like chess or solitaire. Once you know the rules and have studied up on some of the strategies, hold a mini tournament.

BUY NOW CB2 Marble Chess Board, $100

For probably the least fun—but most rewarding—New Year's Day, consider cleaning the house and getting organized. Having a clutter-free and clean space is the best way to set the right tone to tackle the year ahead.

BUY NOW Hay Metal Hangers, $10

If you're stuck inside and looking for something new to do with your partner, housemates, or family, play a probing "get to know you" game. We love the options from School of Life (The Confessions Game and The Dilemmas Game are a couple of favorites) or this one pictured from We're Not Really Strangers.

BUY NOW We're Not Really Strangers Card Game, $25