“Stranger Things” Star David Harbour Proves He Totally Twins With Other Cast Members

Fans have been in love with David Harbour’s relationship with his Stranger Things co-stars ever since his SAG Awards speech sparked a range of curious (and totally entertaining!) facial expressions from Winona Ryder. The star has won hearts yet again with his latest barrage of Hopper hilarity, Instagramming pics of himself over the years that totally twin with multiple cast members of the hit Netflix series.

Fans will surely recognize the actor as Jim Hopper, the fictional Chief of Police of Hawkins, Indiana, the small town where the Stranger Things story takes places back in the ‘80s. But it turns out that if a little time-traveling was involved in the audition process, Harbour could have played a number of the roles. And he has the photographic proof.

First and foremost, he stunned his followers by posting a shot of himself as a young actor side-by-side with a pic of Joe Keery, the fella who plays Steve Harrington. The resemblance is unmistakable. Honestly, look at the hair!

Though, if you weren’t quite convinced by that particular side-by-side (or just wanted to revel in more of the pair’s grin-worthy twinning), he gave his followers another photo-based comparison that shows how the two certainly share a similar adorable smile. And that’s not even mentioning the comparable outfits and wavy hair.

The actor took the comparisons a step further and shared another couple of pics of the duo with Patrick Swayze thrown in for good measure (let’s be honest: If a dude has a chance to compare himself to the dreamy Swayze, he should probably just go ahead and take it!).

He captioned the pic: “The lineage is strong.” He added, as a word of warning to fans who have been goading him: “And I hope this will teach you not to encourage me, internet.🙄😝” Not likely!

Naturally, it wasn’t long before the 42-year-old shared even MORE, though he did want to break away from the pigeon-holing he had initiated: “Sick of being seen now from my Instagram posts as ONLY A ‘Joe Keery’ type.”

That’s why he popped up a pic of himself as a bowl-haired little boy alongside a shot of Noah Schnapp, saying, “I submit my audition for Will Byers. It’s called RANGE, kids, look it up!!”

Though if you don’t think he could handle the role of Will Byers (frankly, not many of us would want to find ourselves trapped in the Upside Down like he did), then maybe he could take over for a curly-hair Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson. We could see it!

And so can you, thanks to these pics of the pair (Harbour in the old days and Matarazzo in a recent shot) that show a striking resemblance.

And if that doesn’t work out, he could always take over for Natalia Dyer. Yes, we’re talking about the actress who portrays the teenaged Nancy. Granted, the resemblance isn’t that spot-on, but the makeup definitely helps.

…Or does it?

As silly (and freakishly on-point) as this all is, it’s certainly worth a giggle or two and, TBH, we definitely could use a little more of what we’ve deemed #HoppersHilarity in our lives to make us laugh.

Which is your favorite David Harbour comparison pic? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photo via David Harbour/Getty)

I am knee deep in tinsel, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer, but as soon as I finish all the new Christmas movies coming out this holiday season (plus those December TV shows), I am tuning into these new January TV shows like I have never tuned in before. There's something about early nights and chilly weather that creates the perfect atmosphere for series that are dramatic, mysterious, and absolutely consuming. And when there's nothing else to do, why not lie in bed and binge watch!

Here are 12 new TV shows coming in January 2025 that you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth — on Peacock January 2, 2025

Graeme Hunter/SKY/Carnival

This might be a January TV show, but the story opens on December 21. It's 1988 and Pan Am Flight 103 just exploded, killing 259 passengers and crew members. Dr. Jim Swire becomes the spokesman for the UK victims, despite the fact (or maybe because) he's grappling with the loss of his daughter Flora. But the more he fights for justice, the more he sees just how convoluted the justice system really is.

Lockerbie premieres on January 2 and stars Colin Firth, Catherine McCormack, Sam Troughton, Mark Bonnar, Ardalan Esmaili, Mudar Abbara, Guy Henry, Nabil Al Raee, and Jemma Carlton.

When Calls The Heart Season 12 — On Hallmark Channel January 5, 2025

Hallmark Channel

The post-holiday blues won't get you down for long, because When Calls The Heart is returning on the 5th! Fans of the show will remember season 11 introduced Elizabeth, Nathan, and the rest of Hope Valley to the 1920s (meaning Elizabeth also got a fresh chop!). We'll have to tune in to see what challenges and excitement comes their way next.

When Calls The Heart season 12 premieres on January 5 and stars Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Melissa Gilbert, Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner, Chris McNally, Kavan Smith, and Viv Leacock.

Doc — On Fox January 7, 2025

FOX

We can never have too many medical dramas can we? Fox's newest addition to the genre follows Minneapolis Dr. Amy Elias who's chief of internal medicine — and who's dealing with eight years of memory loss thanks to a traumatic brain injury. Now she just has to navigate dealing with patients, betrayal, and divorcing her soulmate...none of which she remembers. And the craziest part is this new TV show is actually inspired by a true story!

Doc premieres on January 7 and stars Molly Parker, Omar Metwally, Jon-Michael Ecker, Anya Banerjee, Scott Wolf, Amirah Vann, and Conni Miu.

The Rookie Season 7 — on ABC January 7, 2025

ABC/Hulu/Disney

There's a lot going on in the new season of The Rookie: John Nolan is recovering from a gunshot wound, two new rookies join the team, and two incredibly dangerous prisoners are still on the loose. It's never a dull day at the LAPD.

The Rookie season 7 premieres on January 7 and stars Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O’Neil, Eric Winter, Jenna Dewan, Shawn Ashmore, and Lisseth Chavez.

The Traitors Season 3 — on Peacock January 9, 2025

Chris Haston/NBC

Picture this: you're trapped in a Scottish castle playing a crazy murder mystery game with a dozen of your closest friends — all for the chance to win $250 thousand. That's the plot of this reality show, hosted by Alan Cumming, and we can't wait for the third season!

The Traitors season 3 premieres January 9 and stars Alan Cumming, Wells Adams, Sam Asghari, Chanel Ayan, Bob the Drag Queen, Dolores Catania, Jeremy Collins, Robyn Dixon, Dylan Efron, Nikki Garcia, Bob Harper, Britney Haynes, "Boston" Rob Mariano, Dorinda Medley, Ciara Miller, Royal Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Danielle Reyes, Tom Sandoval, Chrishell Stause, Tony Vlachos, Carolyn Wiger, and Gabby Windey.

On Call — on Prime Video January 9, 2025

Prime Video

Pretty Little Liars fans will be happy to see Troian Bellisario onscreen again! This police drama pairs up a veteran officer with a rookie for patrols around Long Beach, California — and just like the Liars had to deal with A time and time again, this show promises to present Troian's Traci with plenty of challenges. And any fans of Freeform's Party of Five reboot will recognize Brandon Larracuente!

On Call premieres January 9 and stars Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, and Eriq La Salle.

All Creatures Great & Small Season 5 — On PBS January 12, 2025

PBS Masterpiece/BBC

If you want something cozy to keep you company amidst all the mayhem, tune into All Creatures Great & Small! The show starts out following veterinarian James Herriot in 1930s Yorkshire, but it's evolved into a multi-generational drama that's one to remember. And in season 5, our favorite characters are dealing with a whole new challenge: World War II.

All Creatures Great & Small season 5 premieres on January 12 and stars Nicholas Ralph, Samuel West, Callum Woodhouse, Anna Madeley, Rachel Shenton, Matthew Lewis, Tony Pitts, Imogene Clawson, and Patricia Hodge.

XO, Kitty Season 2 — On Netflix January 16, 2025

Netflix

We're in for another semester at KISS in Seoul, and Kitty is more than ready to date casually for once. But when she finds a letter from her mom's past, she's faced with new adventures and new relationships. This is one January TV show I can't wait to see.

XO, Kitty season 2 stars Anna Cathcart, Audrey Huynh, Sasha Bhasin, Joshua Lee, Minyeong Choi, Gia Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan, Peter Thurnwald, and Regan Aliyah.

Severance Season 2 — On Apple TV+ January 17, 2025

Apple TV+

Adam Scott running around his office, and running from his problems, in the Severance season 2 teaser trailer is the most relatable thing I've seen all day. After a full season of his work and personal lives being, well, severed, Mark is in for a lot of surprises this time around. Completely separating your career from the rest of your life might sound ideal, but this January TV show is going to show us why that's simply not the case.

Severance season 2 premieres on January 17, and stars Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble.

Prime Target — On Apple TV+ January 22, 2025

Apple TV+

Okay I'm definitely not a math girl (like, I still count on my fingers sometimes), but this show definitely has my attention. It follows Edward, who is about to make a breakthrough that could get him access to every computer in the world. Now he just has to team up with a National Security Agent to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Equal parts terrifying and intriguing.

Prime Target premieres on January 22 and stars Leo Woodall, Quintessa Swindell, Stephen Rea, David Morrissey, Martha Plimpton, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Jason Flemyng, Harry Lloyd, Ali Suliman, Fra Fee, and Joseph Mydell.

The Night Agent Season 2 — on Netflix January 23, 2025

Netflix

Oh we are so back! I put on season 1 of this spy show while making my Eras Tour outfit (shameless plug for the 'fit here) and I was so engrossed I watched the entire thing in just over a day. It's got literally everything: danger, excitement, thrills, romance. And in season 2, low-level FBI Agent Peter Sutherland is finally an official Night Agent — and he's in for a lot more than he bargained for.

The Night Agent season 2 premieres on January 23 and stars Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Sarah Desjardins, and Enrique Murciano.

Watson — on CBS January 26, 2025

Sergei Bachlakov/CBS

Sherlock basically raised an entire generation of Tumblr users (Superwholock, anyone?) and we're finally in for another amazing adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes books. But this time, we're following Dr. John Watson, who jumps back into medicine after Sherlock's death. And while treating mysterious medical ailments is enough for any doctor, Watson also has to deal with evidence that Moriarty is actually still alive.

Watson premieres on January 26 and stars Morris Chestnut, Eve Harlow, Peter Mark Kendall, Inga Schlingmann, Ritchie Coster, and Rochelle Aytes.

Which new TV show are you excited to see this January? It'll be here before you know it! Good thing we still have plenty of time to catch up on all those December movies.

We’re at the time of year where you’ll see people posting a recap of 2024, hosting vision board parties, and sharing their 2025 new year resolution ideas. But, we don’t think you should follow any more viral trends just because other people are excited about them. Instead, we have 30 word of the year ideas that’ll help you make more intentional choices in 2025.

How to figure out which "Word of the Year" idea resonates with you:

Brit + Co

Usually we’re guilty of writing down a ton of goals that we abandon before the new year ends. Why? Studies show that only 28% of people actually get through their list (via Pew Research Center). But, next year can be different if you're willing to let go of the surface level idea of marking through a checklist just for the sake of doing so.

There's no rush to find the 'perfect' word that sets the tone for 2025. No, this is about going within to ask yourself what you need to have a peaceful or fulfilling life. The only word you won’t see on this list is manifestation because you’ll already be doing that by working on things that align with whatever you choose.

Ready to find the ones that’ll jumpstart the rest of a beautiful life? Scroll through for the best inspiration you'll come across before 2025.

Brit + Co

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Choosing Your Focus Words

It's easy to hone in on words just because they catch our eye, but 2025's all about making intentional choices. The best way to pick themes that align with how you feel is to lean into self-reflection. You can ask yourself prompts like:

  • What did I absolutely love about 2024?
  • What lessons did I learn about friends or dating?
  • Did I stick to a budget or achieve other money goals?
  • Was I stressed a lot this year? If so, why?
  • Will I renew my lease or do I plan to move in 2025?
  • How do I want to feel in my body?
  • Am I following negative social media accounts?
  • Do I finally want to join a book club in 2025?

Brit + Co

Travel-Inspired Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Wander
  • Escape
  • Journey
  • Adventure
  • Horizon

Brit + Co

Wellness Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Refresh
  • Bloom
  • Healing
  • Nourish
  • Self-Care

Brit + Co

Uplifting Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Empowered
  • Hopeful
  • Peace
  • Love
  • Joy

Brit + Co

Relationship-Focused Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Kindness
  • Community
  • Compassion
  • Honesty
  • Trust

Brit + Co

Career-Focused Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Adaptable
  • Exploration
  • Creativity
  • Growth
  • Resilience

Vlada Karpovich

Home-Focused Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Safety
  • Family
  • Relaxation
  • Comfort
  • Stability

KoolShooters

Self-Love Word Of The Year Ideas

  • Embrace
  • Courage
  • Gratitude
  • Intuition
  • Balance

You deserve to focus on what you really want without feeling pressured by society or making fear-based decisions.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more new year resolution ideas!

New York City is a home and a hub for celebrities across all industries, and the glitzy appeal of Gossip Girl’s NYC is made all the more glamorous by its numerous celebrity cameos. Given that Blair and Serena run in the upper echelon of the city’s It girls, it actually makes total sense for them to be rubbing shoulders with Alexa Chung and Lady Gaga. You never know who you’re going to run into on the Upper East Side — and in Gossip Girl’s case, you may not even remember half the celebs you meet.

Over the course of six wonderfully melodramatic seasons, Gossip Girl racked up quite a stacked cast list on IMDB. From stars with recurring roles to those who pop in to play themselves for one scene, here are 17 celebrities who appeared on Gossip Girl that you probably forgot about.

Scroll down to see all the celebrity Gossip Girlcameos we're totally obsessed with!

1. William Baldwin

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Serena van der Woodsen’s got some serious daddy issues. One of Gossip Girl’s longest subplots is Serena’s search for her father, who essentially walked out on her when she was a kid. He finally appears for the first time in Season 3 Episode 19 (“Dr. Estrangeloved), where he’s played by a member of one of NYC’s royal families, William Baldwin. (In case you’re wondering, he’s Hailey Bieber’s uncle.)

2. Lady Gaga

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

You probably blocked out the time Blair and Dan put on a jukebox version of Snow White at NYU given that the whole ordeal was painfully cringe. That means you probably also blocked out the fact that real-life NYU alum Lady Gaga gives a dead-eyed performance of “Bad Romance” at the end of the episode (Season 3 Episode 10, “The Last Days of Discostick”).

3. Hilary Duff

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Also included in the Season 3 NYU timeline is Hilary Duff as Olivia Burke. Olivia’s a famous actress who balances attending NYU, starring in the vampire romance franchise Endless Knights, and dating Dan. She’s basically the Gossip Girl universe’s hybrid of Kristen Stewart and Emma Watson.

4. Sebastian Stan

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Okay, there’s absolutely no way you forgot this one. Before Sebastian Stan was the MCU’s BB, he was Gossip Girl’s lesser-known CB — Carter Baizen. Stan played St. Jude’s sleaziest graduate and one of Serena’s most questionable exes from Seasons 1 through 3.

5. Karlie Kloss

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Karlie Kloss will always attend a NYFW party — even if that party only exists within Gossip Girl’s Season 4 premiere (“Belles du Jour”).

6. Armie Hammer

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Serena’s dating history includes one man whose bite may be worse than his bark. In Season 2, she starts dating a con man named Gabriel Edwards, played by Armie Hammer.

7. Cyndi Lauper

Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for Paramount+

Girls just wanna have Cyndi Lauper do a surprise performance at their eighteenth birthday party — at least, Blair Waldorf does. Lauper makes a cameo in Season 2 Episode 10 (“Bonfire of the Vanity”).

8. Tyra Banks

Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery

Tyra Banks plays Ursula, a famous actress who Serena keeps from crashing out at a movie premiere, in Season 3 Episode 4 (“Dan de Fleurette”).

9. Clémence Poésy

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

When Chuck goes to France in Season 4 and attempts to restart his life as Henry Prince, he takes Fleur Delacour — err, I mean, Clémence Poésy — along for the ride.

10. Mädchen Amick

Tara Ziemba/Getty Images

Sorry, Archiekins — Alice Cooper’s got her eye on a different Archibald. Riverdale star Mädchen Amick appears in Season 2 as Nate’s first foray into MILF territory.

11. Elizabeth Hurley

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Lionsgate and Grindstone

Mädchen Amick walked so Elizabeth Hurley could run … Nate’s life into the ground. Hurley plays shady media mogul Diana Payne throughout Season 5.

12. Aaron Tveit

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

This guest star lives rent-free in Broadway fans’ minds. Aaron Tveit, the patron saint of tenors, appears in Seasons 2 through 5 as Nate’s cousin, politician Tripp van der Bilt.

13. Alexa Chung

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

In Season 6 Episode 3 (“Dirty Rotten Scandals”), Alexa Chung, the minimalist darling of the 2010s fashion blogging scene, refuses to walk the runway at Blair Waldorf’s debut fashion show.

14. Rachel Bilson & Kristen Bell

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SCAD & Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell show up in the series finale as two actresses auditioning for a role in Inside Out, the movie adaptation of Dan’s bestselling book, Inside. Bell’s voice should ring a bell — she’s the voice ofGossip Girl.

15. Tim Gunn

Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Nespresso

Project Runway’s iconic mentor, Tim Gunn gives Jenny a little mentorship in Season 4 Episode 6 (“Easy J”).

16. Rachel Zoe

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tom Ford

Rachel Zoe: celebrity stylist, fashion designer, and extremely good sport. In her GG cameo in Season 4 Episode 7 (“War at the Roses”), Zoe takes a tumble and spills chocolate sauce all over her head before delivering her iconic catchphrase, “I die.” We die, too.

17. Florence Welch

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Gucci

Welch’s performance of “Cosmic Love” in Season 4 Episode 14 (“Panic Roommate”) was reportedly due to her real-life friendship with Blake Lively. The actress suggested to the producers that they should use Florence’s music in the show. The producers went one step further, and we’re all the better for it.

Wonder what other celebs have appeared in your favorite TV shows? Check out these 24 Sex and the City cameos and 11 Gilmore Girls cameos you may have missed!

Fashion trends come and go, but there are some that live in our hearts forever. Whether it’s pure nostalgia or reminiscing on just how bad they were, there are plenty of embarrassing and outdated fashion trends I can list off the top of my head: micro vests, chevron dresses, and *shudders* skinny jeans. (How did we let that happen?!)

Since it’s the season of cold, cold, cold, I figured I’d share several outdated winter coat trends that you simply shouldn’t shop anymore since they’re no longer en vogue, not practical at all, or all of the above. Plus, I’m offering some fresher winter coat alternatives to keep you lookin’ oh-so stylish this time of year!

From ultra-cropped coats to army jackets, here are the top 5 “outdated” winter coat trends to avoid at all costs, and what you should shop instead.

Nordstrom

Cotton On The Mother Puffer Cropped Soft Fleece Jacket

1. Swap cropped coats for long coats.

Because what good does a cropped coat do? They aren't very practical for keeping you comfy and warm, especially if you live somewhere where the temperature dips below freezing on the regular.

Plus, cropped coats often come in overly puffy, chunky styles, so they mess with your proportions, which is not flattering at all.

Quince

Quince Stretch Crepe Trench Coat

Instead, opt for an ever-stylish trench coat. They’re all the rage right now, plus they’ll give you that nice ‘quiet luxury’ look. Trench coats are shoppable in all sorts of fabrications, but if warmth and practicality is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend snagging a wool one.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

2. Trade faux leather for real leather.

When it comes to fashion trends, investment pieces stand the test of time – which is why you shouldn’t be shopping any faux leather winter coats. Not only do they have the possibility of looking cheap-y, they might not last you as long as a real leather coat would.

Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond Leather Jacket

Look for a real leather coat in a timeless color you know you’re going to wear again and again, like a deep brown or plain black. These neutral colors make ‘em easy to style with everything else you've got going on in your closet, plus a 100% real leather will easily stand up to any weathering as you don it throughout the years.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Jacket

3. Toss any army jackets (especially camo) for leopard print coats.

Army jackets feel so 2014 – and remember when camo was all the rage? Well, it’s not so much anymore. Army jackets and camo feel so 2014 for a reason, and that’s because much trendier (and much more flattering) coats have taken center stage.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Faux Fur Coat

This season, try switching out your outdated army jacket for a different pattern, like leopard. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear leopard and not look too over-the-top. A basic leopard print coat (I love the fuzzy-looking ones) is an easy statement piece to throw over all-black outfits. We’ve matured past camo – try something new this time around!

H&M

H&M Bomber Jacket

4. Trade bomber jackets for barn jackets.

Bomber jackets are another ‘so 2014’ pick in my opinion. While they can work well in some instances, I don’t think they are very flattering. They typically come with elastic waistbands and wristbands, which can constrict your figure and movements in a way that just doesn’t feel good.

Free People

We The Free Denim Barn Coat

Loosen up a bit instead with barn jackets, AKA chore coats. They boast a roomier silhouette, plus everyone seems to be donning them right now. They add a subtle utilitarian look to any outfit, all while letting you layer up underneath with your favorite sweaters and long sleeve tees.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Yavonne Faux Fur Coat

5. Ditch dramatic furs for more stylish shearling coats.

While I do love a bit of drama, dramatic furs are just way too extra. They can distract from your look easily and drown out your figure instead of flattering it.

Nordstrom

Topshop Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket

I suggest toning down this “outdated” winter coat style by wearing some stylish shearling instead. Shearling will keep you just as warm, but it looks a pinch more polished. You can shop shearling coats in many colors or snag one that has mixed materials for added visual interest.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more news on the latest fashion trends!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When it comes to New Year's Eve celebrations, the first thought that probably springs to mind is boozing it up with an NYE cocktail. And while there's nothing wrong with sipping some bubbly (if that's your inclination), those of us who prefer to keep thingsnon-alc may feel like there are no New Year's-appropriate activities for our preferences. We say that nothing could be further from the truth! Whether you're pregnant, abstaining, or just taking a break from the booze, here are 10 fun ideas for ringing in 2025, the sober way.

Attend A Silent Disco

A few years ago, just as the sober-curious movement was gaining steam, companies like Daybreaker brought 6 a.m. sober dance parties to the masses. In a similar vein are remote silent discos – events where you put your headphones on and dance it out to the music of world-class DJs right in the comfort of your own home (or in person, if you feel like venturing out).

A quick Google search will reveal that there are tons of options to shake it off on New Year's Eve, whether remotely or in-person in your city. Because silent discos have an alternative vibe, they're much more sober-friendly than traditional clubs and dance parties.

Make A Tea Bar

Photo by Jill Wellington / PEXELS

If you've ever been to a party where they had aProsecco bar or something similar, you know how fun themed bars can be. Why not make a NA equivalent with a tea bar? We're not just talking about hot water and tea bags... include exciting staples like bubble tea, kombucha, Southern-style sweet iced tea, and more!

Do A Goal-Setting Ritual

Brit + Co

Not in the mood to party this year? Celebrate the New Year with some introspection by doing a goal-setting ritual. You can design the ritual in whatever manner you like, but we recommend something along the lines of:

  • Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes.
  • Whip out your journal and take inventory of the last year: What were your best memories? What are you grateful for? Where do you think you could've improved?
  • In your journal (we have some killer prompts to start you off), mindfully list out your goals for 2025. They don't have to be New Year's resolutions, exactly, but include small steps you can take in the new year to help you achieve your goals!

Make A 2025 Scrapbook

Brit + Co

Before New Year's Eve, head to your local craft store and pick up some supplies for making an old-fashioned scrapbook. Print out some photos from your most treasured memories of the year (we like printing with Walgreens), and gather any magazines you purchased or journal entries you wrote.

You can also look up some news headlines that made an impact on you, and print out the article as well as photos of any notable celebs or politicians who made the news. On New Year's eve, put together a scrapbook of what made 2024, 2024.

Good, bad, or otherwise, the year was one to remember — so create a momento that will help you re-live the past year in the years to come.

Plan A Costume Party

Brit + Co

Believe it or not, masquerade balls, dressing up in costumes, and concealing one's identity have a long history in the historical celebrations of Christmastime. So we think a New Year's costume party is a fully appropriate idea for a sober New Year's Eve.

Who needs booze to have fun when you can dress up as whoever you want for a night of merriment and mystery?

Karaoke It Up

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Another fun party pastime that's fun with or without booze? Singing! Grab some friends for a sober karaoke night either at your house or a private karaoke room. The singing's bound to be better than it would be if you were imbibing... who knows, maybe you'll steal the show with your rendition of "I'm Just Ken."

Cook A Fancy Meal

Whether you're spending the evening with your S/O or your BFF, cook a fancydinner for two. New Year's Eve is the perfect time to get fancy with food, so use this opportunity to ring in 2025 with only the finest cuisine. Don't forget to make a mocktail to go with!

Host A Game Night

Brit + Co

Bring all your besties over and host a board game night that's sure to be one for the books. Have everyone bring their favorite game – from Cards Against Humanity to Codenames – for a riotous evening that will remind you that you absolutely don't need booze to have a rowdy night of laughter!

Play 2024 Trivia

Photo by Askar Abayev / PEXELS

Before New Year's Eve, compile a long list of trivia questions about 2024. Alternatively, have a friend do it for you, or do a quick Google search... there are a lot of trivia quizzes out there. On the big night, gather your squad together to see how much you remember about 2024. The results may surprise you!

Host A Murder-Mystery Dinner

Image via Amazon

Murder-mystery dinners are still one of the best ways to facilitate a heart-racing and mind-boggling party. Pick up one of the many murder mystery dinner kits out there and have your besties over for a night of thinking on your toes — to be fair, it's probably best to skip the booze for this idea anyway, for the sake of your mental acuity.

Are you planning a sober New Year's Eve party this year? Tweet us @BritandCo to share your plans, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more booze-free hacks and party ideas!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post has been updated.