New Year's Eve Events in Columbus Ohio 2019-2020

New Year’s Eve is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday either. Columbus offers plenty of fun events and activities for those who want to have a good time without breaking the bank.

For families who want to keep their young kids entertained until midnight, get tickets to the Columbus First Night party. This annual event is being held this year at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) from 5:30 p.m. - midnight. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 until the 30th, then the price will go up to $15 online and in person (until 8 p.m.) on the 31st; kids under 2 receive free admission. There will be games, food trucks, exhibits, space activities, and Creation stations. For $5 more guests can enjoy movies on the big screen, the planetarium and a motion simulator. Live entertainment from Mr. Puppet, School of Rock and Comedy Juggler Matt Jergens will bring even more excitement and a fireworks show will wrap up the night.

If your kids (or you) have the energy to burn during the winter break, Skate Zone 71 is hosting a day full of activities. Their free skate is open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. followed by their New Year’s Eve events. At 4 p.m they will have a party for the kids who can’t quite make it to midnight. Though it ends at 7 p.m., there will be a mock countdown to midnight. Admission to this party is $13 which includes skate rental, unlimited cheese pizza and drink, and noisemakers. If you want to try and last until 2020, come in at 8 p.m. for their New Year’s Eve skate which will last until 12:30 a.m. Admission is $14 which will include skate rental, unlimited cheese pizza and drink, noisemakers and a countdown to midnight.

Since we are entering the new Roarin’ 20s many bars and restaurants are offering themed events to start the year off right. Costumes are not required but it’s always more fun when you dress up, so dust off your pearls and spats for these swinging parties.

One of these spots is Bar Louie who is throwing a Great Gatsby-themed party. This party is free for basic admission but there is also an elite package for $50. Both include a champagne toast but the elite package also includes four drink tickets and a free appetizer (flatbreads, sliders or nachos). This is a 21+ event and it’s first come first serve, no reservations.

For partiers who want a little something different, try the Forge Tavern and their Roarin’ 20s party. For $25, guests can enjoy a full night at this board gaming bar. The event starts at 6 p.m. and a buffet-style dinner (salad, entree, and dessert) will be served from 7-9 p.m. along with a complimentary glass of champagne at midnight. Since this is a bar the event is 21+ but guests can enjoy a photo booth, themed party games and the bar’s selection of board games.

Kids and adults alike can have a swinging time this New Year’s without worrying about spending a ton. Columbus and the surrounding areas play host to dozens of budget-friendly activities to help you party into 2020.