New Year’s Eve with kids usually looks like snacks, countdowns, and trying to keep everyone awake until midnight. One of my favorite easy ways to make it fun (without extra prep) is pulling out New Year’s riddles for kids.
These riddles are perfect for family game night, classroom activities, or New Year’s Eve parties. They’re funny, kid-friendly, and include answers so everyone can join in without frustration.
Free Printable: Riddle Cards
Grab our free Riddles for Kids printable cards—perfect for car rides, brain breaks, family game night, or anytime kids want a challenge. Each card includes a kid-friendly riddle that gets kids thinking, laughing, and problem-solving together.
Top 10 Best New Year’s Riddles for Kids
- What do people say when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st?
Answer: Happy New Year! - What do people make in January that they often forget by February?
Answer: New Year’s resolutions - What goes down as the New Year comes up?
Answer: The countdown - What month always starts the New Year?
Answer: January - What pops at midnight but isn’t a balloon?
Answer: Champagne (or sparkling juice!) - What drops at midnight but never breaks?
Answer: The New Year - What do people count backward before midnight?
Answer: The seconds - What disappears when the New Year arrives?
Answer: The old year - What do people wish for at midnight?
Answer: Good luck - What has 365 chances to do something new?
Answer: A year
Easy New Year’s Riddles for Kids
- What do people say when the clock strikes midnight on December 31st?
Answer: Happy New Year! - I come once a year and bring a fresh start. What am I?
Answer: The New Year - What drops at midnight but never breaks?
Answer: The New Year - What do people make in January that they often forget by February?
Answer: New Year’s resolutions - What month always starts the New Year?
Answer: January - I’m full of promises, plans, and goals. What am I?
Answer: The New Year - What do you throw away on December 31st?
Answer: The old year - What has 365 chances to do something new?
Answer: A year - What comes right after December 31st?
Answer: January 1st - What do people count down right before midnight?
Answer: The seconds
Funny New Year’s Riddles
- Why did the calendar break up with last year?
Answer: It needed a fresh start - Why is New Year’s Eve always tired?
Answer: Because it stays up all night - Why did January bring a ladder?
Answer: To reach new heights - What’s a New Year’s resolution’s favorite exercise?
Answer: Quitting - Why don’t New Year’s resolutions last long?
Answer: They lose their motivation - Why did the clock get excited on December 31st?
Answer: It was about to strike midnight - Why did the champagne blush?
Answer: It saw the New Year coming - Why did the party hat feel important?
Answer: It knew it was a big night - Why do people love New Year’s Eve parties?
Answer: Because everyone’s invited to a fresh start - Why was the New Year so optimistic?
Answer: It hadn’t made any mistakes yet
Countdown & Time Riddles
- I tick all year long but get the most attention at midnight. What am I?
Answer: A clock - What goes down as the New Year comes up?
Answer: The countdown - What tells you it’s midnight without speaking?
Answer: A clock striking twelve - What disappears when the New Year arrives?
Answer: The old year - What happens exactly one second after midnight?
Answer: The New Year begins - What do you watch while counting backward?
Answer: The clock - What number ends one year and starts the next?
Answer: Twelve (midnight) - What do you shout when the countdown ends?
Answer: Happy New Year! - What can you never stop, even on New Year’s Day?
Answer: Time - What resets but keeps moving forward?
Answer: A calendar
New Year’s Eve Party Riddles
- What pops but isn’t a balloon?
Answer: Champagne (or sparkling juice!) - What makes noise without saying a word on New Year’s Eve?
Answer: Party horns - What do people wear on their heads to celebrate?
Answer: Party hats - What sparkles in the sky at midnight?
Answer: Fireworks - What do families do together at midnight?
Answer: Celebrate - What drink is often raised at midnight?
Answer: Champagne or sparkling cider - What makes a mess but means fun?
Answer: Confetti - What do you blow but don’t want to pop?
Answer: Party blowers - What’s louder at midnight than any other time of year?
Answer: Cheers - What brings everyone together at the same moment?
Answer: The countdown
Thoughtful New Year Riddles (Resolutions & Goals)
- What do people say when they believe the next year will be great?
Answer: “This is our year!” - I’m something you promise yourself but don’t wrap in paper. What am I?
Answer: A resolution - What do people hope the New Year brings?
Answer: Happiness - What do people leave behind when a New Year starts?
Answer: The past - What do people set but don’t always keep?
Answer: Goals - What word means starting over?
Answer: Fresh - What do people wish for at midnight?
Answer: Good luck - What can change your year but fits in your mind?
Answer: A positive attitude - What do people hope to be in the New Year?
Answer: Better versions of themselves - What do you write down to plan your year?
Answer: Goals
These New Year’s riddles are a fun way to celebrate fresh starts, spark laughter, and get kids thinking as the year begins. Whether you’re counting down at home, hosting a party, or looking for an easy classroom activity, riddles make the moment more memorable.
These New Year’s riddles are a fun way to celebrate fresh starts, spark laughter, and get kids thinking as the year begins. Whether you’re counting down at home, hosting a party, or looking for an easy classroom activity, riddles make the moment more memorable.
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Michele Tripple is a renowned author and expert in the fields of parenting, relationships, and personal development. She is a certified Life Coach with her degree in marriage and family studies, her experience as a Family Life Educator, and over a decade of experience as a professional writer; Michele has authored books that provide practical advice and insights into improving family dynamics and personal growth. Her work is celebrated for its blend of research-driven information and relatable, real-world applications. Michele has been a keynote speaker at conferences and has contributed to numerous publications and media outlets, solidifying her reputation as an authoritative voice in her field and helping families build relationships.