Ah, New Year's Eve. The one magical night a year where expectations run high, the stars align, and the person of your dreams sweeps you off your feet just as the clock strikes midnight.
Or so you hope.
Unfortunately, that type of New Year's Eve only happens in the movies, and IRL we're subjected to crowded parties with people who drink too much, and a countdown that doesn't live up to our expectations in the least.
If you're so over the hype of New Year's Eve, there are plenty of alternative ways to ring in the new year. Here, we round up eight low-key (but still epic) ways to celebrate the start of 2018.
1. LOL at a comedy show
Laughing your way into 2018 seems like the ideal way to spend New Year's Eve. After all, with so much tragedy in the news this year — from mass shootings to natural disasters and horrific stories of sexual assault — it's nice to get away from it all.
Yuk Yuk's Stand Up Comedy Clubs offer tons of laughs across Canada this NYE, or you can check out comedy shows at places like Toronto's Second City, Calgary's Comedy Cave, or Montreal's Comedy Nest.
2. Zen out with a yoga class
"New year, new me" seems to be everyone's mantra come Jan. 1. If you really want to kickstart the new year on a fresh foot, then why not zen out in a mindful yoga class?
A quick Google search will help you find yoga studios in your city that are hosting special new year's classes. Moksha Yoga in Burnaby, B.C. and Ground Yoga in Saskatoon, Sask. for instance, are both hosting mindful candlelit classes on Dec. 31 that run from 90 minutes to two hours.
3. Get competitive at a board game café
If you really just want to chill out this New Year's, then head to a board game café near you. Not only do these spots have ample games to choose from, but they tend to also serve café beverages, booze and snacks to suit your every need! The bonus is that if you have kids, you can bring them along too for a family-friendly New Year's Eve.
The Board Room Game Café in Halifax, N.S. and Unplugged: Board Games Café in Fredericton, N.B. are standout suggestions, as the former boasts more than 500 games and the latter boasts more than 700!
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4. Sing your heart out at karaoke
Although this isn't the most low-key alternative on this list, karaoke can be a nice substitute for any mega-loud parties and large crowds you're used to encountering on Dec. 31. Instead of heading to a karaoke bar where you perform in front of a room full of strangers, opt for bars that offer private rooms, like PopStar Karaoke in Ottawa, SweeTea in Regina, Sask. and Bar+ in Toronto.
5. Escape to the movies
If you're a movie buff, then heading to your closest theatre to see a newly-released film is a great way to end (and start) the year. Plus, it'll likely be less crowded as the majority of folks head out to house parties or bar hops to ring in 2018.
This year, there's a great selection of films to choose from, including "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "Pitch Perfect 3," "Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle," and "Molly's Game."
6. Stay in with wine and cheese
This is the epitome of a low-key NYE. Avoid social interaction altogether by winding down with your loved one and some wine and cheese. Just switch on Netflix for a truly perfect night.
Not sure how to pair your wine and cheese? Don't worry, we've got an expert cheat sheet just for you. And in case you're wondering which shows you should binge-watch next with your SO, here's a comprehensive list. (You're welcome.)
7. Get cultural at a Canadian museum or concert
While heading to a Canadian museum for New Year's Eve might not exactly get you away from the crowds, it's definitely one of the most unique ways to ring in 2018.
If you haven't checked out Toronto's Royal Ontario Museum yet, this is your chance! The ROM will be hosting an NYE celebration with live bands and DJs. And if loud music isn't your thing, you can always escape to one of the quieter areas of the venue while moseying around their exhibitions.
The Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. will also be hosting a NYE event called "Nimidiwin, A Celebration of our Dance from Coast to Coast to Coast" to teach people about Indigenous culture.
While not all museums will be hosting late-night New Year's Eve celebrations, you'll likely still be able to find some great Canadian events around your city. Vancouver's Rickshaw Theatre, for instance, will be hosting a Tragically Hip tribute concert on Dec. 31. All proceeds from the event will then be donated to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
8. Indulge in a five-course meal
When all else fails, a nice dinner with some good company is all you need to have a great, low-key New Year's Eve. Plenty of restaurants across Canada are offering special prix-fixe menus with three to five courses for you to indulge in as you wait for that 10-second countdown.
Enjoy Mexican cuisine at La Roca in Winnipeg, Man., take in the ambience at The Pilot House in Charlottetown, P.E.I., or enjoy live music at Montreal's Modavie.
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