New Year's Eve Party Hats: Festive Picks to Ring in 2025 in Style

Paper Source’s Gold Glitter Mini Party Hats arrive as a set of eight, making them good-value favors or tabletop accents for New Year’s place settings. At just 3.5 inches tall, they’re more novelty than full-size hats, though the gold elastic chin cord gives a flexible, stay-put fit for quick photos. In our testing, the cardstock build handled light wear fine, but glitter shedding is possible during setup and cleanup. No illumination here, yet the sparkling finish adds plenty of festive shine when scattered across a buffet or selfie station.

During our review, the Happy New Year’s Glitter Dipped Cone Hat was an inexpensive crowd-pleaser for outfitting groups or stocking on party favors. The glitter-dipped brim adds festive sparkle, and the attached elastic strap offers quick, adjustable wear for most partygoers. Just note the cardstock construction can tear if handled roughly, and some glitter shedding is likely on clothing or tables. It’s a one-size design without illumination, so while great for adults and older kids, very small children may not get a perfect fit.

Meri Meri’s Gold Mini Glittered Crowns bring instant shimmer to group photos, and we love that they’re sold in sets so everyone can join. The gold glitter fabric over a paper backing looks party-ready, and the included elastic allows quick, adjustable wear for kids and most adults. During our review, the neon elastic felt a bit tight on larger heads, and some small hair-clip variants may not match expectations. Our tip: use them for short photo moments or as place-card toppers, where the sparkle really shines without long-wear discomfort.

If you're outfitting a crowd on a budget, the Windy City Novelties 12-Pack Happy New Year Tiaras are a smart grab at $5.95. In our testing, the lightweight foil-coated cardstock and plastic headbands felt comfortable and the glittery finish popped in photos, though the thin materials can feel a bit flimsy. One size fits most and there's no adjustability, so they're best for quick wear during midnight toasts. Our experience shows they're ideal as disposable, festive toppers for large parties or office celebrations.

For outfitting a crowd, the Beistle Happy New Year Tiara Headband hits a sweet price point and snaps on quickly for most sizes. During our review, the bright foil-and-glitter decoration proved super photogenic, making it an easy pick for photo booths and countdown selfies. The lightweight plastic can feel a bit flimsy, and you should expect some glitter or foil shedding onto clothing. There’s no illumination, but the adjustable design and festive shine make it a reliable, budget-friendly party favor.

If you want to be seen at midnight, the Sequin Cowboy Hat with LED Brim lit up brilliantly in our testing and drew compliments. The sequin-covered fabric delivers big sparkle, while the bright, visible LEDs create a clear outline around the brim in low light. Just be aware it runs on small replaceable button batteries, which can be inconvenient to swap if you’re partying through multiple events. With no adjustability and a one-size fit, our experience shows it’s best for short stints of high-impact wear rather than all-night comfort.

The Smiffys Light Up LED Sequin Trilby amped up our party photos, with bright, multi-function LEDs and a sequin finish that really catches club lighting. It’s a fun, low-cost fedora-style pick when you want instant flair and easy visibility on the dance floor. Be aware the included batteries are typically non-replaceable, which limits long-term use compared to refillable options. With no adjustability and a one-size fit, our experience shows it’s best for short sets or photo moments rather than all-night comfort.

In our testing, the Happy New Year Mini Glitter Top Hat was a playful, ultra-budget accent that’s easy to buy in bulk. The gold hatband and glitter deliver festive sparkle, and the attached elastic keeps the tiny 2-inch topper in place without clips. That said, its plastic and cardstock build can feel flimsy, and the thin strap may get uncomfortable during extended wear. With no adjustability or illumination, we found it works best as a quirky photo-booth prop or scattered party favor for quick cheers.

For a dramatic, gothic twist on NYE, the Amscan Deluxe Bird Skull Top Hat delivers bold personality for under $10. In our testing, the lightweight polyester kept it comfortable through long parties, but the costume-grade materials can look less premium up close. It's a one-size, non-adjustable top hat, so securing it with hair clips can help if you're dancing at midnight. While it lacks illumination, the printed design stands out in photos and pairs nicely with black tie or themed outfits.

Looking to light up the dance floor? The Windy City Novelties Gold Sequin Fedora Hat brings serious nighttime impact with built-in LEDs offering fast flash, slow flash, and steady modes. During our review, we loved that it arrives ready to glow with three AG13 batteries installed, though those coin cells will need replacement after limited use. It's a one-size-fits-most fedora with no adjustments, so fit can vary; we found hat tape or bobby pins help. The sequin-covered fabric adds glitzy sparkle that photographs beautifully.

Planning party favors on a budget? The Amscan Silver Gold Glitter Cheers Headbands deliver six sparkly toppers for just $3.99, with three silver and three gold to coordinate your crew. During our review, we found the thin, non-padded bands can feel uncomfortable over long wear and the glitter sheds a bit, so they're best for photos, countdowns, and short stints. They're one size with no adjustability, but a quick wrap of ribbon or a few bobby pins improves comfort and grip.

When you want full-on glamour for the countdown, the BABEYOND Feather Rhinestone Dangle Headpiece adds showstopping sparkle and movement. Our experience shows the adjustable elastic band fits comfortably across different head sizes, and the rhinestones and dangling pendant look stunning in photos alongside peacock feathers. Do note the delicate construction: feathers and stones can fray or detach with rough wear, and some users report dye transfer on moist skin. Shipping can take 10-12 business days, so order early for New Year's.

The Ginger Ray Gold Metal 'It’s My Birthday' Headband feels premium in person—its sturdy metal construction holds shape and looks luxe in photos. We loved how the pastel-filled letters pop under party lighting, making it a photogenic statement piece for dinners or night-out celebrations. However, the one-size metal band isn’t adjustable and can press behind the ears during extended wear. In our testing, it worked best for a few hours of spotlight moments rather than all-day comfort.

Channel a Gatsby vibe with the 20s Flapper Feather Headband, which delivered a convincingly vintage look in our testing thanks to the plume and beaded gold details. It’s lightweight and comfortable for evening wear, and the leather band sits securely without feeling bulky. However, the one-size design isn’t adjustable, and the delicate feathers and embellishments can be damaged if tossed in a bag or handled roughly. Our experience shows it’s best reserved for adults and kept away from young children due to small parts and the non-illuminated, dress-up nature.

For toasts and small pours, we found the 9 oz New Year’s Neon Dots Cups hit the sweet spot for champagne, mocktails, and welcome drinks. The bold black background with neon dots photographs well, and the disposable paper design makes cleanup fast when the countdown is done. Keep in mind each pack includes only eight cups, so you may need several sets for larger gatherings. During our review, hot liquids and extended use made the paper a bit soggy, so we recommend these primarily for chilled drinks.

Prefer a casual cap vibe for New Year's? The Happy New Year 2025 Trucker Hat from Zazzle pairs a structured polyester foam front with a breathable nylon mesh back, and the adjustable 17-24 inch fit worked for most testers. In our testing, the design reads crisply on lighter hat colors; light ink on dark backgrounds can look less vibrant. While the mesh can feel a bit flimsy, the foam panel holds its shape in photos, and the adjustability makes sharing between guests easy.