New Year's Party Hats: Our Top Picks for a Dazzling Celebration

These Meri Meri mini glitter crowns add a sparkly touch to place settings and kids' tables without overwhelming your look. In our testing, the bright finish photographed beautifully, and the gold elastic kept them in place on little heads for countdown photos. The trade-off is a lightweight foil/cardstock build that some may find flimsy, and the mini sizing can be more decorative than wearable for adults. For favor bags or a small group of kiddos, the eight-pack is festive, reusable, and easy to share.

If you want standout sparkle in a classic silhouette, this Happy New Year Glitter Top Hat brings serious shimmer for groups. In our testing, the one-size design fit most heads, but the thin elastic strap became uncomfortable after long wear; swapping in a ribbon or using bobby pins helped. The plastic build is reusable yet can feel flimsy, and any assembly steps risk tearing if rushed. At $23.75, it’s pricier than paper cones but still a fun, non–light-up showpiece.

Looking for a classic party topper on a budget? The Beistle Glitz N Sparkle Happy New Year Top Hat delivers big shine with its glittery finish and bold “Happy New Year” band, and at $5.39 it’s easy to outfit a crowd. In our testing, the lightweight foil/cardstock build felt comfortable for hours, though it doesn’t light up. One-size elastic fits most, but our experience shows very small heads may need a hair clip or foam tape for a snug, reusable fit.

Want a hat that actually shines at midnight without fussing with add-on accessories or messy glitter? During our review, the Windy City Novelties Silver Sequin LED Fedora popped on the dance floor thanks to six built-in white LEDs, and the included AG13 batteries meant it lit up straight out of the box. The felt base and sequins bring party-ready sparkle even when the lights are off. Our experience shows the one-size elastic fit won't suit every head, but for most partygoers it's a reusable, budget-friendly showpiece.

If you want something that truly pops in low light, the Amscan Tinsel Light-Up Pom Pom Headband delivers with bright LEDs and included batteries. We found the one-size plastic band comfortable for most adults and teens, and the metallic tinsel reads festive from across the room. The trade-offs: strands tangle easily, the lightweight build isn’t the most durable, and the small battery pack can show under sleek hairstyles. Our tip during testing—pair with a low bun and store in a zip bag.

If your dance-floor strategy is “more sparkle,” this Sequin Light Up LED Fedora brings it with bright LEDs and a glittering sequin exterior for $8.99. During our review, the one-size fit worked for most, and adding a thin strip of foam tape customized the fit when needed. Handle it gently—electronics and the battery compartment can be delicate, and sequins may shed or snag on rough fabrics. As a reusable light-up statement piece, it’s great value for countdown selfies and clubs.

Our favorite ultra-budget light-up party favor, this LED Crown Headband brings bright, flash-mode LEDs for just $2.20 with batteries included. In our testing, the one-size plastic band fit most heads comfortably, and the rhinestone styling pops in photos. That said, the construction is fragile and the flashing can feel too intense for some guests; our experience shows it’s smart to offer a few non-flashing options nearby. Batteries aren’t designed to be replaced, so consider it a reusable short-term accessory.

Going for a dressier New Year’s vibe without splurging? The Smiffys Satin Look Top Hat has a polished, satin-like finish and an elastic inner rim that we found kept the one-size fit snug yet comfortable for hours. Construction is lightweight and can feel flimsy compared with higher-end toppers, and the brim or crown may deform unless you store it with tissue or a hat stand. At $14, it’s a reusable, non–light-up choice that elevates suits and cocktail attire affordably.

For a dressier alternative to bulky hats, the Beistle Glittered Happy New Year Tiara nails the photo-ready sparkle. During our review, the included attachable combs kept the one-size design secure through dancing and toasts, and the metallic-coated finish caught the light beautifully. It’s lightweight—and can feel a bit flimsy—and we noticed some glitter and foil shedding, so avoid dark clothing if that bothers you. Reusable and non–light-up, it’s a chic pick for elegant parties or formal outfits.

This LED Rose Bud Halo is a sweet, minimalist glow-up for $1.99, with bright built-in LEDs and a ribbon tie that adjusts gently to most heads. In our testing, the lightweight plastic felt comfortable and stayed secure without pinching, making it great for photos and dance floors. The trade-off is longevity: CR2032 batteries can run down quickly and the construction feels flimsy for repeated heavy use. We treat it as a reusable accessory for a few events rather than a long-term staple.

Prefer a chic, boutique vibe over blink-and-glow novelties? The Golden Lily Headband Knot showcases a festive firework motif with a clear “Happy New Year” message, and its flexible one-size design even works for kids—great for family photos. During our review, we appreciated the comfortable, reusable build, but there’s no light-up element and the seasonal, final-sale policy limits returns. At $30, it’s a splurge compared with plastic party favors; we suggest pairing it with subtle glow sticks to keep the look luminous.

These Big Dot of Happiness mini cone hats are a fun, sparkly way to outfit a crowd without dealing with messy glitter. In our testing, the heavy-duty cardstock kept its cone shape nicely after assembly, the printed glitter look stayed tidy, and they held up for reuse. Just know the 4.75-inch mini size skews decorative for adults, and the thin elastics don't love rough handling. If you're okay with a little pre-party assembly, the eight-pack is perfect for favors, place settings, or photo ops.

Looking for something more low-key than sequins, we think this custom baseball cap nails the laid-back New Year's vibe. During our review, we liked how you can print full-color text or graphics on one side and fine-tune the fit with the self-fabric D-ring slider. The 100% brushed cotton twill feels sturdy but can run warm in packed rooms, and the image area may appear smaller than expected. For a reusable, plain-style hat with no lights or glitter, this adjustable pick keeps things comfortable and personal.

At just $1.50, this Glitter Dipped Cone Hat is our go-to for quick party flair and fun photos. We found the elastic strap makes one-size wear easy, and the glitter-dipped finish instantly reads New Year’s, even without any light-up features. During our review, the cardstock construction bent when tossed into bags and the glitter shed with repeated handling, so treat it gently. It’s best as a single-use favor for guests who want sparkle without the commitment.