CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — While New Year’s Eve is synonymous with midnight celebrations, not all parents are eager to let their children stay up late for the occasion.

The Champaign Park District offers an alternative celebration called “Noon Year’s Eve,” which has become a beloved annual event. This family-friendly gathering features 12 activity stations, each representing a month of the year. Highlights include face painting, lively dancing, and a thrilling balloon drop precisely at noon.

“It’s vital for children to appreciate celebrating in diverse ways,” remarked Morgan Pittman, the district’s event coordinator. “Every family has unique traditions, and this event showcases different New Year’s celebrations, allowing kids to experience a variety of cultural customs.”

To kick off the new year with positive intentions, children also had the opportunity to decorate a wall with their personal resolutions.