Back in the day, no New Year’s Eve celebration was complete without a festive party hat! Browsing through old photographs, it’s clear these playful accessories were a must-have for ringing in the new year in style.
In today’s post, we’re taking a delightful stroll down memory lane with vintage New Year’s Eve photos from the 1930s to the 1960s, capturing the joy, glamour, and, of course, those iconic hats!
Further Reading (and to see more party hats): Vintage New Year’s Eve archived blog posts
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Brief History of the Party Hat
A party hat is any of a number of celebratory hats, most typically in the form of a conical hat made with a piece of thin paperboard, usually with designs printed on the outside and a long string of elastic acting like a chinstrap, going from one side of the cone’s bottom to another to secure the cone to the person’s head. Party hats are worn most often at birthday parties, especially by the guest of honor or at New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The party hat has its origins in the dunce cap or sanbenito worn by misbehaving or poorly performing schoolchildren from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, with its festive decoration and society’s positive attitude toward the wearer indicating a relaxation, or even reversal, of certain social norms (source).
Source: Wikipedia
1961 photo-Baby in a NYE Party hat. Let’s celebrate!
Source: eBay
1930s vintage photo of champagne, 1930s fashions and NYE party hats.
Source: eBay
Checkered New Year’s Eve party hats have made two out of the 4 couples laugh (they are silly and fun). 1950s or 1960s vintage photo.
Source: Pinterest
1940s New Year’s Eve group photo AFTER midnight! Party hats and streamers at this NYE party.
Source: eBay
The more bonkers the NYE party hat, the more fun your having..clearly! 1930s (maybe even 1920s) photo.
Source: eBay
“Quick! Pass the champagne glasses for our toast and photo!” 1940s or 1950s vintage photo of couples in tiny NYE party hats.
Source:eBay
Bring in the noise: Four diners give an enthusiastic welcome to the New Year at the Club Versailles in 1941.
Source: Daily Mail
Soldiers and civilians celebrating the New Year in a nightclub, 1942.
This image is from my archived post: Vintage New Years Eve Party Photos -Part 4
1959 becomes 1960. Cute photo of kids with masks, party hats and horn blowers.
Source: eBay
`1950s Photo-Full table of people celebrating New Year’s Eve together in the Bronx.
Source: eBay
Guy Lombardo in his party album for his album cover.
The classic New Year’s Eve with Guy Lombardo album. Originally released November 1961, this classic album was in constant circulation until 1989.
Further Reading: Guy Lombardo-Canada’s Famous Big Band Leader
Happy New Year Friends! Thank you for following along on my blog or just reading this post, I really appreciate it. I do this blog to share my love of many things vintage and it’s been so delightful to hear from others who enjoy the same things (and to hear all your stories). So thank you!
See you in 2025 (I’m on vacation till the new year).
Further Reading:
- Vintage Photos of New Years Eve-Part 1
- Vintage Photos of New Years Eve Parties-Part 2!
- Vintage New Years Eve Photos – Part 3
- Vintage New Years Eve Party Photos -Part 4
- Vintage New Year’s Eve Advertisements & Party Announcements!
- Vintage New Years Eve Roundup -Vintage Advertising, Photos & More!
Liz