While most young children — even if still hyped up on holiday treats and all of the activity during school break — were fast asleep when the clock stuck midnight and the ball dropped, they did not have to miss out on celebrating the New Year with similar pomp and circumstance.

The Newtown Community Center hosted its annual Noon Year’s Eve Party — featuring music, a countdown to noon, confetti, and all — for children on the morning and early afternoon of December 31.

There was face painting, a 2025 crown coloring station, popcorn handed out by volunteers, and Fantasy Family Entertainment representatives there to twist balloons into hearts, animals, flowers, and more. Attendees enjoyed dancing inside and a bounce house brought them outside to burn off more energy. Each young guest received a gift bag complete with a bead necklace and party blowers allowing them to party like it was 2025.

Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.