Low budget New Years Eve Celebration for kids

I've never really made a big deal about celebrating New Years eve as a single person and even after getting married we never did anything special. I just didn't like the idea of going out and having to drive home with a bunch of drunk drivers on the road.
Now, 3 kids later I want the kid's to understand the meaning of New Years and how to celebrate as a family. I know the kids won't stay up until midnight so, I thought I could fast forward the clocks so we could do the count down together.
I thought we could start by making some fun party hats by simply taking craft paper and painting or coloring it then, rolling it into a cone shape and taping it closed. Next, I'll punch a hole on either side of the bottom and tie some string through the bottom so they look like birthday party hats.
Then, I thought we could pop popcorn and fill small cups with it to throw up in the air ( I know, I know, it's messy but, New Years only happens once a year) at midnight instead of blowing noise makers.
Last, I'll buy some sparkling cider and let the kids toast with the fancy water glasses. All in all this evening should only cost about $5.00 since I'll really only have to buy the Sparkling cider and I think by far this will probably be one of the most fun, most memorable New Years eves ever. I'll take pics and let you know how it all comes out.
If you have any fun ideas let me know.