Because we’re all done planning all the gifts, holiday meals, concerts and kiddie activities (right?… right?), it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s Eve. Looking for a fun time? Here are loads of ways for revelers of all ages to say farewell to 2024 and welcome in a sparkly, fresh 2025.
1969 at Astro Beer Hall
9-11 p.m.
Want to party like it’s 1969? Toast to new beginnings this retro-themed bar on Astro’s lower level. Enjoy bottles of bubbly for $10 starting at 9 p.m. and participate in a themed costume contest for a chance to win a $100 Astro Beer Hall gift card. Fill up at the mini cake doughnut bar, with three mini cake doughnuts for $1. No tickets required. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Clarendon Ballroom NYE Studio 54
8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Catch disco fever with all the glitz and glamour that made New York City’s fabled Studio 54 so epic. Clarendon Ballroom revives the spirit of that famed celebrity haunt with over-the-top décor, dancers, DJs and multiple bar stations on three floors, including an Apres Ski rooftop popup and the lower level Underground. Organizers promise a “massive midnight celebration” with a champagne toast. General admission starts at $35. VIP admission, which includes hors d’oeuvres and early entry, starts at $55. Tickets do not include booze. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
First Night Alexandria
2 p.m.-midnight
This family-friendly festival of music, arts and community is celebrating a milestone of its own this New Year’s Eve—its 30th anniversary. The festivities kick off early, transforming historic Old Town into a city straight out of a Hallmark movie. Enjoy an afternoon of performances for children and a day party for all ages. At 6 p.m. take in an early fireworks display over the waterfront. Evening time brings a lineup of live music, comedy and more on 12 stages scattered throughout the streets, retail spaces and churches. Gather for the grand finale—a breathtaking midnight fireworks show to welcome 2025. Click here for information on tickets, which range from $10 to $50 depending on ages and the time you go. (Admission is free for tots ages 2 and under). // Along King St. in Alexandria
Ometeo’s New Year’s Eve Fiesta
8:30 p.m.
Shake your maracas, sip a margarita and say “¡Feliz Año Nuevo a todos!” at this ticketed cocktail event with live mariachi, a DJ and a variety of chef stations, including a raw oyster bar, tacos and tamales. For $65 a person, enjoy a selection of premium, high-end spirits and a complimentary midnight toast and party favors to ring in 2025. // 1640 Capital One Drive, Tysons
SER Fin de Año Celebration
7 p.m.
Say adios to 2024 in true Spanish style with tasty selections from SER’s regular menu, plus festive specials, a sparkling Cava toast and the tradition of eating 12 lucky grapes at midnight (a ritual that’s meant to bring good fortune and prosperity in the new year). Celebrate and dance the night away to music spun by an on-site DJ. // 110 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
Sheraton Hotel Golden Gala
7:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
Dress your best and ring in the new year with this black tie event sponsored by ATC Event Service and the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. A DJ will spin all night long, while an open bar will keep the party going as you enjoy a sit-down dinner. Attention parents who need a night out! Babysitting is available at the hotel for $75 and hotel stays are discounted for attendees. Tickets are $250. NOVA HCC members are $175. // 900 S. Orme St., Arlington (National Landing)
Shipgarten Kids New Year’s Eve
noon-6 p.m.
Bring the littles and welcome the new year early with Elsa and Anna from Frozen and Spiderman. The party will be rocking with two moon bounces, complimentary party favors, a magic show at 1 p.m. and a balloon drop and sparkling apple cider toast at 2 p.m. Stick around to see Spidey and friends perform live at 3:30. Tickets are free. // 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons
Smokecraft’s Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve
8 p.m.-midnight
Because there’s never a bad time for barbecue, why not usher in the year 2025 with a side of beef or pork? The championship barbecue team at Smokecraft is serving up an extensive BBQ buffet for this event, including a carving station with smoked New York strip loin, turkey breast, honey citrus pork loin, lobster mac and cheese, duck fat roasted potatoes and more. Passed hors d’oeuvres include deviled eggs with pork belly croutons and applewood smoked crab cakes. Even the desserts will have a BBQ theme with temptations like smoked chocolate mousse, candied bacon ice cream and honey-bourbon blondie bites. Groove to the beats of DJ As-One, while you enjoy a premium open bar. Tickets are $125 and include a $25 gift card for 2025. // 101 N. Highland St., Arlington (Clarendon)
The State Theatre: The Legwarmers
9:30 p.m. (Door time 8 p.m.)
You can dance if you want to—but don’t leave your friends behind! D.C.’s favorite tribute band, The Legwarmers, will resurrect the best hits from the ‘80s, so come out and Safety Dance. Dress real neat from your hats to your feet, with your big hair, neon bracelet stacks and—of course—legwarmers, and party with the other material girls and guys. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Starr Hill Tysons Decades Party
9 p.m.
Step into the groove and celebrate with a party spanning multiple awesome decades. Captain Seawalker kicks things off with a Yacht Rock Extravaganza, spinning smooth hits from the 70’s and 80’s. Legal in the District then delivers hits from the 90s and 2000s, followed by DJ 2 Nutz, closing out the night with today’s hottest tracks. Admission also includes hors d’oeuvres, two redeemable drink tickets and a champagne toast to 2025. Tickets start at $50, but go up closer to the event. Don’t want to drive home? Party-goers can get a discounted stay at the adjacent Watermark Hotel. // 7730 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Watch Night in the City of Falls Church
7 p.m. to midnight
Returning for its 27th year, this family-friendly street party in The Little City includes a “Grand Fun Alley” filled with moon bounces, rock walls, slides and other activities for kids. Step indoors for candlelight tours of local churches, listen to the Northern Lights Dance Orchestra or catch a magic show. Then say farewell to 2024 as you groove to the tunes of Mac and Cheez, Lil Maceo and No Better Off. Still have energy? Stay for the big event—the countdown to the star drop at midnight. Find free parking at these locations. // 100 Block of W. Broad St. (Between Maple and Washington), Falls Church
The Yards: Noon Yards Eve Celebration
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
No chance your household will make it to midnight? No problem. Tiny revelers can ring in the new year at this kid-friendly celebration 12 hours early without disrupting their normal bedtime routine. Little celebrants can enjoy train rides, a magic show, bounce houses and glitter tattoos. Capture the last moments of 2024 (or… close enough) in a photo booth as you groove to DJ-spun tunes. This waterfront event in D.C. culminates with a countdown to noon and a balloon drop celebration. The events is free to attend, but registration is required. // 355 Water St., SE, Washington, D.C.