Break out those sparkly outfits and dancing shoes to bid adieu to 2023 and welcome 2024. Whether you’re looking for a 21-and-over event or something the kiddos will enjoy, these local parties and performances are sure to be a good time.
Adam Conover at Arlington Drafthouse
Do you find joy in debunking conventional wisdom on topics ranging from labor unions and media mergers to technology and Taylor Swift? Catch a live performance by comedian and iconoclast Adam Conover, creator and star of the series Adam Ruins Everything. Kids are welcome at the 7 p.m. show ($28), with adult supervision. The later show at 10 p.m. ($38) includes a champagne toast. // 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Ambar Clarendon
Usher in the new year, Balkan style, with specials like tuna tartare, lamb kebab, scallops, beef tenderloin and beef carpaccio flatbread. The first of two seatings, from 5-8:15 p.m., includes unlimited small plates for $79.99. The second, which includes a DJ spinning tunes, runs from 9-10:30 p.m. for $99.99. Both have $4.99 drink specials. Prefer takeout so you can watch the ball drop at home from your couch? A grab-and-go menu ($89 per couple) includes Balkan salad, Brussels sprouts with bacon, grilled beef tenderloin, pita, cornbread, and chocolate and raspberry cakes. Place to-go orders by 3 p.m. Dec. 30. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Astro Beer Hall
If beer, doughnuts and old-school video games are your idea of a party, this is the spot. From 8 p.m.-1 a.m., the newly opened Shirlington beer hall will host a Winter Wonderland NYE Party with $10 bottles of champagne and two specialty doughnuts: Blood Orange Champagne, filled with strawberry jam and topped with a blood orange champagne glaze; and Chocolate Cocoa doughnut with dark chocolate ganache glaze and mini marshmallows ($4.95 each). Astro is also hosting New Year’s Day brunch with $8 Bloody Marys.// 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Brass Rabbit Public House
Bottles will pop and bubbly will flow when this Clarendon pub’s New Year’s Eve Champagne Extravaganza kicks off with a complimentary open champagne bar from 9-10 p.m. Stick around to party and raise a glass to 2024 at midnight. // 1210 N. Garfield St., Arlington (Clarendon)
Buena Vida Gastrolounge
Ring in the new year with unlimited small plates and holiday specials—including branzino, shrimp, lobster, lamb and salmon—during one of two dinner seatings, from 5-8:15 p.m. ($59.99 per person) or 9-10:30 p.m. ($74.99 per person). Both seatings include discounted $4.99 drinks. On the rooftop, a DJ will provide music from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Clarendon Ballroom
Masking up never looked so good. The multi-level entertainment venue is hosting a masquerade ball, kicking things off at 7:30 p.m. with music, dancing, multiple bar stations, a photo booth and party favors, culminating in the requisite midnight champagne toast. Here’s a preview of what’s in store. Tickets $30-$50. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Coco B’s
Take a trip to the tropics at this Clarendon newcomer where, starting at 9 p.m., you can dance the night away in multiple party rooms to DJ-spun tunes and later toast 2024 with a midnight celebration. General admission is $15, and table service is available for $95-$715, depending on the size of your party. // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Suite B, Arlington (Clarendon)
Dudley’s Sport and Ale
Celebrate sports-bar-style with a late-night happy hour (starting at 8 p.m.) that includes $15 champagne bottles and beer pitchers, $6 Tito’s vodka cocktails and $2 Jell-O shots. Snack on $10 pizzas, wings and burgers while you watch the New York City ball drop televised on the bar’s 20-foot screen. // 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Jammin’ Java Ultimate 80s NYE Dance Party
Time to bust out those neon bangles, shoulder pads and slouch socks. This totally awesome soiree includes a DJ spinning throwback tunes by The Cure, Madonna, Run DMC, Def Leppard and other nostalgic favorites, plus a “Name That Tune” contest, prizes for the most inspired ’80s attire, drink specials, glow sticks and the requisite bubbly toast at midnight. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the party starts at 8 p.m. Tickets $35. //227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
The Legwarmers at State Theatre
Welcome the future with a blast from the past. The DMV’s favorite ’80s cover band The Legwarmers takes to the stage at 8 p.m. with a playlist that includes hits by artists ranging from Prince to Poison. Guests can safety dance while enjoying party favors and buffet-style finger foods. Actual legwarmers and stone-washed jeans optional. Tickets $50. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Makers Union’s Cabaret Countdown
The new National Landing location of this gastropub will ring in 2024 with Cabaret Countdown, a show chock full of singing, dancing, drag and burlesque numbers. Afterward, a DJ will spin tunes until 2 a.m., and at midnight, there’s a complimentary champagne toast. The $135 ticket includes passed hors d’oeuvres (shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller, cheeseburger sliders, mini crab cakes and more), three drink tickets, an ice luge, photo booth and party favors. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., and the show starts an hour later. Must be 21 or older to enter. // 1450 S. Eads St., Suite 65, Arlington (National Landing)
The Seldom Scene at The Birchmere
The beloved venue where stars like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews have played is hosting an evening of bluegrass. Unlike in past years, this show starts earlier (7:30 p.m.) and ends before midnight (by 10:30 p.m.), making for a relaxed celebration with bands The Porch Delights and The Seldom Scene. Tickets $49.50 // 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Shipgarten’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve
Prefer to celebrate on the earlier side? Doors open at 11 a.m. for this free bash for youngsters, with festivities from noon-6 p.m. The event includes free face painting, a balloon drop at 2 p.m. and live character performances by Spider Man and Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, plus a sparkling apple cider toast. // 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
UTC at The Renegade
Baltimore-based dance party cover band UTC will get guests grooving at this Clarendon nightspot and music venue, which serves a sandwich known as Goat in a Boat, chicken shawarma and self-described killer guac. Make a night of it from 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Tickets $20. // 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Watch Night Falls Church
Starting at 7 p.m. in the Little City, this family-friendly event is open to the public and offers live entertainers on the main stage at the intersection of Broad and Washington streets, including local high school singer Ruby Jones, NoBetterOff and Skyline Band. Find children’s activities such as bounce houses, rock walls, rides and karaoke in Fun Alley (100 block of West Broad Street). Just before midnight, gather at Broad and Washington streets to count down the last minutes of 2023 and watch the lowering of a 75-year-old lighted star. // At the intersection of Broad and Washington streets, Falls Church
WHINO New Year’s
Doors open at 8 p.m. at the “lowbrow” art space, restaurant and bar in Ballston, and the party starts at 10 p.m. with tunes courtesy of DJ Ty One and DJ Xtreme Sound, a champagne toast at midnight and a late-night menu until 1 a.m. Tickets $25. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 2110, Arlington (Ballston)
Wicked Jezabel at JV’s Restaurant
Have yourself a “wicked” New Year’s Eve at JV’s, a local destination for live music for 75+ years. Doors open at 6 p.m. and local rockers Wicked Jezabel take the stage at 9 p.m., with popular cover tunes. Nibble on apps and food specials, pick up some party favors, enter raffles and sip champagne when the clock strikes 12. Tickets $40.// 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Wren New Year’s Eve
The Japanese-style restaurant is offering a special New Year’s Eve dining menu and live entertainment. For $95, guests will enjoy a four-course meal with dishes such as grilled halloumi cheese wrapped in prosciutto, salmon sashimi pizza, sushi, lobster corn kakiage soba noodles, Japanese shaved ice and mochi doughnuts. Add cocktail or wine pairings for an additional $55. // 1825 Capital One Drive, Tysons