We may not know what the next year will bring, but you can start it in style with a rocking New Year’s Eve bash. If throwing your own soiree doesn’t sound like your cup of tea (or champagne, for that matter), head to one of these local hotspots for the party of the year.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Wren
3 p.m.-1 a.m.
Snag specials on food and wine, party favors, and more at this “high-styled izakaya” inside The Watermark Hotel in Tysons. Masha Yelnikova, assistant director of restaurant and bars, will be on hand with craft cocktails. Stick around till midnight to enjoy a champagne toast. Reservations recommended. // 1825 Capital One Drive S., Tysons
New Year’s Eve Dinner at 2941
5 p.m. (Last seating at 9 p.m.)
Splurge on a four-course meal from this upscale Falls Church eatery with French flair. Choices include Japanese seafood delicacies, black truffle fazzoletti, prime ribeye and a dessert called blood orange and bubbles, served with champagne sorbet. The NYE menu will also be served, along with limited a la carte, on Dec. 30. // 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church. $175.
Wicked Jezabel at JV’s Restaurant
6 p.m.-1 a.m.
Have a “wicked” New Year’s Eve at JV’s, a 75-year-old destination for live music. The evening opens with DJ Sharon spinning tunes, before 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. // 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. $52.50+.
Watch Night Falls Church
7 p.m.-Midnight
Downtown Falls Church City transforms into a massive block party for this night of family-friendly fun, featuring live music, tours of historic sites, swing dancing, karaoke, face painting, puppet shows, hot chocolate, fire pits and more. // 100 Block of West Broad Street, Falls Church. Free.
The Legwarmers at State Theatre
8 p.m.
Wishing you could time travel back to the era of shoulder pads and hair crimpers? You don’t need a DeLorean; State Theatre is hosting The Legwarmers this New Year’s Eve. The ’80s-tastic cover band comes prepared with neon, Wayfarers and a lengthy list of tunes from bands such as A-ha, The Cars, Journey and Run-D.M.C. Buffet bites will be provided while supplies last. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. $50.
Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve at Smokecraft
8 p.m.-Midnight
Passed hors d’oeuvres. A barbecue buffet. An open bar. A champagne toast. Tunes from DJ Trakklaya. And a $25 gift card for next year. Smokecraft is partying like it’s 2023, and you’re invited to get down with this modern Clarendon barbecue joint. // 1051 N. Highland St., Arlington. $125+.
The Seldom Scene at The Birchmere
8 p.m.
Looking for a chill New Year’s Eve that’s a definite step up from unwinding on your couch? Head to this storied Alexandria music venue for a night of acoustic tunes from The Seldom Scene, Tim and Savannah Finch with the Eastman String Band, and Wicked Sycamore. // The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. $49.50.
NYE Masquerade Ball at Clarendon Ballroom
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Why party on one floor, when you can rock out on three? Clarendon Ballroom is opening its doors for a blowout with multiple DJs, several bars, giveaways, a photo booth, a midnight toast and more. General admission and VIP packages available. // 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $45+.
New Year’s Eve at Caboose Commons
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Catch acoustic rock outfit Falling Home for a night of drinks and socializing. Pint prices will be reduced by $1 each hour after 9 p.m., and a champagne toast at midnight is included with admission, as well as a guaranteed spot on the mezzanine. // 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax. $20.
Tunnels End at The Renegade
10 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Woodbridge-based rock cover band Tunnels End will bring the hits to this Clarendon nightspot, where the eats include killer guac and a sandwich known as Goat in a Boat. // 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington. $10.
New Year’s Eve Blowout at Whino
10 p.m.-1 a.m. (Doors at 8 p.m.)
Hit the dance floor with DJ Oso Fresh and DJ Ty-One at this Ballston restaurant and art space. The late-night menu (lookin’ at you, polenta tempertots) runs through 1 a.m., and a midnight champagne toast is included. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington. $25.