Fireworks, disco and family fun: Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in the DC area

We’re counting down the days and hours until 2026, and there’s a celebration for everyone in the D.C. area.

Check out these options in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Fireworks & family-friendly fun in Alexandria

First Night Alexandria

Looking for fireworks? Alexandria’s New Year’s Eve celebration has been around for a generation, and it offers something for all ages at locations around Old Town – including TWO rounds of fireworks over the Potomac River!

The early fireworks begin at 7:30 p.m., then another round fires at midnight. Even if you don’t have a First Night Alexandria ticket, you can see the pyrotechnics from Oronoco Bay Park, Founders Park, Fords Landing and other locations. DJ One Luv and Dream City Brass Band will keep the vibes up outdoors at the Waterfront.

The celebration starts early, making this a great option for families with kids. The George Washington Masonic Memorial will host family fun, including children’s performers, between noon and 4 p.m.

Catch live music and find food at the Carlyle Park stage from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m., revelers can go inside museums, churches and other venues. Most are bringing in bands, but make time see Mike Rose Magic at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. 

Check the schedule to find a full list of performances.

Tickets cost $10. It’s free for kids 2 and under. 

This event is family-friendly and alcohol-free. Arrive early, because venues have limited space. Late shows tend to fill up quickly!

Concerts and live music

Psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips will be at The Anthem, with Baltimore-based Bartees Strange opening the show. 

D.C. favorite and Quiet Storm host Raheem Devaughn will play the Bethesda Theater for two performances, complete with a New Year’s countdown at the late show.

Go back to the ‘90s with perhaps D.C.’s favorite cover band White Ford Bronco at 9:30 Club.

Black Cat’s New Year’s Swing Ball brings back Peaches O’Dell, serving high-energy swing music, slow dances and surprises with her 11-piece orchestra.

Bluegrass band The Seldom Scene will be at The Birchmere with opener Shelby Means if you’re looking for the option to sit and enjoy food and drinks with your show.

Dance parties and theme nights

Drag performer Brooke N Hymen hosts a party fueled hyperpop (think Charli XCX) at Songbyrd near Union Market. Tickets cost $10-$15 in advance before fees.

If “Stranger Things” has you in your ‘80s era, check out The Legwarmers at The State Theatre in Falls Church ($58.50, including fees) or The Reagan Years at Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg. There’s also Jammin Java’s Ultimate 80’s NYE Dance Party with DJ D. 

Disco fever is running high, and you can get your glitter fix at Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA at The Atlantis or Disco Inferno at DC9, where an open bar and coat check are included with your ticket.

Union Stage and Pearl Street Warehouse team up to host two dance parties in one: DANG!: A Soulful Electronic Dance Night, with groovy house with catchy R&B, and the Promiscuous 2000s Club Banger Throwback Party.

Big parties and rooftop celebrations

NoMa beer garden Wunder Garten is hosting a free New Year’s party with a DJ starting at 8 p.m. It’s free to get in, but bundle up!

Head to the rooftop of the Arlo near Judiciary Square for ART DC’s One Night Only to celebrate the new year with sweeping rooftop views, cocktails, light bites and DJs. The dress code is elevated chic, and tickets start at $21.69.

New Year’s Eve @ The Dome over Union Market brings midnight fireworks inside the rooftop Snowglow Lounge. Dance to a DJ under disco balls and wondrous wintry illustrations projected on the ceiling. Tickets cost $50 and get you a glass of bubbly and passed hors d’oeuvres. 

Dust off your cowboy boots for Desert 5 Spot’s Honky Tonk New Year’s Eve with an open bar until 2 a.m., passed hors d’oeuvres, a midnight tequila toast and a live DJ and band. General Admission tickets start at $150, or you can grab an after midnight ticket for $40.

The Big Night DC New Year’s Eve Extravaganza returns to Gaylord National with acts performing on 8 stages, open bars, party favors and more over 250,000 square feet of event space. Tickets start at $117.98, but you can go for a higher-tier if you want food, POSE Club access or reserved tables.

Ciel Social Club is throwing a cocktail party with nearly 360-degree rooftop views of D.C. Tickets start at $171.39 (including fees) and get you a 2-hour premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, live music and party favors.

Comedy and laid-back fun

Calico’s 5th annual NYE game night invites you to play games while indulging in drink and food specials, including a $35 deal on a bottle of bubbly and fries. At midnight, take a break from Uni to join a complimentary sparkling toast. Entry is free, and entry is first-come, first-served.

Head to St. Vincent Wine for their third NYE Pajama Party where you can count down to midnight every hour! You’ll want to come in your nighttime best because the best three ‘fits will win “fancy prizes.” Black Masala will provide a New Orleans jazz soundtrack, and Skye Miranda will offer tarot readings for purchase. Tickets cost $24 and come with a complimentary glass of bubbles.

The New Year’s Eve Showcase at DC Improv features several local comics. You have two shows to pick from: the early at 7:15 or the late which will include a champagne toast at midnight, light snacks and party favors. Tickets start at $35 and include a free pass to another show next year.

The Magic Duel brings their show to the penthouse of the Hyatt Regency Bethesda for two performances on New Year’s Eve. Tickets start at $80 and include two drinks.

New Year’s for kids

Beloved children’s band Rocknoceros will let little ones in on the fun at two New Year’s Eve Balls at Jammin Java in Vienna, one at 10 a.m. and one at 2 p.m.

A sparkling balloon drop at noon is the highlight of Noon Yards Eve at The Yards in Southeast D.C. The party runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a DJ, arts and crafts and a magic show. Kids will stay busy with train rides, an inflatable slide, bounce houses, glitter tattoos and carnival games, too.

West Falls’ Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, a few minutes’ walk from the West Falls Church-VT Metro station, culminates in a festive and bubble-filled countdown to noon. You’ll find lots of bubbles, face painters, a photobooth and more in Commons Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More balloons will drop at noon at Kraken’s daytime celebration for families. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., play pickleball, roller skate and dance. Tickets cost $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for kids 12 and under (skate rentals are not included).

Toast the Lego Ball Drop with sparkling apple cider at the Lego Discover Center at Springfield Town Center. The Noon Year’s Eve celebration is included with general admission, which starts at $29.99 per person.

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