PARTIES AND GALAS
Big Night DC
For the party-hopper who hates to sit still, Big Night DC boasts fifteen themed party areas, five dance floors, and a performance lineup stacked with more than a dozen DJs and bands. A ticket includes dinner and access to the open bar.
Where: Gaylord National Hotel & Resort, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $100
International Club of DC’s NYE Gala
Eight ballrooms, free-flowing Champagne, dinner and dessert buffets, an open bar, and too many themes to list await ticket holders at the Ritz-Carlton this New Year’s Eve for a party hosted by the DC organization for internationally-minded professionals.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C., 1150 22nd St. NW
Doors Open: 7:30 PM (depending on ticket type)
Tickets: $109 and up
12th Annual 007 James Bond Thunderball
Can you handle a boatload of Bond? Bond ice sculptures, Bond babes, and bonding with other Bond fans? A ticket to this 007-themed ball includes food, an open bar, mock-casino gambling and more.
Where: Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle, NW
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $129
NYE 2014 Masquerade Ball
The Bachelor’s Chris Bukowski hosts the Hyatt Regency’s first-ever masquerade ball. The party will feature live DJs, hors d’oeuvres, a balloon drop, and a live stream of the Times Square ball drop.
Where: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave, NW
Doors Open: 10 PM
Tickets: $99
Passport to the World Gala: An International Red Carpet Affair
Hosted by Professionals in the City, Passport to the World Gala offers a rather practical solution to finding a midnight kiss by providing optional colored bracelets that denote whether you’re single or taken.
Where: The Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $99
New Years Eve Alchemy Extravaganza
Alchemical Records, a local record label, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party that includes burlesque, comedy, and a number of live music performances. Tickets ($12) don’t get you an open bar (only in a perfect world), but Treehouse Lounge will be running a number of drink specials throughout the evening.
Where: Treehouse Lounge, 1006 Florida Avenue NE
Doors Open: 8 PM
Tickets: $12
Brightest Young Things’ Rumspringa
Wait, what’s a Rumspringa? It’s not an alcoholic beverage, but you might try one when you’re on it. Rumspringa is the period of time when Amish teens leave their community to decide whether or not they’d like to remain a part of the church. This celebration recommends you dress festive.
Where: The Blind Whino, 734 First Street, SW
Doors Open: 8 PM
Tickets: $79 (price goes up $5 each week)
International Gala: A Cirque du 2014 Celebration of Many Nations
This international-themed gala boasts DC’s first ever “time machine ballroom” as well as six party rooms, five ballrooms, premium open bars, and entertainers.
Where: The Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2501 Calvert St., NW
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $149
Yuletide Ball Championships and New Year’s Eve Gala
The 26th annual ballroom dance competition features dancers at all different levels as well as awards. A ticket gets you admission to the gala, dinner, and dance showcases.
Where: Crystal City Gateway Marriott Hotel, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington
Doors Open: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $180
Inner Caucus and WHUR 96.3 FM NYE Party
Entertainment company Inner Caucus and radio station WHUR join forces for a New Year’s Eve party with five different DJ’s spinning tunes ranging from Calypso and Soca to ‘70s and ‘80s Soul.
Where: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria
Doors Open: 8:30 PM
Tickets: $70
Public Bar
The Dupont Circle sports bar is offering an open bar and heavy buffet of appetizers. Tables are also available for reservation.
Where: 1214 B 18th Street
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $90
New Year’s Eve Gala with Doc Scantlin
The popular big band leader and his Imperial Palms Orchestra will perform at the Carlyle Club on New Year’s Eve. Ticket holders get a five-course meal and a Champagne toast along with entertainment from Scantlin and the orchestra throughout the evening.
Where: The Carlyle Club, 411 John Carlyle St., Alexandria
Doors Open: 7 PM
Tickets: $185
ArtJamz New Year’s Eve Glitterball
Probably the only party in DC where your ticket includes a canvas, paint, and smock, the ArtJamz Glitter Ball is all about creation and partygoers are encouraged to glitterbomb, paint, and share their resolutions on the giant group canvas. Attendees have the option to order Champagne, wine, and beer throughout the night as well.
Where: ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 1728 Connecticut Ave NW,
Doors Open: 10 PM
Tickets: $60
CONCERTS
The Birchmere
Bethesda bluegrass band The Seldom Scene along with The Stray Birds, and Donna Ulisse will perform at the popular music hall, The Birchmere.
Where: The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria
Doors Open: 8 PM
Tickets: $39.50
Black Cat
Peaches O’Dell & Her Orchestra will perform everything from swing music to Latin rumba and tango on the mainstage while DJ Dredd and Grap Luva spin on the backstage.
Where: Black Cat, 1811 14th St., NW
Doors Open: 8 PM
Tickets: $25
The Fillmore
For an evening of chill reggae fusion head to Silver Spring for a performance by California-based Slightly Stoopid and guest band Passafire.
Where: The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
Doors Open: 8 PM
Tickets: $49.50
Bethesda Jazz and Blues Supper Club
Smooth R&B from Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, a four-course dinner, drinks, a champagne toast, and party favors are all included in this ticket package at the supper club.
Where: Bethesda Jazz and Blues Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda
Doors Open: 8 p.m.
Tickets: $150
Blues Alley
Considered by his home country of Jamaica to be a worldwide music ambassador, Monty Alexander brings his jazz piano chops to Blues Alley. A ticket includes a three-course meal, champagne, and party favors.
Where: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Doors Open: 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM
Tickets: $100 and up
Echostage
Remember the power dance anthem “Call on Me” by Swedish producer and DJ Eric Prydz? He’ll be gracing Echostage this NYE.
Where: Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road, NE
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $60
U Street Music Hall
Nadastrom, Gent & Jawns, and Jen Lasher will be performing at U Street Music Hall on New Year’s Eve but since no advance tickets are available you’ll have to show up early and cross your fingers that you make the cut.
Where: U Street Music Hall, 1115 U Street, NW
Doors Open: 9 PM
Tickets: $10
The Legwarmers at the State Theatre
The self-proclaimed “ultimate 80s tribute band” with “more moves than a Rubik’s cube” takes the stage at the State Theatre for a night of big hair, lacy ankle socks, fanny packs and, of course, leg warmers.
Where: The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Doors Open: 8 PM
Tickets: $50
KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS
First Night Alexandria
A celebration of the new year through the performing arts with local shops, restaurants and buildings in Old Town Alexandria used as performance venues to showcase local talent. All venues are alcohol-free.
Where: Alexandria
When: 12 PM
Tickets: $15 (12 and under free admission)
New Year’s in Annapolis
Dancing, midnight fireworks, face painting, and live performances are a part of the all-day affair in Annapolis.
Where: Susan B. Campbell Park, Annapolis
When: 2:45 PM
Tickets: Free
Falls Church Watch Night
The annual event features local talent, activities for the whole family, and the lowering of the historic star that first lit the Falls Church sky in 1948.
Where: Downtown City of Falls Church, Washington St. and Broad St., Falls Church
When: 7 PM
Tickets: Free
