From fancy to family-friendly to frill-less, here are some options all around the D.C. area to ring in 2019.
WASHINGTON — Still fretting over what you’re going to do for New Year’s Eve? Never fear, a seemingly endless array of options are here, no matter your mood.
From fancy to family-friendly to frill-less, here are some options all around the area to ring in 2019.
Get out on the water
Take in the New Year from the water aboard an Odyssey cruise in the Potomac. You’ll get a great view of the fireworks display in Alexandria, plus a full four course plated dinner and Champagne toast. At $300 per person, it’s a pricey option, but you won’t have to fight the crowds on land.
(Courtesy Entertainment Cruises)
Courtesy Entertainment Cruises
Hang with the family
If you’ve got kiddos to bring along and want to avoid the rowdy bar-centric scene, lots of towns in our area have First Night celebrations. One of the biggest and most popular is in Alexandria, featuring local and regional musicians as well as carnivals with clowns, face painting and games for kids. The evening ends with a fireworks display at the bottom of King Street, right on the river. Other towns in the area with celebrations include Columbia, Fairfax and Falls Church.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Ring in a uniquely D.C. New Year
Time to party like it’s, uh, 1972? If you’re looking for a slice of only-in-D. C. history with your celebration this year, you can ring in the New Year with a four-hour open bar and buffet for $195 per person at the Watergate Hotel, adjacent to the infamous apartment complex. For the full experience, you can rent a heated, winter igloo for up to eight people.
(Courtesy LHB Communications)
Blow it all out
If you need THE MOST this NYE, the Big Night Extravaganza at Gaylord National Hotel & Resort aims to give it to you. Seven dance floors, 10 party bands and DJs, and all you can eat and drink in what promises to be “America’s largest New Year’s Eve gala.” That all in price is currently $175 and rising, though there are even pricier VIP options.
(Courtesy Gaylord National Resort)
Courtesy Gaylord National Resort
Get Dressy
Break out your best for this black tie optional affair, the International Club NYE Gala at the Willard Hotel. Go all out with the Presidential Ticket ($329) including the three-course meal, or sneak in late for $130 for drinks and dessert. There will also be a wide variety of live bands and DJs at “D.C.’s premier and most luxurious” New Year’s bash.
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Dress up as someone mysterious
For the 17th year, the International Spy Gala offers its own spin on New Year’s festivities, with the espionage-themed event at The Washington Plaza Hotel. Tickets include open bar, buffets, Champagne and, of course, martinis. Prices currently range from $170-$190 per person, though they’re set to increase on Dec. 29.
(AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)
AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File
Pay no cover, pay no mind
If just looking through the list of options has left you exhausted, perhaps a simple no cover, no frills, no commitment option is more your speed. There are bars without covers across the city, from Jack Rose in Adams Morgan to Boundary Stone in Bloomingdale, to Jackie Lee’s in Fort Totten. But perhaps the most relaxed night in the city will be at EatBar on Barrack’s Row, where sweatpants are encouraged and patrons can partake in guilty pleasure foods while playing Super Nintendo.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
