Maybe you don’t do clubs. Or you want to avoid the crowds. Maybe you’re looking to spend less money. Or maybe, you just want to get to bed on time.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of alternative NYE options in Washington, DC. For NYE 2017, keep an open mind and keep your friends close. Here’s where we’ll be:
Let Art Take Center Stage
First Night Alexandria
First Night Alexandria is a celebration of the new year through the performing arts. Coffee shops, retail stores, hotels, museums and public buildings are turned into performance venues to showcase incredible local and regional talent. Recent performers at First Night Alexandria include DJ Ray Casiano, Broad Street Brass,Vaughn Ambrose Jazz Trio, and an Old Fashion Carnival.
Saturday, December 31st, 10 AM-12 PM, $20, Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria
Toast to a New Year on a Yacht
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Dinner on Spirit Cruises
This New Year’s Eve, celebrate on the water, aboard the only boat cruise with all the amenities of a stationary nightclub. The Spirit Cruise on the Potomac River is the ultimate luxury NYE event.
If you are looking for a New Year’s Eve party that takes a step away from the bustle of the city, this is your chance to escape DC and take to the water. Ring in the new year aboard a Spirit Cruise, a year-round entertainment experience that mixes unique dining with spectacular views.
Your river journey embarks at 8 PM from 600 Water St. SW and makes its way along the Potomac River for four hours of unparalleled sight-seeing on New Year’s Eve. At midnight, take in the stunning view of the Alexandria fireworks. This yacht party includes a four-hour premium open bar, live DJ entertainment, and a complimentary glass of champagne to toast to the new year.
Saturday, December 31st, 8 PM-1 AM, $199, Spirit of Washington & Spirit of Mount Vernon, 600 Water St. SW
Info + Tickets
Practice Peaceful Breathing
New Year’s Eve: Intention Setting + 2 Hour Practice
Find your mantra for the New Year with Nya Alemayhu. This special two-hour Vinyasa Flow practice on New Year’s Eve will guide an empowering meditation session that taps into the major energy centers of the body. Connect with your chakra and practice balanced breathing for better health and peace in the New Year.
Saturday, December 31st, 7 PM-9 PM, $40, 1274 5th Street NE
Info + Tickets
Laugh the Night Away
New Year’s Celebration with Tom Rhodes at DC Improv Comedy Club
Kick off the New Year on a note of howling merriment and join in a night of side-splitting fun at the DC Improv Comedy Club. From writers for the Huffington Post to a new hour-long special, “Light Sweet Crude,” released on Netflix, Tom Rhodes has left his audience in stitches around the globe.
Saturday, December 31st, 7:30 PM-midnight, starting at $45, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
Info + Tickets
Hang With ‘Celebs’
Not actual human celebrities but wax ones. We’re referring to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Get your friends and family ready for a photogenic New Year’s at Madame Tussauds, a premier place for celebrity sightings. That’s right, at Madame Tussauds, you’ll ring in the New Year while you revel with wax interpretations of your favorite stars.
Saturday, December 31st, 1001 F St., NW
Info + Tickets
Attend An All Expenses Paid Gala
Sometimes you just want to look paparazzi ready. Have an excuse to dress to the nines by ringing in 2017 at a Gala. Most galas support charities doing incredible work around the world– so while you party, you’re supporting a worthy cause. Here are a few galas happening this NYE to get you started:
15th Annual International SPY Gala
Kick-start the New Year with a covert mission and watch the ball drop at the International Spy Gala, which will be packed with a Mock Casino, Dancers, and cuisine fit for a spy.
Saturday, December 31st, 6:30 PM-2 AM, $109-$390, Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW
Info + Tickets
New Years Eve 2017 GALA at The Andrew Mellon Auditorium
This elegant extravaganza is a Black Tie affair that combines DC philanthropy with NYE festivities.
Saturday, December 31st, 9 PM-2 AM, Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium,1301 Constitution Ave. NW
Info + Tickets
Professionals in the City New Year’s Eve Gala- Passport to the World Gala: An International Red Carpet Affair
This NYE bash is where DC professionals can go to mingle, drink champagne, and watch the ball drop.
Saturday, December 31st, 9 PM-2 AM, $99-$149, The Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St. NW
Info + Tickets
Step Into Nature
United States Botanic Gardens
The United States Botanic Gardens is the perfect alternative to a bar on NYE. Instead of fighting the crowds, stroll through the exotic flowers adorned with holiday decorations. Take in the beauty of giant butterflies and recreations of DC’s landmarks before starting a new year.
Saturday, December 31st, 10 AM-5 PM, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
Info + Tickets
Have a Wicked New Year
New Year’s Eve is a time to think about being a better person in the New Year. This year, head to The Kennedy Center to watch the tale of two witches in the innovative story of Wicked, which begs the audience to pick a side between good and wicked.
Saturday, December 31st, 8 PM-11 PM, $99-$359, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, NW
Info + Tickets
Volunteer
Perfect for hosting your family of all ages, volunteering is hands-on, worthwhile, and heartwarming. Give your family and friends a New Years they’ll never forget by spending it in service to others. Check out Volunteer Match for opportunities in your area.
Grab a Late Night Dinner
Head to a wine bar like Flight in Chinatown for the first round of seasonal wines. Then head to Adams Morgan for a late night dinner at Mintwood Place— a quaint French restaurant where you’ll often find CAPITOL STANDARD’s staff. Teddy and the Bully Bar and a host of other restaurants are also serving 3-course NYE dinners.
Just Do Brunch
Brunch on New Years Day has become somewhat of a tradition. Make your reservations for favorites like Le Diplomat and The Riggsby now.
If you’re looking for a completely over the top NYE, we’ve got you covered here.
