Bethesda Area New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

BETHESDA, MD – Love it or hate it, New Year's Eve is happening again this year. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, an early night out with the kids, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we've got you covered.

So pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out town-by-town listings below of New Year's celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Bethesda if you're one to want to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

If you want to go out..
Bethesda Blues & Jazz and Supper Club: 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda. New Year’s Eve Party includes a four-course dinner with dessert, wine, drinks, a champagne toast, noise makers, balloons, and party hats.

The Fillmore Silver Spring: The New Year's Eve Showdown features the Backyard Band, starts at 10 p.m., located at 8656 Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring.

DC Blues Society New Year’s Party: American Legion Post 41, 905 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring. Evening includes a traditional southern-style dinner, party favors, midnight champagne toast, and cash bar.

Big Night DC: The DC Area's Largest New Year's Eve Extravaganza. Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, National Harbor. Themed party areas encompassing the ballroom complex of the resort. Mardi Gras, Vegas Casino Lounge, ShamrockFest Stage, Retro - Best of 70's, 80's & 90's dance tunes, Electronica Club, Hip Hop Club Room, Karaoke Zone, VIP Lounges, open bar and more.

New Year's Eve Swing Dance at Glen Echo Park: 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo. (301) 634-2222. Swing in the New Year with music, party favors, dessert, and a sparkling cider midnight toast. Ring in the New Year in a family-friendly, alcohol-free, smoke-free environment.

Mardi Gras New Year's Eve Dance Celebration: Cherry Hill RV Park Conference Center, College Park. The New Year’s Eve Dance and Party is sponsored by Dean & Dawn Garrish, World Champion Dancers & Instructors. The music will be a mix of mostly West Coast Swing with a Two Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, Hustle, East Coast Swing, Night Club Two Step and more. Cabins at the Park to stay overnight are available for rent on a first come, first serve basis. Contact the Park office at (301) 937-7116.

We'll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so be sure to check back as the big day nears!

If you want to stay in...

If your idea of the perfect New Year's Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you're in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here's a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

"New Year's Eve Live" With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN starting at 8 p.m. ET
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN's annual New Year's Eve Live special with none other than "Watch What Happens Live" host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper's former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2018" Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC starting at 8 p.m. ET
Why you should watch: Remember last year's infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest's watch. So if that's any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren't any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

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