Fairfax New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

FAIRFAX, VA — Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve arrives Sunday, and it'll be accompanied by continued bitter cold with lows around 15 and highs only in the 20s. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, at a buzzing party with friends or simply plopped in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So prepare to pop the bubbly, come up with some resolutions you actually can stick to and get ready to celebrate the new year. Check out the updated listings below of New Year's celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Fairfax if want to go out, and also check out television programming that may make you want to stay home.

If you want to go out:

The Auld Shebeen New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

Ring in another amazing New Year at The Auld Shebeen. Join us in the Cellar for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with complimentary Hors d'Oeuvres, Champagne Toast, LIVE DJ, Dance floor and festive Masquerade party favors! Spend the night with us and immerse yourself in a magical masquerade ball atmosphere - all while toasting to the future.

New Years Eve Bolly Ball 2018

This year we will be revisiting our roots and returning home to the American Legion Post 177. We had a great event last year and are planning to host one that’s better than ever. This year everyone will get assigned seats (strict) to assure that it isn't overcrowded. Unaccompanied children must stay in kids section for their safety.

New Year's Eve Bash @ B-Side!

Ring in 2018 at B-Side's *ALL INCLUSIVE* New Year's Eve Party! From 9 PM to 2 AM, the celebration will be in full swing featuring live DJ beats, unlimited libations + bites galore, and so much more.
Your ticket is all inclusive of food and drink, granting you no holds barred access to:

• A full selection of draft beers, wines, and curated cocktail offerings
• A steady stream of snacks and charcuterie, plus Chef Nate's carving station all night long
• Stellar music provided by DJ Ragz
• A live stream of the ball drop in Times Square with a midnight champagne toast

Fairfax NAACP and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation

Cocktail attire requested or black tie optional. Fairfax Marriott Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway. Buffet menu includes chicken drumsticks, fried green tomatoes, crabcake sliders, roasted vegetables, beef Wellington, two champagne drinks/or one champagne & beer or wine.

(Special room rate available - $100/night. Email us at freedomfund@fairfaxnaacp.org to take advantage of the special room rate.) All sales are partially tax-deductible. Receipt available upon request.

First Night Alexandria

This annual New Year's Eve bash takes over Old Town Alexandria featuring performances, music and dancing all day long. Attendees can get in on festivities all over the city, with more than 150 performances at 23 indoor venues, a children's carnival at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, live music, children's face painting an afternoon's Ninth Annual Fun Hunt with activities for families and pets, and more games. As the New Year approaches, dancing in the street begins at the east end of King Street at 10 p.m. The celebration will culminate with a stunning fireworks finale over the Potomac River at midnight.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, from 2 p.m. to midnight
Afternoon activities: 2-5 p.m. including the Ninth Annual Fun Hunt
Performances: 7 p.m.-midnight
Fireworks: Midnight
Where: Performances and activities: at venues around Old Town Alexandria and one at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue)
Midnight fireworks: Potomac River waterfront at the foot of King Street
Admission: $30.

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.

And for the kids, there's this:

Noon Year’s Eve

Noon-1 p.m., Children’s Science Center Lab — Garage Fair Oaks Mall

Celebrate the New Year with the kids at our Noon Year’s Day Celebration. Complete with party horns, toast to the New Year and countdown to Noon, you won’t want to miss the event for the kids!

If you want to stay in, these are the top two live television specials. 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

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

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.

Image via Pixabay