Kingstowne-Rose Hill New Year's Events: 2018 Guide

KINGSTOWNE, VA—Love it or hate it, New Year’s Eve is coming up soon. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a buzzing party with your friends, 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 Kingstowne-Rose Hill 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..

Houlihan's New Year's Eve

Ring in the New Year at Houlihan's Bar & Grill with a live DJ and more entertainment, food and drink specials and a midnight champagne toast.

When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-Jan. 1, 1 a.m.

Where: Houlihan's Bar & Grill, 6550 Loisdale Road Springfield, VA 22150

Admission: $20

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: $20 November 1-December 10; $30 December 11-31.

Gatsby's New Year's Eve Fireworks and Yacht Party

Step back into the Roaring Twenties with none other than Gatsby as your host. The event promises a night of Prohibition era fun aboard the Mount Vernon with spectacular views of the Alexandria fireworks. Plus there's an open bar, buffet, a DJ, and an unforgettable countdown to midnight.

When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 31, 1 a.m.

Where: Boarding at National Harbor pier

Admission: $209 through Dec. 20, $249 and and up after Dec. 20

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.

When: Dec. 31, multiple entry times

Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center: 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Admission: Starting at $99.99

Vola's New Year's Eve Party

Come ring in the new year on the waterfront. Vola's will have an open bar, with beer, wine and a signature cocktail until 12:30 a.m., an oyster raw bar, chocolate truffles, a campagne toast at midnight and fireworks over the river. The event is for those 21 and over.

When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 1 a.m.

Where: Vola's Dockside Grill 101 North Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $50 presale, $75 at the door

New Year's Eve Rewind at MGM National Harbor

Join MGM National Harbor to celebrate in true 80's fashion. Dance the night away to your favorite 80's jams courtesy of The Deloreans and enjoy an open bar to toast in 2018.

When: Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.

Where: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Admission: $175 and up

Blackwall Hitch New Year's Eve

Blackwall Hitch is serving a four-course dinner during three seatings at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The 9:30 p.m. event features live music by Vintage #18 and a midnight champagne toast. Call 703-739-6090 for reservations.

When: Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-close

Where: 5 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $69, $99 and $129 for the respective times

Don Taco New Year's Eve Bash

Join the tequila bar for a New Year's Eve with style. The restaurant will transform into a party destination with food throughout the night and a toast at midnight.

When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - Jan. 1, 2018, 2 a.m.

Where: Don Taco, 808 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Admission: $15-$20

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
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