Seasonal & Holidays
McLean New Year's Events: 2018 Guide
It's never too early to start thinking about New Year's Eve! Here's your guide to fireworks and other events happening near McLean.

MCLEAN, 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 McLean 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..
Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
New Year's Eve at B&B's Annual Bootlegger's Bash
"Swing into 2018 at Barrel & Bushel this year at Barrel & Bushel's Annual Bootlegger's Bash! Enjoy signature cocktails from the prohibition era featuring specialty gin, vodka, rum, Canadien whiskey and bourbon. Your ticket gives you access to a fully stocked bar all night and unlimited signature hors d'oeuvres straight from the B&B kitchen."
When: Dec. 31, 2017, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2018, 2 a.m.
Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Where: Barrel & Bushel, 7901 Tysons One Place Tysons, VA 22102
Admission: $79 or $129
New Year's Eve Murder Mystery
Join Maggiano's for a murder mystery in the ballroom. The event includes a three-course dinner and the show. Tickets are expected to sell out before the event.
Where: Maggiano's Little Italy, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA 22182
When: Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: $75
New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball
Get decked out in your fanciest clothes and masks at Tysons Biergarten's celebration. Multi-instrumentalist Jason Saitta will provide live music from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. and DJ Maskell will be spinning in the basement. Plus there will be games, food, and of course plenty of beer.
When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
Where: 8346 Leesburg Pike, Tysons, VA 22182
Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Winter Walk of Lights
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is transformed into dazzling half-mile walk of lights for the holiday season This popular holiday lights attraction remains open through the new year, even on holidays. Around 75,000 people visited last year, and it wouldn't be surprising if the attraction drew even more interest this year.
When: Daily hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. The last tickets are sold at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
Admission: Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for kids ages three-12, and parking is free.
New Years Eve Bolly Bash
The American Legion Post 177 is returning to host another New Year's Eve Bash that's bigger and better than ever. The event features a live DJ, party favors, red carpet, a kids area, and live ball drop and toast at midnight. Parking is free.
When: Dec. 31 8 p.m.-Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
Where: American Legion Post 177, 3039 Oak St., Fairfax VA, 22030
Admission: $35-$80
Fairfax NAACP and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation present a New Year's Eve Gala
"Celebrate with Fairfax NAACP and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation as they commemorate their storied history--Fairfax NAACP's 100 years of existence and Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation's 20 years since founding. Both organizations serving the Fairfax County community through service and a commitment to advancing the goals of equality and social justice. Proceeds benefit Fairfax NAACP's scholarships, voter registration/education, youth branch and advocacy efforts."
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - Jan. 1, 2018, 1 a.m.
Where: Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway Fairfax, VA 22033
Admission: $100 and up
New Year's Eve at Don Tito
Join Arlington's tequila bar to celebrate the new year. Throughout the night, dance to top 40s decades tunes with a live DJ and watch live coverage of Time Square's New Year's Eve.
When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - Jan. 1, 2018, 1:30 a.m.
Where: Don Tito, 3165 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201
Admission: Tickets start at $35.
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
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.