Alexandria New Year's 2019: First Night Alexandria, More Events

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Alexandria never disappoints when it comes to the New Year's celebration. The annual First Night Alexandria will return on Monday, Dec. 31 with musical entertainment and activities leading up to a fireworks finale at midnight. This is a ticketed event.

First Night Alexandria, the region's largest family-friendly and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve event, will have activities beginning at 2 p.m. Families can team up for the annual First Night Alexandria Fun Hunt from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. beginning at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street.

New this year is a Kids Karnival from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at three locations: the Charles Houston Recreation Center, the Mount Vernon Recreation Center and the William Ramsay Recreation Center. Children ages 12 and under can enjoy face painting, balloons, hosts in costumes, carnival games, dancing and fun. 6 to 9 p.m.

Over 100 live performances will begin at 7 p.m. and take place at 25 indoor venues. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial will join the various venues for First Night Alexandria. There will be live entertainment and fireworks viewing from the lawn at midnight. The event is rain or shine.

Badges are needed for access to First Night Alexandria venues—but not for viewing the fireworks. Kids 12 and under and active military are free. Badges for First Night Alexandria are $30 from Dec. 1-30 and $35 on Dec. 31. Badges will be available online through Dec. 21. In-person sales will begin Dec. 21 at the Alexandria Visitors Center, 221 King Street Alexandria. For online sales, check for instructions on badge pickup.

The event is presented by the City of Alexandria, Dominion Energy, MGM National Harbor and Virginia Paving Company. For more information, visit www.firstnightalexandria.org.

More Events

Vola's New Year's Eve ICE Party (sold out): Ring in the new year on the waterfront patio. From 9 p.m.-1 a.m., enjoy an open bar, oyster raw bar and appetizers, dessert bites, a champagne toast at midnight, and fireworks over the waterfront. Tickets are $75-$90. Location: 101 North Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Chart House New Year's Eve: Ring in 2019 with Chart House. The event features a four-course signature menu, raffles, swag bag, live entertainment beginning at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks show at midnight. Champagne toast is included in second and third seatings. Location: 1 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Wine Wristbands and Midnight Thirty Breakfast Buffet at Sonoma Cellar: Get your endless wine wristbands to celebrate the new year. Then enjoy a midnight buffet. Location: 207 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

DMV Annual New Year's Eve Gala 2019: EZ Street from 96.3 WHUR will host this New Year's Eve bash featuring six party rooms. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres before, champagne and party favors. Early bird tickets are $75 - $80 until Dec. 26. Location: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22311

New Year's Eve Party at Captain Gregory's: Come out for a special food and cocktail menu at the third annual New Year's Eve Party. The $85 ticket includes food, two cocktails and a glass of champagne for toasting, as well as tax and gratuity. Space is limited to 34 guests. Location: 804 N Henry St, Alexandria, VA 22314

New Year's Eve at Cafe 44: The celebration will be in full swing with a live streaming of the ball drop, champagne toast, and midnight fireworks over the Potomac River. Executive Chef Jonathan Trejo, Beverage Director Joe Quintero, and Pastry Chef Courtney Seale are going all out with the New Year's Eve menu. The $150 ticket includes food, two drinks, a glass of champagne for toasting, and view of the Alexandria fireworks. Location: 44 Canal Center Plaza #401, Alexandria, VA 22314

Broken Ground NYE at The Light Horse: Ring in 2019 with Broken Ground at The Light Horse. They'll have multiple food stations, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Location: 715 King St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

New Year's at Theismann's: Come ring in 2019 at Theismann's New Year's Eve Party. Starting at 9 p.m., enjoy a four-course dinner, DJ, dancing, photo booth, champagne toast and rooftop view of the fireworks. Tickets are $80. Location: Joe Theismann's Restaurant, 1800 Diagonal Rd A, Alexandria, VA 22314

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Murphy's Grand Irish Pub: Join friends for a four-course dinner, party favors and live Irish music to celebrate the new year. Tickets are $55. Call 703-548-1717 for more details and to make your reservation. Location: 713 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Patch will update this story up to New Year's Eve with more events.

Image via J. Clifford/Visit Alexandria