Event Finder: New Year's Eve Celebrations

New Year's Parties, Boat Rides, Dinners and More

PARTIES:

  • One of D.C.’s hottest clubs, Eden Lounge (1716 I St. NW), hosts their End of the World 2012 New Year’s Eve Party. With several VIP packages offered, guests will be able to enjoy champagne and premium liquor along with non-stop music all night. VIP packages $750-$5,000; general admission $30.
  • With more than 20,000 square feet of party, Big Night DC at Gaylord National Resort and Hotel (201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md.) lives up to its name. You’ll find 15 theme party areas and five dance floors, nom on a Bow Tie Pasta dinner and (obviously) enjoy an open bar with a range of spirits. VIP eventgoers will get top-shelf brands like Grey Goose and Johnnie Walker Black. Besides all that, you’ll also get wonderful views of the Potomac. 9 p.m.-3 a.m.; $139.99 general admission; $189.99 VIP; $ 259.99 for Velvet Rope tickets.
  • Welcome 2012 in style at the newly redesigned Josephine Lounge (1008 Vermont Ave. NW). Listen to tunes spun all night by DJ N’dys from Miami’s famous Set nightclub, and enjoy bottles of champagne when you purchase a VIP package. VIP packages start at $1,000; individual tickets start at $40.
  • Make this New Year’s Eve newsworthy at the Headliners Ball at the Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW), featuring a unique drink and snack menu from famed chef Wolfgang Puck, entertainment from Round Midnight and dance tunes from DJ Scientific Beats. As you countdown to midnight, take advantage of the event's open bar and check out some of the Newseum’s exhibits. Dinner (a seven-course prix-fixe menu) at Puck’s restaurant The Source (575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) is an optional add-on for $150. The Newsmaker Special includes a five-course dinner at The Source and tickets to the Ball ($320 per person). 8 p.m.-2 a.m.; $180 for Newseum members, $195 per person. For dinner reservations, call 202-637-6100.
  • Professionals in the City will host their annual New Year’s Eve Gala with 3,000+ D.C.-area professionals (yuppies or "yo-pros," take your pick) at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington). You'll find food and drinks, champagne toasts, karaoke, comedians and even some Latin dancing. They want to make sure you have someone to kiss at midnight -- singles get a different colored bracelet than couples! 9.m.-2 a.m.;  $139 and up; $99 for late entry with limited drinks and no buffet.
  • Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Dupont Circle’s favorite Public Bar (1214 18th St. NW), with enjoy happy hour prices 8-10 p.m., and an open bar 10 p.m.-1a.m. An appetizer buffet is open 10 p.m.-midnight. Tables start at $800; individual tickets are $80.
  • The International Club of D.C. hosts its New Year’s Eve Grand Ball at the Wardman Park Marriott Hotel (2660 Woodley Road NW). With eight ballrooms and an elaborate international-themed buffet spread with free-flowing champagne and drinks, you’ll feel like you get a chance to party hop around the world. They’ll have five live bands and a mock casino as well. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.; $175 general admission; $220 for VIP; $110 for post dinner tickets.

ENTERTAINMENT-FOCUSED:

  • Forget the ball drop in Times Square -- they're taking it up a notch at First Night Alexandria. Not one, but 6,000 balls will drop when the clock strikes 12. The family-friendly event includes face painting, live music, games and a scavenger hunt. Tickets $15 until Dec. 18; $20 after.
  • Wanna countdown to 2012 with laughter? Join comedian Ralph Harris -- of “Last Comic Standing,” Comedy Central and HBO fame -- for an evening of guaranteed laughs and fun at DC Improv (1140 Connecticut Ave. NW). The special event offers two showtimes, one at 8 p.m. and a countdown show at 10:15 p.m, which includes a fruit, cheese and cracker board, party favors and complimentary champagne at midnight. $35-$75
  •  The Washington Hilton (1919 Connecticut Ave. NW) promises a rocking New Year’s Eve with Downtown Countdown, the largest bash in D.C., featuring musical guests Third Eye Blind and The Dirty Heads. Planners promise one bartender for every 75 guests to reduce lines. Full dinner buffet tables will include appetizers, penne pasta, roast turkey and thin-sliced barbeque beef brisket. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $159 for general admission; $225 for VIP. (Prices will increase as it gets closer to the date.)

FOOD-FOCUSED:

  • New Year’s Eve Bash-to-Brunch at Asia Nine (915 E St. NW) will feature a pre-gaming happy hour for those who want to kick-off their new year’s festivities early (3-7 p.m.) with $4 drafts and $12 pitchers of beer or wine. Go with more than six friends to score a complimentary bottle of sparkling rose and Good Luck Gyoza dumplings. On New Year's Day, make your way back to Asia Nice and alleviate your hangover with unlimited $1 mimosas and Bloody Marys (brunch noon-4 p.m.). You can get five small plates and dessert for $25, and a 40 percent discount for E Street Cinema tickets.
  • Ring in the new year with a unique, sophisticated ambiance at boutique steakhouse Lost Society (2001 14th St. NW). Guests will enjoy dinner and music by DJ Gavin Holland and Chris Burns while enjoying a relaxed evening. Dinner at 7:30 p.m.; table reservations start at $250; individual tickets $25.
  • Add a Latin/Asian spin to your night at Masa 14 (1825 14th St. NW), for a New Year’s Eve celebration that includes food, music and $5 drinks all night. Choose from a $55 or $75 prix-fixe menus at a pre-party seating, or a $75 four-course menu and midnight toast at the late seating. Join Masa the next morning for their New Year’s Day Brunch and enjoy unlimited Latin- Asian small plates and cocktails. Pre-party seating 5-8 p.m., $55 or $75. Late seating after 8 p.m., $75. Brunch $35.

PARTY BOATS:

  • Cruise into the New Year in style, with family and friends aboard Spirit Cruises’ dinner cruise (departing from 6th and Water streets SW). Enjoy an open bar, snack on hors d’oeuvres and feast on a dinner buffet as you dance to the hottest tunes. Cheer the arrival of 2012 with a champagne toast at midnight. 8 p.m.-1 a.m..; $169.90-$209.90.
  • Spectacular views of the monument are the main attraction if you choose to cruise down the Potomac River aboard The Odyssey (departing from Gangplank Marina, 6th and Water streets SW). Live entertainment, dancing and a Vienesse dessert table and chocolate fountain (yum) round out the cruise’s unforgettable evening.  If you’re feeling extra spirited you can purchase a platinum package that includes a guaranteed window table for you and your friends. Couples, take note, you can also spice up the night with a romance package, which includes a half-dozen roses, a bottle of champagne and two souvenir flutes. 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; $219-$319.
  • Have other plans for your New Year’s Eve? Try an event the night of Jan.1 instead, aboard The Odyssey’s New Year’s Day cruise as you begin 2012 with a brunch buffet, live entertainment and views of the District’s monuments. The cruise leaves from the Gangplank Marina (6th and Water streets SW). 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m.; $59.90 adults.; $39.95 kids.

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