Things to Do in DC on New Years Eve

Updated: Januar 5, 2024

There are lots of ways to ring in the New Year in Washington DC from New Years Eve events to first day hikes!

Where to watch New Years Eve Fireworks in DC?

Many people ask, where to watch New Year's Even fireworks in DC? There are no official firework displays in Downtown D.C. or on the National Mall.

National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria are probably the best places to catch them locally.

But here are our list of top things to do in DC on New Years's Eve...


Take a Walking Tour

Before you head out for a celebration party or a night in to watch the countdown on your hotel TV, spend the morning and afternoon exploring Washington DC.

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Noon Yards Eve

This event is for kids! Last year, the ball drop at noon on Dec 31st at the Yards.

There were glitter tattoos, train rides, arts and crafts, music and more.

FREE but you can register here.


See the Lights

Christmas may have passed but the Christmas trees and Holiday lights are still a-glow.

See our list of the best places to see holiday lights in DC or head over to Georgetown to see the light installation, GLOW.


New Year's Eve Concerts & Shows

If you want to ring in the new year with some music or theatre, DC is a great place to be.


New Year's Eve Bells

Last year the Members of the Washington Ringing Society rang the bells at the National Cathedral on Sunday, Dec 31.

Meet at noon in the narthex by the west elevators at the National Cathedral. Ring for an hour after the service, started at about 12:30 pm.

While you're there take our self-guided tour of the National Cathedral.



New Year's Eve Forest Bathing at the U.S. National Arboretum

One of the many amazing things about D.C. is the ability to get away from it all at places like the National Arboretum.

On New Year's Eve, you can slow down and enjoy a two-hour walk through calming nature.

Last year, there was a walk at 9am, 12pm and 2:30pm.

You will need tickets to enjoy the tour.


First Night Alexandria

The City of Alexandria has a wide variety of activities planned from Noon all the way up to a Midnight fireworks display.

There are events for kids, for teens, and for seniors.

There will be music and more.

Some events are ticketed, while others are free for all, so check the website ahead of time.


Big Night D.C. New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Gaylord National Hotel & Resort

Food and music are always a great way to ring in the New Year.

Join this six-hour party at one of the area’s top spots, then stay in one of their newly renovated rooms.

This is a ticketed event.


A Jazz New Year’s Eve at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

With two performances scheduled, you can get your night rolling with a jazz performance. Jazzmeia Horn and her sensational big band will share their skills and passion with you at the amazing Kennedy Center.

Check the website for tickets.

Arrive early and enjoy the Reach, the new expansion that features beautiful outdoor space or take our self guided Kennedy Center Tour

Remember, you can skip the traffic by taking the Metro to Foggy Bottom (Orange, Blue, and Silver Line) and take the free shuttle that picks up just outside the station.



Gatsby’s D.C. Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2024 on the Spirit of Washington D.C. by Hornblower

Party like it’s 1923 on this Washington Harbor cruise.

A Great Gatsby-inspired party with an open bar, buffet dinner, music, dancing and more, it’s certainly a unique experience.

It provides a different angle to view the fireworks display, that’s for sure.

Tickets and details are available on the website.

About The Author

Canden Arciniega

Follow On Instagram | I'm a historian & tour guide in Washington DC with 4 published books about the city. I have written for HuffPost Travel and have been featured in the Washington Post, WTOP, and numerous other DC papers. I've also been interviewed by the BBC, NPR, Travel Channel and Discovery Family Channel. I am the producer of the podcast, Tour Guide Tell All. I am an authority on D.C. history, and have led tours in the city since 2011. I currently resides in DC, but have also lived in London and South Korea, and have traveled to over 28 countries and every US State but Hawaii. I homeschool my 2 children by exploring the plethora of museums in DC. Read More...
Updated: Januar 5th, 2024
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