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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New Year's Eve Quarter Peel
Members of the Washington Ringing Society attempt a quarter peal at the Old Post Office Pavilion on New Year's Eve.
The ringing on New Year’s Eve will begin at 5:15pm. If the quarter peal attempt is successful, the ringing will last roughly 45 minutes.
Looking for the best place to hear the sound? The bells may be heard anywhere along that corridor of Pennsylvania Ave NW!
See Shakespeare with a Twist
December 31, 2022 2pm | Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland
https://www.roundhousetheatre.org/On-Stage/Explore/The-Tempest
Adapted and directed by Aaron Posner and Teller (of Penn & Teller fame), an unforgettable reimagining of Shakespeare’s most enchanting romance features haunting music from the catalog of iconic songwriter Tom Waits and mind-bending moves from Pilobolus, as well as astonishing feats of magic.
Arriving just in time for the holiday season, the dazzling production—a smash hit in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas—“awakens in the audience a sense of pleasurable, almost childlike wonder,” says The New York Times. “Enormously entertaining,” raves the Chicago Tribune.
The Tempest is produced in collaboration with Folger Theatre.
Other shows that you can watch on New Year's Eve in Washington DC:
- Illusions The Drag Show (7pm)
- New Year's Eve Jazz at Blues Alley (630pm & 10pm)
- Above & Beyond at Echostage (9pm)
- George Clinton & PFunk at 930 Club (9pm)
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.
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 make sure to 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.
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. Vocalist Carmen Lundy and friends will share their skills and their 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.
Annual Andrew Mellon New Year’s Eve Gala at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium
If you want to celebrate the New Year in style, this black-tie event is the place to be.
Multiple party spaces, multiple DJs, multiple bars and free-flowing champagne are just some of the things you’ll experience.
This is probably the biggest New Year’s celebration in D.C.
Tickets and details are available on the website.
Gatsby’s D.C. Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2023 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.
