Washington DC New Years Eve: 15 Great Ways to Celebrate

Updated for 2024

The Nation’s Capital. Chocolate City. The District. City of Magnificent Intentions. No matter what you call it, if you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Washington, D.C., you’ll be doing so in style.

From family-friendly fun to the most exciting 21 and older parties, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Washington DC New Years Eve. Kick off the new year in style with these top events in the Nation’s Capital.

Washington DC New Years Eve: 15 Great Ways to Celebrate

Gatsby’s DC Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2024

  • Spirit of Washington DC by Hornblower, 580 Water St SW Washington, DC 20024
  • Website

The Gatsby’s DC Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party aboard the Spirit of Washington promises an unforgettable night on the water. Ticket prices range from $247 to $315, offering an exciting experience with 360-degree views of D.C. and its New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Guests will enjoy a buffet-style dinner, a premium open bar throughout the cruise, party favors, and a dynamic atmosphere enhanced by two DJs. The event encourages attendees to dress in their finest zoot suits and flapper dresses, embracing the glamour of the Gatsby era as they dance the night away on the Potomacore details or to purchase tickets, visit the event page on Eventbrite.

New Year’s Eve Forest Bathing

  • US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
  • Website

If you’d prefer to go into 2025 connecting with nature and having a calm and peaceful evening, then the New Year’s Eve Forest Bathing event at the US National Arboretum may be just right for you.

Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku as it is known in Japan, is the practice of immersing yourself and connecting with nature through your many senses. The act has proven to be very beneficial to a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, while improving mood and attention.

Big Night DC New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

  • Gaylord National Hotel & Resort, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland
  • Website

With over twenty acts, fifteen different party areas, and nearly 10,000 people in attendance, the Big Night DC New Year’s Eve Extravaganza is one of the most amazing ways to celebrate. The party is at Gaylord National Hotel & Resort and lasts well over six hours.

There’s a huge DJ lineup, live music performances by local bands, party favors, and of course, the highly anticipated midnight celebration. You can feast on the exquisite cuisine that Gaylord National is renowned for and even stay in one of their lavish hotel rooms.

A Jazz New Year’s Eve

  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 2056
  • Website

Head on over to the John  F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to say goodbye to 2024 with top masters of jazz. There will be performances by Kurt Elling & Charlie Hunter with Nate Smith + Huntertones Horns.

Afterward, guests can stick around for dancing and a spectacular balloon drop countdown to the new year in the Grand Foyer.

Washington DC NYE Bar Crawl

  • Sudhouse DC, 1340 U St NW Washington D.C., DC 20009
  • Website

One of the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Washington, D.C. is by joining the Crawl ‘Til the Ball Falls Bar Crawl, a unique experience that offers access to some of the best bars in town. For just $30, you’ll get entry to participating bars, including Sudhouse DC, The Alchemist, Chicken + Whiskey, El Rey, and Voodoo, among others.

To get started, pre-purchase your wristband and check in at Sudhouse DC (1340 U St NW) between 6 PM and 11 PM to pick up your wristband and map, which includes bar locations and drink specials. Your wristband not only grants you no-cover entry to all participating bars but also unlocks exclusive drink specials all night long. The fun doesn’t stop there—drink tickets, photo booths, and more add to the excitement.

So, grab your wristband, explore D.C.’s vibrant nightlife, and enjoy a memorable toast at midnight filled with great drinks, fun vibes, and awesome specials!

Find out more pub crawls DC.

NYE All-Star Tribute To Frankie Beverly

  • Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250
  • Website

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at the NYE All Star Tribute to Frankie Beverly, featuring iconic R&B artists like Ron Isley, Lalah Hathaway, Joe, and more. This unforgettable concert, held on December 31, 2024, at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, will deliver soulful performances and timeless hits. Doors open at 6 PM, with the show starting at 7 PM. Don’t miss this electrifying night of music to ring in 2024!

New Year’s Eve at The Maryland Theatre

  • The Maryland Theatre, 21 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
  • Website

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Middletown Valley Bank Krumpe’s Donut Drop in Downtown Hagerstown! This free event on December 31st includes live music by DJ Sidekick, fireworks, and delicious Krumpe’s donuts and AC&T coffee for the first 5,000 attendees. Starting at 5 PM, the fun continues with a kids’ zone, entertainment, and the exciting giant donut drop at 6:59 PM, followed by a fireworks grand finale. It’s the perfect way to kick off your New Year’s celebrations!

Hard Rock Cafe DC New Year’s Eve

  • Hard Rock Cafe DC, 999 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Website

Ring in the New Year at the Hard Rock Cafe DC with a vibrant evening of music, dancing, and drinks. This 21+ event offers access to a premium open bar, party favors, and an electric atmosphere to usher in 2025. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of fun.

2025 Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at the Luxurious Willard

  • The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C., 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
  • Website

The 2025 Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at the Willard InterContinental promises an extravagant night filled with live music, DJs, and a dazzling balloon drop. Guests will enjoy a gourmet 3-course dinner or international buffet, complete with free-flowing champagne and decadent desserts. The event spans multiple ballrooms with a global theme, offering a lavish experience at one of D.C.’s most historic and luxurious hotels. This celebration attracts both singles and couples, providing an elegant atmosphere for all. Tickets are available now!

Silvester (New Year’s Eve) at Prost DC

  • Prost DC, 919 5th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Website

Join the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration at Prost DC, where you’ll enjoy a 4-hour open bar featuring beer, wine, hot cocktails, and single spirit mixers like vodka sodas and rum & cokes. Indulge in a delicious 3-hour German buffet, offering everything from pretzel bites and sliders to bratwurst and salad, setting the perfect tone for a night of fun and festivities.

New Years Eve Party at The Park!

  • The Park at 14th, 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
  • Website

Welcome 2025 in style at The Park’s exclusive New Year’s Eve Party. Skip the usual crowded champagne toasts and experience a one-of-a-kind celebration with upscale decor, vibrant energy, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Guests are required to adhere to a strict dress code: gentlemen must wear a blazer with a collared shirt, and jeans are not permitted. Enjoy a multi-level venue filled with electrifying energy, bottle service, and plenty of party favors. This isn’t just a party, it’s a production that promises to be the highlight of your New Year’s Eve!

New Years Eve @ 202 Lounge

  • 202 Lounge, 609 H Street NW Washington, DC
  • Website

Welcome the new year at 202 Lounge with an exciting night of music, dancing, and great vibes as you count down to midnight. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or hoping to meet new people, this is the perfect spot to enjoy New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss out on the fun—mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable celebration at 202 Lounge!

New Year’s Eve Party at Shaw’s Tavern!

  • Shaw’s Tavern, 520 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
  • Website

Join one of the unforgettable New Year’s Eve parties at Shaw’s Tavern! From 9pm to 1am, enjoy 4 hours of an open bar featuring draft beers, house wines, and spirits with mixers (no shots), along with a buffet dinner of Shaw’s Tavern favorites. Dance the night away with a live DJ, toast to the new year with champagne, and enjoy a midnight breakfast. Party favors, including noisemakers and hats, add to the festive atmosphere. Grab your friends and make unforgettable memories as we ring in the new year at Shaw’s Tavern!

New Year’s Eve Black & White Party @ Whitlow’s

  • Whitlow’s, 901 U Street NW Washington DC | Website

Toast to 2025 at Whitlow’s with a chic “Black and White” New Year’s Eve celebration! Have an unforgettable New Year’s eve party across three levels, featuring a spacious rooftop, four bars, and 18 TVs. Your ticket includes bottomless rail drinks, draft beers, sparkling wine, and a delicious comfort food buffet. Dance to live music from Turtle Recall on the second floor or DJ Killabeats24 on the rooftop. Dress to impress in black and white and join DC’s most stylish New Year’s Eve party. Reserve your spot today for a night of excitement, and let’s usher in the new year in style at Whitlow’s!

New Year’s Eve at 12 Stories

  • 12 Stories, 75 District Square SW 12th floor, Washington, DC 20024
  • Website

Join an unforgettable New Year’s Eve bash at 12 Stories! Kick off the night in style on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, starting at 9:00 PM. Enjoy an exciting evening of music and dancing, with DJ OOWWEE and DJ Kidd Fresh spinning the beats. Indulge in passed appetizers from 9pm to 11pm, and toast to the new year with complimentary champagne at midnight. Tables are available upon request, with all reservations receiving Shorty 1942 bottles. Dress to impress, as fashionable attire is encouraged, and management reserves the right to enforce the dress code. Don’t miss out—get your tickets now for an unforgettable night at 12 Stories!

In Baltimore? Check Baltimore New Years Eve festivities here!

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