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 memorable family-friendly events to the hottest 21 and older parties, D.C. has a New Year’s Eve celebration for everyone. Ring in 2022 any way you like with these awesome, hand-picked celebrations in the Nation’s Capital.
New Year’s Eve Paint N Sip
- Joe’s Palette | Website
Head out to Washington, D.C.’s very own Ocean Lounge for an NYE celebration unlike anything you’re used to. Joe’s Palette, a paint and sip company, is renowned for its events hosted at some of the city’s finest restaurants, bars, and lounges.
This New Year’s Eve they’re inviting you to join them for a themed painting session – don’t worry if you’re not a pro because the canvasses come pre-stenciled. In addition to having a great time with friends and good music in the background, they’re even including a free cocktail!
Annual Andrew Mellon New Year’s Eve Gala
- Andrew W Mellon Auditorium | Website
One of the most highly anticipated events of the season, the Andrew Mellon New Year’s Eve Gala comes back for its sixth year. The strictly premier black-tye gala costs $100 upward to get into but gives you access to one of the most luxurious venues in D.C.
There are magnificent ballrooms, three different party spaces, and multiple DJs playing different genres of music. You’ll also be able to indulge in their free-flowing champagne throughout the night, top-shelf open bar, and complimentary party favors.
Gatsby’s DC Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party 2022
- Spirit of Washington DC by Hornblower | Website
Ranging between $200 and $300 per ticket, the Gatsby’s DC Fireworks New Year’s Eve Yacht Party will surely blow your mind. Climb aboard the Spirit of Washington yacht for an unbelievable night of dinner and dancing as you take in 360-degree views of D.C. and the fireworks show from the water.
There’s a buffet-style dinner that will satisfy even the most particular palate, a premium open bar for the entire cruise, party favors, two DJs, and so much more. Come dressed to impress in your finest zoot suits and flapper dresses.
New Year’s Eve Forest Bathing
- US National Arboretum | Website
If you’d prefer going into 2022 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 | 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 | Website
Head on over to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to say goodbye to 2021 with three masters of jazz. There will be performances by Afro-Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes, Grammy-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves, and saxophone royalty, Joe Lovano.
Afterward, guests can stick around for dancing and a balloon drop countdown to the new year in the Grand Foyer.
Washington DC NYE Bar Crawl
- Sudhouse DC
One of the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Washington, D.C. isn’t one particular place at all! The NYE Bar Crawl ticket, which averages around $30, gives you free entry to six of the best bars in downtown D.C.
You’ll start the fun by registering at Sudhouse DC and you’re then free to hop between any bar you choose; choices include Brixton’s Rooftop Bar, Fainting Goat, and Solys.
In addition to bar access, your wristband will also include a complimentary appetizer buffet, drink tickets, access to photo booths and backdrops for photos, a champagne toast, and more.
Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington DC
- Illusions The Drag Queen Show DC | Website
Liza Minelli, Beyonce, Cher, Madonna, Whitney Houston – and more of some of the greatest drag queens our nation has seen can all be found in Washington, D.C. this New Year’s Eve! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance along to their burlesque routines and sing along to their performances.
The night will be one for the books but be sure to make a dinner reservation before you go since this venue doesn’t serve any food.
A Joyful Holiday Experience
- Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena | Website
There are worse ways to start the new year than with an enlightening religious experience such as the one offered at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena this December 31st.
A Joyful Holiday Experience brings together gospel artists and groups from far and wide, all of whom have come together to put on a performance of a lifetime. There are scheduled performances by Ricky Dillard, Le’Andria Johnson, Charles Jenkins, Marvin Sapp, and The Clark Sisters.
New Year’s Eve at The Maryland Theatre
- The Maryland Theatre | Website
Rock into the new year with a spectacular concert lineup at the New Year’s Eve bash at the historic Maryland Theatre. They’ve got live musical performances by Jester, Nightrain – The Guns N Roses Experience, and Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute Band. General admission includes open seating and access to the cash concession stand (which has drinks!).
You can upgrade to the VIP Guest ticket which comes with premier seating on the lower level, drink tickets, and hors d’oeuvres in a private cocktail lounge. All tickets are automatically enrolled into the Cash Bash Drawing and you could walk away with the main prize of $20,000!
