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Alexandria’s First Night Celebration Will be a Hybrid Event

Ringing in the new year in Alexandria is going to be a virtual and in-person experience this time around.

On Thursday, First Night Alexandria announced that due to the coronavirus pandemic its 26th annual New Year’s Eve celebration will be a hybrid event. The alcohol-free event usually draws thousands of people who participate by attending concerts all over the city. Midnight is celebrated on the waterfront with a countdown and a fireworks show.

This year, however, organizers are planning on-site and a virtual concerts, and additional details are expected in the coming weeks.

“We invite you to join us as we support the greater community with curated entertainment that is designed for families and friends to gather safely, have fun and make memories,” said Marilyn Patterson, executive director of First Night Alexandria, in a statement. “Additionally, we’re excited to expand the reach of our audience and earn the opportunity to become part of their holiday legacy.”

Chris Reddick, the president of the First Night Alexandria Board of Directors, said the evening will be an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether families attend in-person.

“First Night Alexandria is the capstone of the holiday season for Alexandria and the entire DMV,” Reddick said. “Whether you attend in person or online, you will be glad you experienced First Night Alexandria, a regional treasure to be savored.”

https://www.facebook.com/FirstNightAlexandriaVA/posts/3711002022266702

Photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.