What a year, right?

Even though the fireworks, scavenger hunt and live musical performances have been called off, there are still opportunities to get a taste of Alexandria this New Year’s Eve.

Alexandria’s 26th annual First Night celebration has been modified due to COVID-19, and the health department is asking residents to stay home.

In the meantime, if you’re trying to remember/forget 2020, here is some New Year’s entertainment:

• First Night Alexandria‘s “A Night of Nostalgia” drive-in and virtual concert: For $60-$75 per car, visitors at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue can experience a drive-in concert on the big screen. The shows are at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. and include virtual fireworks shows
• A $20 virtual concert with performers including Jukeboxx, The Rock-A-Sonics, Jukeboxx, the Earth Wind & Fire Tribute Band, The Jarreau Williams Experience
  and the Clean AF Comedy Show

Food and Drink

No alcohol will be sold in Virginia past 10 p.m., and there are still tickets available for a number of in-person events.

These local restaurants have New Year’s deals:

• Blackwall Hitch‘s $40 special includes 12 ounces of Black Angus prime rib, asparagus with lemon butter sauce, roasted rosemary potatoes, and a salad
• Captain Gregory‘s is hosting a limited seating New Year’s Eve party
• The Fish Market is open for takeout and in-person dining until 12:30 a.m.
• Gadsby’s Tavern is offering in-person meals at 5:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
• Hummingbird will be open for brunch and is serving dinner to-go
• Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap is offering a $99 dinner for two with a $50 wine pairing
• Le Refuge has dinner reservations available at 5, 7 and 9 p.m. for three and four-course meals with a glass of champagne
• Magnolia’s On King has a $90 dinner and wine package for two and $160 package for four
• Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub is offering to-go New Year’s packages
• Northside 10 is offering all-you-can-eat oysters for $35 per person
• Pork Barrel BBQ is featuring a $59.95 salmon dinner for four, which includes a five piece portion of house smoked salmon, two quarts of sides, cornbread and award-winning barbecue sauce
• The Sushi Bar‘s $99.95 New Year’s Eve platter includes four house rolls, four signature rolls, salads and 12 ounces of sake
• Tempo Restaurant has a $52 per person dinner package, which includes a three course dinner and drinks
• Village Brauhaus will toast the German New Year at 6 p.m

Find more Alexandria restaurant offerings here.

Visit Alexandria also recommends that residents watch Wonder Woman 1984, which includes an action scene at what used to be one of the coolest places in town — Landmark Mall.