After an online celebration last year, Alexandria’s First Night celebration is back, fireworks and all on New Year’s Eve.
“I’m thrilled First Night is back,” said Laverne Chapman, chair of the board of First Night. “It took us two years to come back, and we’re ready to come back.”
On Tuesday, City Council made its proclamation recognizing the upcoming event and thanking its organizers.
“This is the city’s great party and you don’t want to miss it,” said Councilwoman Del Pepper.
Today, Dec 15, the Virginia Department of Health reported 75 new cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria. That’s the most single-day infections reported since January.
“We’ve taken all the COVID precautions,” Chapman said. “Masks will be worn at all the events. We’ll be doing cleaning between the events.”
The First Night schedule starts with activities for seniors and kids from noon to 5 p.m., followed by an evening schedule of events that lasts until the fireworks finale over the Potomac River.
Tickets for each event range from $5 for kids to $20 for adults and seniors.
Below are First Night Alexandria’s daytime and evening schedules:
Daytime schedule
- 12-2 p.m. — Kids celebrate NYE at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive
- 12-2 p.m. — Seniors celebrate NYE at the Oswald Durant Center, 1605 Cameron Street
- 3-5 p.m. — Kids celebrate at the George Washington Masonic Memorial
- 3-5 p.m. — Seniors celebrate at the Oswald Durant Center
Evening schedule
- 6-6:30 p.m. — Welcome and kickoff at Market Square, 301 King Street
- 7-8:30 p.m. — Battle of the buskers, various locations in Old Town
- 7-8:30 p.m. — Early shows at select venues
- 8-10 p.m. — Teen showcase at the Oswald Durant Center
- 9:30-11 p.m. — Late shows at select venues
- 10-midnight — Countdown to 2022 street party at Market Square
- Midnight — Fireworks finale over the Potomac River
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool, a play-based, half-day preschool in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria has limited openings for the ’23-’24 school year.
SPEP offers:
- 18 month old – Kindergarten classes
- Full day Kindergarten option (3 days/week)
- Early Care
- Transportation (ages 3+)
- Weekly Field Trips (ages 3+)
- Financial Aid available
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
2023 Alexandria Scottish Rite Friends & Family Charity Event
On Saturday Evening May 6th, 2023, at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, the Valley of Alexandria Scottish Rite will be holding its annual charity fundraiser for kids with speech and language disabilities. This event is open to the public.
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.