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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