How are you ringing in the new year in Alexandria?
A number of local bars and restaurants are doing it up in style on Dec. 31. From Old Town to Del Ray, Arlandria and the West End, here’s a roundup of shindigs that will send you into the early morning hours of 2026.
The city’s 31st annual First Night celebration costs $10 per ticket, and features dozens of family-friendly activities, including fireworks shows over the Potomac River at 7:30 p.m. and the stroke of midnight. Here’s a look at more parties and celebrations happening nearby.
Old Town
Alexandria Bier Garden (710 King Street) is hosting one of the most affordable parties in Old Town, with tickets ranging from $12.50 for general admission to $75 for a “VIP Hofbräu Room buffet special drinks party,” according to the event listing.
Bar 86 (215 S. Union Street) will host a New Year’s Eve bash on a first-come-first-served basis. Customers are encouraged to make a reservation and will receive complimentary champagne for a midnight toast. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Cooper Mill (10 Duke Street) is hosting a 1980s-themed bash at $145 per ticket. The party starts at 9 p.m., and the price of admission includes a costume contest, a DJ, “dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a midnight Champagne toast to welcome the new year in style,” according to the event listing.
Hotel Heron (699 Prince Street) is hosting a midnight masquerade for $130 per ticket. The evening begins at 7 p.m., and ticket holders can enjoy small plates and an open bar. Patrons are encouraged “to dress in their finest and add a mysterious flourish with a masquerade mask as the hotel transforms into a festive world of sparkling cocktails, music, dancing, and a dramatic countdown at midnight,” according to the event listing.
Josephine (109 S. St. Asaph Street) will feature a complimentary coupe of champagne and a chef’s amuse-bouche, followed by your choice of hors d’oeuvres, entrée and dessert for $150 per person.
The Light Horse Restaurant & Bar (715 King Street) is hosting a cocktail party starting at 8 p.m. for $75 per ticket. The evening includes chef-inspired hors d’oeuvres from 8-11 p.m., a champagne toast at midnight, and “plenty of party favors to keep the good vibes flowing,” according to the event posting.
Vermilion Restaurant and Bar (1120 King Street) is offering a multi-course feast from Chef Anthony “Tony” Chittum, “showcasing his favorite seasonal dishes vibrant, farm fresh flavors from the finest Mid-Atlantic growers, and farmers,” according to the restaurant. Tickets are $135.
Laporta’s Restaurant and Jazz Lounge (1600 Duke Street) is having a party with live music and a three-course meal, with ticket prices ranging from $70 to $116.
Old Town North
MacMillan Spirit House (500 Montgomery Street) is hosting a Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve bash starting for $45 per ticket. While costumes are optional, the party features “a three-course pre fix dinner menu as well as a midnight champagne toast, plus live jazz music all evening,” according to the event listing.
Jula’s on the Potomac (44 Canal Center Plaza) is hosting its annual New Year’s party with live jazz, a three-course dinner and a champagne toast for $150 per ticket. Seating starts at 8:30 p.m.
Del Ray and Arlandria
The Birchmere Music Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Avenue) is hosting a concert by The Seldom Scene and Shelby Means, with tickets running $49.50. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Evening Star Cafe (2000 Mount Vernon Avenue) is offering an open bar, midnight champagne, food from Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ and a live DJ for $125 per ticket. Doors open at 9 p.m.
West End
The Beeliner Diner (3648 King Street) is hosting an early New Year’s Eve party and brunch for families, with a “countdown to noon” starting at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $15, and all ages, families, and early birds are welcome to the celebration.
Did we miss a party? Send us a note at [email protected] to add it to this list!
Photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook.
