First Night Alexandria will bring hours of live music and performances, family-friendly fun and fireworks to Old Town and Carlyle for New Year’s Eve next week.
In its 31st year, the annual holiday festival includes a packed schedule of activities and arts, culminating in a countdown to midnight at the Old Town waterfront.
Festivities begin with “a dynamic mix of music, magic, comedy, and hands-on fun from an exciting lineup of artists and performers” from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial at 101 Callahan Drive.
This year’s performers include The Line Dance Divas, a high-energy performance group, and Culture Queen, a Grammy-nominated performing artist and songwriter.
Later in the day, attendees can partake in refreshments and see “standout performances” by Taisha Estrada, Nasim Siddeeq and the Late Night Superstars at the Carlyle Park Stage (300 John Carlyle Square) from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Those interested in a magic show can catch Mike Rose Magic from 4-7 p.m. at The Little Theatre of Alexandria at 600 Wolfe Street.
The following venues will host a variety of local artists throughout the night, from DJs to acoustic rock, traditional Irish music and “porch-style Americana.” Complete performance schedules are available on the event’s website.
- Market Square (301 King Street)
- Westin Hotel Carlyle Trademark Restaurant (400 Courthouse Square)
- Washington Street United Methodist Church (109 S. Washington Street)
- American Legion Post 24 (400 Cameron Street)
- The Lyceum (201 S. Washington Street)
This year’s evening fireworks show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the waterfront, happening alongside a performance by DJ One Luv from 7-10 p.m. and followed by the Dream City Brass group from 10-11:55 p.m.
The night will end with an iconic midnight countdown and fireworks reprisal to bring the crowd into 2026.
Tickets are $10 or free for kids age 2 and under and may be purchased on the event’s website. A portion of event proceeds will go toward students in band, chorus and orchestra programs at Alexandria City middle and high schools.
Photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook.
