Ringing in the new year in Alexandria is going to be a virtual and in-person experience this time around.
On Thursday, First Night Alexandria announced that due to the coronavirus pandemic its 26th annual New Year’s Eve celebration will be a hybrid event. The alcohol-free event usually draws thousands of people who participate by attending concerts all over the city. Midnight is celebrated on the waterfront with a countdown and a fireworks show.
This year, however, organizers are planning on-site and a virtual concerts, and additional details are expected in the coming weeks.
“We invite you to join us as we support the greater community with curated entertainment that is designed for families and friends to gather safely, have fun and make memories,” said Marilyn Patterson, executive director of First Night Alexandria, in a statement. “Additionally, we’re excited to expand the reach of our audience and earn the opportunity to become part of their holiday legacy.”
Chris Reddick, the president of the First Night Alexandria Board of Directors, said the evening will be an unforgettable experience, regardless of whether families attend in-person.
“First Night Alexandria is the capstone of the holiday season for Alexandria and the entire DMV,” Reddick said. “Whether you attend in person or online, you will be glad you experienced First Night Alexandria, a regional treasure to be savored.”
BREAKING NEWS!First Night Alexandria 2020 is ON for New Year’s Eve!Save the Date. 12.31.20More details will be released in the coming weeks.Tell a friend.
Posted by First Night Alexandria on Thursday, October 1, 2020
Photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook
As Alexandrians are getting ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve tonight, be aware that some city services will not be available on New Year’s Day.
Trash will be picked up today (Tuesday), but will not be picked up tomorrow (Wednesday). Trash collection services scheduled for Wednesday through Friday will be delayed by one day.
Libraries will close at 5 p.m. today and libraries, recreation centers, and the Torpedo Factory Art Center will all be closed on Wednesday, according to the city website.
As on Christmas, there’s no need to feed the meters on New Year’s Day. Metered parking restrictions will be lifted throughout the city, though this only applies to legal parking spaces and parking in no parking zones, loading zones, or spaces for persons with disabilities is all still prohibited.
DASH will operate its regular schedule today and will operate a special trolley service between the Durant Center (1605 Cameron Street) and the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Drive) from 5:30-11 p.m. tonight for First Night activities.
DASH buses will not be operating tomorrow, but the King Street Trolley will run on its regular schedule.