Ring in the New Year: Family-Friendly Celebrations in Washington, DC

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and families in the DC area have plenty of options to celebrate the start of a new year without staying up until midnight. Whether you’re looking for festive fireworks, kid-friendly countdowns, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations for families in and around Washington, DC.

Noon Year’s Eve at Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Located in Baltimore, just a short drive from DC, Port Discovery Children’s Museum hosts a spectacular Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Perfect for younger kids, this event features arts and crafts, live music, and a countdown to noon with confetti and balloons. Kids can enjoy all the fun of New Year’s without staying up past their bedtime.

Details:

• When: December 31, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Where: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore, MD
• Cost: Included with museum admission

First Night Alexandria

First Night Alexandria is a long-standing tradition featuring music, magic, and interactive activities for the whole family. The event concludes with a colorful fireworks display over the Potomac River at 6:00 PM. Many activities are geared toward kids, including face painting, puppet shows, and craft stations.

Details:

• When: December 31, 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Where: Various locations in Alexandria, VA
• Cost: Admission buttons required (kids under 12 are free)

Noon Yards Eve at The Yards Park

This is an annual favorite at The Yards Park! Noon Yards Eve offers a fun and festive atmosphere with live entertainment, a balloon drop, and plenty of activities for kids. Families can enjoy crafts, face painting, and music while counting down to noon.

Details:

• When: December 31, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Where: The Yards Park, Washington, DC
• Cost: Free

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball

The annual Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Ball at Jammin Java is the perfect way for families to ring in the new year. The show includes an apple juice toast, New Year’s resolutions, and our famous Ball Drop.  Celebrate as they begin their 20th year making music together!

Details:

• When: December 31,11AM and 2PM
• Where: Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
• Cost: $10

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center

Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back again. Make memories and party, Science Center style, at MSC’S 17th annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities and games, explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits, dance and sing along with the Rainbow Rock Band, and help ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop!

Details:

• When: December 31, 10AM – 2PM
• Where: Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, MD
• Cost: Included with museum admission

Family New Year’s at Metrobar

Jump aboard the “way-before-midnight” train at a family-friendly celebration starting at 4:00pm, with festive cocktails from our new winter menu, live music, and kids games & activities! Don’t worry about the cold: we have the heated and enclosed Railcar Bar & Lounge, fire pit cabanas, campfires, and heaters throughout. That, along with a selection of hot cocktails, will keep you warm as you celebrate 2025!

Details:

• When: December 31, 4PM – 8:00PM
• Where: Metrobar, Washington, DC
• Cost: $15, only one ticket is needed per family

Midnight at 7

Want to experience the Symphony of Lights on New Year’s Eve, but still have the kids in bed by 10? Join for Midnight at 7, and enjoy the fireworks as you stroll through the lights one last time! Fireworks start 7pm.

Details:

• When: December 31, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
• Where: Merriweather Symphony of Lights, Columbia, MD
• Cost: $15 per person, $50 family 4-pack, ages 3 and under are free