new years eve

New Year’s Eve for families in and around Washington, DC

December 28, 2022

We’ve never done the same celebrating twice when it comes to New Years Eve, thanks to all of the fun Washington, DC has to offer. However you ring in the new year, we wish you a happy and healthy 2023 and are so thankful to have spent another year sharing adventures and events with you all.

10:00am: Rocknoceros New Years Eve Ball at Jammin Java
Rocknoceros is returning to Jammin’ Java for New Year’s Eve 2022! Raise a glass of apple juice and count down to 12pm with Rocknoceros. Yes, that is 12PM, kids! The ball will drop on the stage at noon for all of us who plan to turn in before midnight.

10:00am-1:00pm: Noon Yards Eve
There’s no need to stay up until midnight, celebrate at Noon Yards Eve! Ring in 2023 at Noon Yards Eve! Come enjoy complimentary family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, including train rides through The Yards, inflatable slide and bounce houses, glitter tattoo artists, carnival games, music by DJ Alex Love, crafts, magic show, performance from TheUncle Devin Show, and more. The event will culminate with a countdown and celebration at noon to ring in the New Year!

10:00am-2:00pm: Midnight Noon
Everyone’s favorite ball drop before bedtime is back! Count down to the new year at the Maryland Science Center’s annual Midnight Noon celebration! Enjoy loads of festive activities that will get you in the mood to celebrate. Explore all three floors of hands-on science exhibits. Rock out to the bright and exuberant tunes of Marsha and the Positrons, and help us ring in the New Year with a noontime ball drop!

10:00am-5:00pm: Noon Time New Year at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Help Port Discovery ring in 2023 with the annual Noontime New Year Event. Participate in hands-on winter-themed activities such as Snow Fun and a Polar Bear Party. This year, learn about a group of Time Travelers and hear their stories from different time periods. As well as witness the travelers make their jump through the Port Discovery Time Machine!

10:00am-4:30pm: Christmas at the Gaylord
ICE! is back as part of Christmas at Gaylord National. Don one of our signature blue parkas and step into a winter wonderland carved from two million pounds of colorful ice by our expert artisans in National Harbor. Experience the beloved holiday classic, “A Christmas Story™,” as presented through larger-than-life ice sculptures. Afterward, zip down a thrilling ice slide in this unique Gaylord Hotels experience. ICE! is presented by Pepsi. Ask about the package deals available at our resort hotel this Christmas.

11:00am-2:00pm: Shipgartens’s Noon Years Eve
Shipgarten’s Kids presents Noon-Years Eve! All the fun of New Years with a ball drop at noon, face painting, party favors and more!

12:00pm-12:00am: First Night Alexandria
We are excited to share that First Night Alexandria will return this year with activities in Old Town from noon until midnight on Saturday, December 31, 2022! Event organizers are planning another safe and responsible return to our family-friendly New Year’s Eve experience in Alexandria.

Order Milk Bar’s BRAND NEW Chocolate Mint Chip Cake and Truffles and the return of the ever-popular Peppermint Bark Snaps in a new mini size!

Year Cheer can help you get in the celebrating mood, while supplying fun decorations and games in a box that is delivered to your doorstep. We are big fans of the curated boxes and love supporting a local Mom!

Also, don’t forget about holiday shows, ballets and concerts, tree lightings and holiday markets, and ice skating!

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New Year’s Eve celebrations in and around Washington, DC for families

December 24, 2021

We are thankful for some fun options that our Bambinos can participate in safely this NYE. Perhaps our kids stay up until midnight and watch the ball drop this year, because why not?! Or maybe we order from a local restaurant to show our support and set it up at home like we are dining out at a fancy eatery. Whatever you choose, we wish you a happy and healthy 2022 and are so thankful to have spent another year sharing adventures and events with you all.

10:00am-1:00pm: Noon Yards Eve
Ring in 2022 at Noon Yards Eve! Come enjoy complimentary family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, including train rides through The Yards, an inflatable slide, glitter tattoo artists, carnival games, music by DJ Alex Love and The Uncle Devin Show, crafts, a magician, and more! The event will culminate with a countdown and celebration at noon to ring in the New Year! Register here.

10:00am-1:00pm: Noon Time New Year: Rock the Boat- Morning Play Session at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Meet Seashell the Mermaid, jam out to music provided by a special DJ, listen to a fun winter-themed story during Tot Tales, watch Greg May do circus performances and stilt walking and Countdown to Noon at 12:00pm. The Countdown to Noon will be happening during the Morning Play Session ONLY.

10:30am-1:00pm: Noon Year’s Eve at The St. James
Ring in the New Year with a New Year’s Eve kids party in the active entertainment center. Super, Awesome & Amazing will feature a magician, DJ, photo booth, face painting and an epic count down at noon. We’ll have a few desserts and snacks and juice and water for the kids in case they get hungry. Children 2-and-under are FREE. Parents do not need to purchase tickets but need to register when signing up a child. Parents will have access to a cash bar. Tickets are limited and may sell out prior to the event. If available, ticket prices will increase and be available for purchase at the door.

11:00am-9:00pm: Christmas at the Gaylord
There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than gathering your family at Gaylord National. Explore acres of twinkling lights and decorations and hours of exciting holiday activities, shows, and events, including our Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, I Love Christmas Movies™ featuring five beloved films. See this list of all of the fun activities.

12:30pm: Tunes with Tim Livestream Countdown to New Year’s Eve
Sing and dance your way into 2022 with Tunes with Tim & Monica+Andy! No, you don’t need to keep the kiddos up until midnight — our countdown to noon concert will be a hit! This virtual event is free but advanced registration is required.

3:00pm-4:00pm: Story Pirates New Years Bash
DJ Squirm-a-Lot is throwing his annual New Year’s Eve Bash, and he wants to celebrate with the whole world! That’s why he’s inviting you to his 2022 Bash on the moon, where he can launch a fireworks show so big everyone will be able to see it back on Earth. Join us for fun, games, special guests from the Story Pirates Podcast, and a big New Year’s Eve party that definitely WON’T be interrupted by DJ Squirm-a-Lot’s old nemesis Yorma the Ice Dragon, who is definitely NOT living on the moon now, and definitely WON’T be mad at having her peace and quiet broken by a New Year’s Eve party.

5:30pm-7:30pm: Midnight at 7 at Merriweather Symphony of Lights
The Symphony of Lights has been a time-honored Howard County holiday tradition enjoyed by many for over 25 years. Set in historic Merriweather Post Pavilion and made up of more than 300,000 bulbs, this family-oriented spectacular is a dazzling display of larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations. With the addition of new lights (and a 150 foot screen!), your time through our refreshed course guarantees a night to remember. Midnight at 7 is a walk-through experience and there are no cars permitted.

6:00pm-10:00pm: Light Yards
The larger-than-life light installation of Light Yards 2021 will feature illuminated, 22 feet tall trees trimmed top to bottom in holiday decor and festooned lights that will cast The Yards’ Sun Deck with beautiful, colored patterns. This light-filled wonderland is the perfect place for the whole family to get in the holiday spirit and snap some Instagram-worthy pics, or wander before or after drinks and dinner at one of The Yards’ 20+ eateries. The installation was designed by Australian artist studio Amigo & Amigo and will be crafted locally in Baltimore. Amigo & Amigo created last year’s popular Light Yards installation of ‘fallen stars’. The installation is FREE and open to all.

7:00pm: NYE 80’s Glow Party at Jammin Java
All ages are welcome. If you love the 80’s, this is the place to be for NYE! Put on your favorite 80’s neon and bright colors so you will GLOW, tease up your hair with that bottle of AquaNet that we know you still have, and let’s welcome in 2022 with a totally rad 80’s “GLOW” party!!!

Also, don’t forget about ice skating, holiday light displays and checking off ideas from our winter bucket list.

Family friendly events happening through January 2:

Winterfest at Adventure Theatre
Get three winter-themed shows for the price of one! Adventure brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Playing through Jan. 2, 2022.

The Nutcracker on Strings at The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo
Join the Puppet Co. for our 33rd annual The Nutcracker! This time honored seasonal celebration includes Tchaikovsky’s familiar story of Clara and her prince, with some Puppet Co. nursery rhyme spin. Playing through Jan. 2, 2022.

Enchant Christmas: The Mischievous Elf is at Nationals Park through January 2, 2022. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they come right out of a childhood Christmas dream. Marvel at the 100 ft. animated tree, glide across the glistening Ice Skating Trail, pose for photos with Santa himself, and sip and savor delicious festive holiday treats every step of the way. Become part of the magical Christmas story of “The Mischievous Elf”. Eddie the elf has misplaced some very important gifts and needs your help finding them within the North Pole’s dazzling lights. Will you come and help save Christmas?

(First Night Alexandria- Cancelled)

New Years Eve for families in and around Washington, DC

December 22, 2020

New Years Eve is going to be much different than others of course and probably a year we are all ready to put behind us. {Although there are things I cherish from this past year that could not have happened in a typical year & I won’t forget those} We are thankful for some fun options that our Bambinos can participate in safely this NYE. Perhaps our kids stay up until midnight and watch the ball drop this year, because why not?! Or maybe we order from a local restaurant to show our support and set it up at home like we are dining out at a fancy eatery. Maybe we treat it as any other night and that’s fine too because after all it is 2020 and we are all so over it. Whatever you choose, we wish you a happy and healthy 2021 and are so thankful to have spent another year sharing adventures and events with you all.

9:00am-11:00am: Forest Bathing at the U.S. National Arboretum
The U.S. National Arboretum will help you disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature in this 2-hour program where they help you relax deeply and raise your mood, immune system, and sense of coherency. The forest bathing walk will end with a modified tea ceremony and a small pre-packaged snacks to close the walk. Sounds like a great way to recharge and set some intentions for 2021!

10:00am-2:00pm: Midnight Noon
Celebrate the ball drop before bedtime with the Maryland Science Center at Midnight Noon. Join in on the socially-distanced festive fun before rocking out to a virtual performance by popular kids band, Milkshake. The entire science center will be open and ready for you to explore. Make a sound shaker, fill a snow globe, and take on your family members in giant games that will be stationed all across the building. Tickets should be reserved in advance due to attendance limits.

11:00am-12:00pm: Noon Yards Eve
The Yards has reimagined its annual Noon Yards Eve celebration into a take-home celebration kit paired with a virtual party for guests of all ages. The free, family-friendly Noon Yards Celebration Kits will be available by reservation with everything guests need to party at home!

11:00am-6:00pm: Kids Craft Day at Hops n Shine
Make your own Noisemaker on the heated patio. Then, join a kid-friendly virtual countdown and ball drop at Noon on New Year’s Eve! You may select from other dates too.

12:00pm-10:00pm: Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather
Enjoy a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for the entire family + festive and fun cocktail pop-up bar.

12:30pm: “Noon Year’s Eve Party” and Annual Balloon Drop
Families are encouraged to grab milk, hot chocolate, or their favorite treats and dress in their formal best for the festivities, which will feature a performance by Tunes with Tim, followed by a noon countdown and toast to 2021.

3:00pm-4:00pm: Story Pirates New Years Bash
Your favorite Story Pirates DJ is planning a huge party to ring in 2021! Unfortunately, his old nemesis Yorma the ice dragon is trying to spoil the fun with her icy dragon magic. Will DJ Squirm-a-Lot, Peter, Meghan, Rachel, Nimene, Eric, and the rest of the Story Pirates be able to foil Yorma’s plans? With your kids’ help, they just might have a fighting chance!

6:30pm & 9:30pm: First Night Alexandria
Ready to get out of the house? Load up the car and celebrate the arrival of 2021! Sing-along, dance and enjoy a night filled with classic hits, local food trucks and exciting giveaways! Or…Planning an intimate gathering in the comfort of your home? Let First Night Alexandria be the soundtrack for your party, featuring the same great music as the Drive-In experience, streamed to you!

Also, don’t forget about ice skating, holiday displays and checking off ideas from our winter bucket list.

Plan ahead:
Registration for DC Public Library’s winter reading challenge runs from Jan. 1-Mar. 31. Kids and teens can sign up to earn badges for reading, staying active, and win prizes from the Wizards.

KID Museum is offering virtual Winter Break Workshops, December 28-30, for families looking to enhance the holidays (and maybe head off boredom?) We’ve scheduled fun, creative options for K-4th and 5th-8th graders at varying times throughout the day. From building a Rube Goldberg machine, to learning about coding, or designing a kinetic sculpture or video game, there’s a program for everyone. The price is only $15 for KID Museum members, $20 for nonmembers. See website for details and to register.

January 9 from 10am-2:00pm
Mark your calendar to bring your holiday tree to Murch Elementary School (corner of Davenport & 36th Street). Watch Branches Tree Experts recycle it into mulch on the spot! In exchange for a recommended donation of $10-$15 to the Murch Home School Association (HSA), they’ll take your tree and save you the trouble of calling 311 for tree collection. You can even take home a bag of mulch for your yard if you’d like. Keep your curb clean, recycle your tree in an eco-friendly fashion, and support a local elementary school all at once!

Family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations in and around Washington, DC

December 18, 2019

Counting down to 2020 has begun! There are many ways to celebrate with the youngest and most allow you to still enjoy the evening with adults or book a sitter and head out because the events are earlier in the day.

Pinstripes Bowling Noon Year’s Eve
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Details: Gather with family and friends at Pinstripes and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, party favors, and live music! Our regular menu will be available for dining and both the bowling lanes and bocce courts will be open as the New Year ‘rolls’ in!

Noon Yards Eve at The Yards
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Details: Ring in 2020 with the Noon Yards Eve balloon drop! Family-friendly activities for kids of all ages, including trackless train rides through The Yards, inflatable moon bounces, glitter tattoo artists, balloon artistry, music, and more! The event will culminate with a countdown and celebratory balloon drop at noon to ring in the New Year!

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Details: Celebrate the ball drop before bedtime at the Maryland Science Center at Midnight Noon. Join in the festivities before as they rock in the New Year to the tunes of the popular kids band, Milkshake. The entire science center will be open and ready for you to explore. All activities are free with paid admission and completely free to members.

Noon Time New Year’s Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Details: Countdown to New Years at Noon at this family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration! Help countdown to 2020 with a celebration including a magical noontime countdown, a juice and cookie toast, festive tunes, and more.

Capitol Cider House Noon Year’s Eve
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm
Details: Start 2020 early with us!!!! Noon Year’s Eve festivities are all free. Face painting, balloon animals and festive crafts, sparkling apple juice toast for all kids under 10 as we countdown together at noon-ish! The event is free to attend, but please RSVP on Eventbrite so there is enough sparkling apple juice to go around!

13th Annual Rocknoceros New Years Eve Party at Jammin Java
Date: Monday, December 31, 2019
Time: 11:00am AND 2:00pm
Details: For the 13th year in a row, the hyper popular kids band will once again get the little ones rockin’ at this special New Year’s Eve gig at Jammin Java. Rocknoceros will do a full-fledged countdown and an apple juice toast for all!

Busy Bees New Year’s Eve
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm at Chevy Chase location
Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm at Falls Church location
Details: Come wave goodbye to 2019 and say hello to 2020 with your little one(s)! Rock with the Rainbow Rock Band as you play, dance, eat, count down to the new year and toast with bubbly cider! Who says you have to wait until midnight? The important part is to see the new year with the ones you love! They promise you won’t find a better kid-friendly new year celebration around! Food for kids and adults is included with your kid’s admission and will be provided by our awesome friends at Potomac Pizza (Chevy Chase) and Chick-fil-A (Falls Church)! Cost: $30 per child, adults: free of charge.

First Night Alexandria
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 2:00pm-11:45pm
Details: A New Year’s Eve celebration for families with children! Face painting, games, balloons, fireworks, dancing, DJ and more. Hooray for Books! has ThinkFun games, Curious George and storytelling for children. The Kids Karnivals are designed with our youngest party animals in mind! A fun experience awaits at 3 neighborhood Recreation Centers and 1 Old Town Church from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. To gain admission to all First Night Alexandria venues each person 13 years and older needs a badge. Kids 12 and under and active military are FREE. Purchase an all access badge for $30.

Dave & Buster’s (Various Locations are having different events)
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Details: Dave & Busters is offering an exciting and fun way for you & your family to ring in the New Year! They will offer loads of excitement with a New Year’s Eve package which combines all the Food & FUN that guests have grown to love at Dave & Buster’s.

NYE Medieval Times
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 3:30pm
Details: Free knight training (space limited, arrive early), free activity book, two-hour live tournament, story time with Lord Cedric and four-course meal. Use Code: NYE20

Watch Night Falls Church
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 7:00pm-12:00am
Details: Watch Night – Big Night in The Little City of Falls Church is held downtown – spanning a four block area that begins on the 100 Block of West Broad Street which is closed to traffic that evening. Lots of live music, interactive amusements and activities, inflatables, and more for all ages, live bands and more musicians, caricaturist, balloon artist, puppet shows and more. Scores of volunteers contribute time and talent to organize and help the businesses, churches, and organizations who donate their space.

New Year’s Eve, Early Ball Drop at Caboose Tavern
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 7:15pm-9:00pm:
Details: They will be setting back the clocks and “dropping the ball” early at 9:00pm instead of midnight! A family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, to celebrate with our local community of all ages. Live music by Shane Gamble from 7:15 – 9:15pm. This New Year’s Eve celebration will be a ticketed event! Tickets include live music, crafts for the kids, dinner, one alcoholic drink, and a bubbly toast at 9:00pm alcoholic or non-alcoholic, your choice! Kids (ages 2-12) drink free all night. Children 2 and under party for free!

Family New Year’s Eve Celebration at Adventure Park USA
Date: December 31, 2019
Time: 9:00pm-12:30am
Details: Enjoy the anticipation of ringing in the New Year. Provided will be hats, noisemakers, DJ and massive balloon drop at midnight. Bring the kids and grandparents. It’s fun for all ages. Paid admission required.

Give the gift of reading! Save 15% off today with code MERRY

Winter Camps:

Dec. 23 – Jan. 3: HoopEd Sports Camp

Dec. 23 – Dec. 31: Dynamite Gymnastics

Dec. 23 – 27 & Dec. 30 – Jan. 3: Anna Banana Art Camp

Dec. 23 – Dec. 31: My Gym Bethesda & My Gym Potomac

Dec. 23 – Jan.1: Gymnastics Camp at Silver Stars

Dec. 23 – Jan. 2: CREATE Arts Center

Dec. 26 – Dec. 31: KID Museum Day Camp

Dec. 26 – Dec. 31: Capitol Language Service

Celebrating New Years Eve in Washington, DC with kids

December 18, 2018

(Photo: Noon Yards Eve at The Yards)

Weekend Tots: Noon Year’s Eve at Tudor Place

Date: Sunday, December 30, 2018

Time: 11:30am-12:30pm

Location: 1644 31st St. N.W. (between Q and R)

Details: Celebrate New Year’s Eve a day early with a Tudor Place event for children aged 2 to 4. Enjoy a festive, counting-themed story time, then count down together at noon. Celebrate the “noon-year” with noisemakers, confetti, a sparkling craft, and then toast 2019 with juice.

Noon Yards Eve at The Yards

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 10:00am-1:00pm

Location: The Yards Park Boardwalk: 355 Water Street SE Washington, DC 20003

Details: The free family-friendly New Year’s Eve daytime celebration that transforms Yards Park into an all-ages holiday wonderland, complete with interactive activities for children and adults. Yards Park will offer New Years-themed musical and magical performances, an inflatable obstacle course and the ever popular trackless train ride throughout Yards Park. The event will culminate with a countdown and celebratory balloon drop when the clock strikes noon to ring in the New Year!

Midnight Noon at Maryland Science Center

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

Location: 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230

Details: Join for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration; Midnight Noon. There will be fun New Year’s festivities throughout the day, including a live concert by popular kids band Milkshake. Their Grammy-nominated tunes will keep you dancing throughout the day. The entire Science Center will be open and ready for you to explore. All activities are FREE with paid admission, and completely free to members.

Noon Time New Year’s Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 10:00am-5:00pm

Location: 35 Market Pl. Baltimore, MD. 21202

Details: Don’t wear just anything to this New Year’s Eve celebration. Kids are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes and join in an energetic countdown to the new year. There will be live performances, dancing, and snacks.

12th Annual Rocknoceros New Years Eve Party at Jammin Java

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 11:00am

Location: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, VA.

Details: For the 12th year in a row, the hyper popular kids band will once again get the little ones rockin’ at this special New Year’s Eve gig at Jammin Java. Rocknoceros will do a full-fledged countdown and an apple juice toast for all!

Busy Bee’s New Year’s Eve Party at Chevy Chase location (details in photo below)

Busy Bee’s New Year’s Eve Party at Falls Church location

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm

Location: 6110 D Arlington Blvd Falls Church, VA 22044

Details: Come wave goodbye to 2018 and say hello to 2019 with us, and most importantly, your little one(s)! Rock with us and with Rainbow Rock Band as we play, dance, eat, count down and toast with cider to the new year! Who says we have to wait until midnight? The important part is to see the new year with the ones we love! We promise you won’t find a better kid-friendly new year celebration around!Pla

First Night Alexandria

Date: Monday, December 31, 2018

Time: 2:00pm-11:45pm

Location: 30 indoor venues, within walking distance, along King St in Old Town

Details: A New Year’s Eve celebration for families with children 12 and under! Face painting, games, balloons, fireworks, dancing, DJ and more. Includes a Fun Hunt from 2:00pm-4:00pm. There are 3 Kids Karnivals from 6:00pm-9:00pm especially designed to entertain and engage families with children up to 12 years old. There will be clowns, face painting, music, games, and a special guest host at each location all for only $5 per child 2-12 years old (or free with adult with a First Night Badge).

Plan Ahead:
A family-friendly event to kick off the new year; Jaleo’s annual Three Kings Day brunch is back at Jaleo Bethesda on Sunday, January 6. From 10:00am – 2:00 pm. Guests can enjoy brunch and a complimentary slice of Roscón de Reyes (King Cake) alongside live performances by Adventure Theatre. 2019 may be your lucky year – whoever finds a bean in their slice of cake will win a prize!