These all-ages New Year’s Eve events throughout Washington, DC will let your kids celebrate and still make bedtime
It’s almost time to say goodbye to 2022 and look forward to the coming year ahead. New Year’s Eve celebrations typically center around the famous transition from one year to the next: midnight. But, let’s face it, most kids can’t hang until the ball drops—nor can some exhausted parents! We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly events to help celebrate the upcoming year and many end by noon! Whether you’re looking for a simple mid-day balloon drop or an elegant, over-the-top kid-only ball, we rounded up more than 30 epic ways to spend New Year’s Eve in the DMV.
Free Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events near Washington, DC
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Metrobar's First New Year's Eve Party
Let the littles have some New Year's fun while still getting them in to bed on time! There will be kid-friendly activities and games and plenty of sparkling "c" for everyone (that's champagne for the over 21 crowd and good ol' fashioned cider for the under crowd). This outdoor bar keeps everyone toasty with campfires, patio heaters and hot chocolate. The ball drops at 7 p.m. so you can tuck the kids in by 8!.
Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 31 from 4-7:30 p.m.
640 Rhode Island Ave NE
Edgewood
Online: metrobardc.com
Watch Night Falls Church
This family-friendly event is totally free (including parking); there are even free shuttles that run every 20 minutes from East Falls Church Metro so that you and your littles can take part in this town's annual festivities without spending a dime. GrandFun Alley features rock climbing, bungee jumps an inflatable obstacle course (and more!) for action-packed fun. Live entertainment includes swing music from Big Band Northern Lights Orchestra and kid-friendly shows include a puppet performance and balloon artistry.
Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 31 from 7 p.m - midnight
100 block of West Broad St.
Falls Church
Online: watchnightfallschurch.com/
Free NYE Events at your Local Library
If you're looking for a 12 o'clock celebration in the middle of the day, head to your local library where area branches are celebrating at the stroke of noon with crafts, books and dance parties. Each of these participating libraries is hosting a "countdown to noon," with the exception of MLK Jr. Library, which is hosting a wish-making craft.
DC
Martin Luther King Jr Library
Montgomery County, MD
Aspen Hill
Damascus Library
Gaithersburg Library
Long Branch Library
Prince George's County, MD
No Events were listed at the time of press
Arlington County, VA
Central Library
Fairfax County, VA
Oakton Library
Loudoun County, VA
Ashburn Library
Brambleton Library
Cascades Library
Rust Library
Sterling Library
Purcellville Library
Rockin’ New Year’s Events for Kids near Washington, DC
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First Night Alexandria
Alexandria's annual event includes all-day entertainment featuring rising stars along seasoned performers. Celebrate with kid-friendly music acts at the Rockin' New Years Eve Party from noon to 5 p.m.. Primetime performances (6-10 p.m.) include a magic act by Mike Rose Magic. For the grand finale at midnight, look up for a spectacular fireworks display.
Cost: $10/daytime pass (noon-5 p.m.); $10-75/all access pass
Date: Dec. 31 from noon-midnight
Various locations & venues
Alexandria, VA
Online: https://www.firstnightalexandria.org
Rock Out with Rocknoceros
Rocknoceros is hosting this countdown to noon at Jammin' Java for a totally kid-friendly New Year's Eve Ball. Come celebrate with a cup of sparkling apple juice and watch the disco ball be lowered on stage at noon.
Cost: $10
Date: Dec. 31 from 11 a.m.-noon
Vienna, VA
Get your party on while rocking out to local DJs at this free (and fabulous!) waterfront event. Hop on the miniature train to get a quick lay of the land before taking a ride down the inflatable slide. There is also a glitter tattoo artist, a magician, craft stations and more. At noon, get ready to count down at this family friendly celebration.
Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
301 Water St SE
The Wharf
Online: theyardsdc.com
Freedom's Eve: Watch NIght's Concert
Hosted by the African American History and Culture Museum, this virtual concert features musical prodigy Matthew Whitaker performing live. There will be a discussion of the significance of Watch Night as well as a non-denominational blessing. Reservations are encouraged for this performance. It will also be available on demand through Jan. 31.
Cost: Free
Date: Dec. 31 from 7:30-9 p.m.
Online: si.edu
Midnight Noon
Rock out to science-themed pop tunes at The Maryland Science Center's annual NYE event. This popular B'more tradition gives kids the opportunity to see the ball drop before bedtime while dancing to the pithy sounds of Marsha and the Positrons. There will be fun New Year’s festivities throughout the day plus the chance to explore three-levels of hands-on science exhibits.
Cost: Free with admission; $26.95/adults, $20.95/3-12
When: Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
600 Light St.
Baltimore, MD
Online: mdsci.org/
New Year's Eve Kids Party at Salamander Resort
Skip the sitter this New Year's Eve and let your kids attend this NYE ball solo while you dance the night away next door (kids 5 & under must be accompanied by an adult). There will be a DJ and dancing from 8 p.m. to midnight when a balloon drop marks the New Year. This event is open to hotel guests and NYE party attendees.
Cost: $150
When: Dec. 31 from 8 p.m.-midnight
500 North Pendleton St.
Middleburg, VA
Online: eventbrite.com
Crafty New Year’s Eve Events for Kids near Washington, DC
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New Year's Eve Around the World
Make noisemakers and sparkly slime at the Children's Science Center in Fairfax, VA. Choose one of two time slots (one ends at noon!) and wrap up your festivities at a kid-friendly hour. Each 2-hour times lot includes New Year's Eve-inspired science experiments.
Cost: $15
When: Dec. 31 from 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
1948 Fair Oaks Mall
Fairfax, VA
Online: childsci.org
New Year's Eve Craft at Kidcreate
For kids 3-9, New Year's Eve comes early at this kid-crafting studio in Ashburn, VA. Kids will get to create their own party favors, like noise makers and party hats while parents sneak in an end-of-the-year date at this "parents day off" event.
Cost: $59
When: Dec. 30 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
42775 Generation Dr Suite 180
Ashburn, VA
Online: kidcreate.com
Adventure-Filled New Year’s Eve Events for Kids near Washington, DC
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Adventure Park USA's New Year's Eve Party
Spend the night playing video games, bowling, rope climbing, challenging your family to laser tag and more at this indoor/outdoor Maryland amusement park.The party starts at 9:30 p.m. and ends with a massive balloon drop at midnight.
Cost: $29.95
Date: Dec. 31 from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
11113 W Baldwin Rd.
Monrovia, MD
Online: adventureparkusa.com
Smokey Bear's New Year's Eve Countdown
Celebrate New Year's Eve with the big bear himself, Smokey! Snuggle up to a roaring campfire to roast s'mores and get ready for some NYE-themed activities and projects at the Maydale Nature Center.
Cost: $8
Date: Dec. 31 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
1638 Maydale Dr.
Colesville, MD
Online: mdmontgomeryctywt.wsc
Last Call for Holiday Lights near Washington, DC
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Lights on the Bay
This light display is a drive-thru attraction that features over two miles of lights along the Chesapeake Bay. Lights on the Bay boasts over 70 animated and stationery exhibits. For an additional $5, guests can purchase 3-D glasses for a truly unique experience.
Cost: $20/car
Dates: 5-10 p.m. daily; closes Jan. 1
1815 Bay Ridge Avenue
Annapolis, MD
Online: lightsonthebay.org
Ice & Lights at Cameron Run
Take a stroll through a tunnel of rainbow lights, walk under sparkling arches and around illuminated trees and—if you catch a chill—be sure to pop in a heated igloo. After you walk through the 20′ tree, be sure to test out your skating skills at the near-by rink.
Cost: $9.19-$22.03
Dates: 5-10 p.m. daily; closes Jan. 1
4001 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA
Online: novaparks.com
Garden Lights of Brookside Gardens
In keeping with a botanical theme, Brookside offers a colorful parade of animals, flowers and more. After you’ve enjoyed strolling from garden to garden, be sure to check out the model train display inside the Conservatory.
Cost: $10
Dates: 5:30-9:30 p.m. now thru Jan. 1
1800 Glenallan Ave.
Wheaton, MD
Online: montgomeryparks.org/
Enchant Christmas
If bigger is better, this football-field sized wonderland should be on your must-see holiday bucket list. Stroll through the Enchant Eatery for magical gifts and gourmet treats, take a whirl on the illuminated ice skating rink and get lost in a maze of lights.
Cost: $23-35/person
Dates: You must reserve your ticket prior to arrival; closes Jan. 1
1500 S Capitol St SE
Southwest Waterfront
Online: enchantchristmas.com
Winter Lantern Festival
Unlike the other light displays on our list, you have a bit more time to squeeze this festival in to your winter plans, but we included it on this round-up for its New Year's significance. Chinese lanterns holds important significance at Chinese New Year's events due to their symbolic nature of illuminating the future. Kick start your own New Year with over 10,000 handmade Chinese lanterns and look forward to a bright 2023.
Cost: $17.99/children; $29.99/adults
Dates: Thurs.-Sun., now-Feb. from 5-1- p.m.m
8025 Galleria Dr.
Tysons, VA
Online: winterlanternfestival.com
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