Tag Archives: New Years Eve Celebrations with Kids

December 27, 2022 · 11:27 am

Family New Year’s Eve Celebrations to Ring in 2023

A daytime balloon drop to ring in the new year, family-style

The countdown to 2023 is on, and if you’re looking for ways to ring it in with young revelers, you have many options! There are a bunch of family-friendly ways to celebrate around the area, from organized events to plan-it-yourself activities. Here are details and inspiration for your gang to get in on the fun — all of them taking place on December 31 unless otherwise noted. Happy New Year!

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: 11am (doors open 10am)
Admission: $10
The widely popular band that always gets kids rockin’ will be back at Jammin Java to play a special New Year’s Eve concert. The hour-long program will include live music from the favorite area family-jam band, interactive New Year’s resolutions, the Ball Drop, and a complimentary apple juice toast. Doors open at 10am and general admission seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Noon Yards Eve
Where: The Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
[Note: The event page says tickets are sold out, but @theyardsdc IG post implies that tickets are not needed.] The Yards is once again hosting its annual Noon Yards Eve festival to ring in 2023! The event will transform the park’s Sun Deck into a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with fun for both kids and adults. Free festivities include whimsical train rides, an inflatable slide, glitter tattoos, carnival games, music from DJ Alex Love, crafts, a magician, and more. It all culminates in a big balloon drop at noon!

Family New Year’s Party
Where: metrobar | Northeast DC
When: 4-7:30pm
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot
Jump aboard the “way-before-midnight” train at metrobar’s family-friendly celebration starting late afternoon, with festive cocktails from the new winter menu and kids activities and games. Don’t worry about the cold…they have fire pits, patio heaters, and plenty of deck heat lamps to go around. That, along with a selection of hot cocktails, will keep you warm as you celebrate 2023.

First Night Alexandria
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Starting at 6pm
Admission: Free – $75
The largest family-focused and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve event in the region. See more than 100 performances on indoor stages throughout Old Town Alexandria. Entertainers include blue grass musicians, honky-tonk bands, clowns, magicians and classical musicians. End the evening with a spectacular fireworks display on the Potomac River at the foot of King Street! See the website for pricing as it varies by age and timing.

Freedom’s Eve
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
[Note: Tickets to this event are currently sold out, but there’s a chance more may become available, and you can sign up to be notified if they do.]. The National Museum of African American History & Culture is hosting an afternoon of festivities to honor the day. New Year’s Eve has been a cause for celebration since December 31, 1862, when enslaved people in the Confederate States stayed up until midnight to watch and wait for the freedom granted by the Emancipation Proclamation. Join the museum to celebrat with activities that invite you to consider your hopes and dreams for the future, learn about the past, and dine on foods that will bring luck and good fortune.

New Year’s Eve Around the World
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: 10am, 1pm, & 3:30pm
Admission: $15 (adults, too)
Ring in 2023 STEM-style and enjoy New Year’s Eve fun without the late night! At this activity spot in Fair Oaks Mall known for hands-on, STEM-based activuities, the day’s fun will include kid-engineered sound shakers, sparkly slime, a Ball Drop at ‘Midnight,’ and a sparkling cider toast! Three, two-hour time slots are available, so you can celebrate at the Lab at a time that works for your family. Read more about the LAB in this KFDC post.

Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DC area
When: Times vary by show
Admission: Ticket prices vary by show
Make the last day of the year special with some live entertainment. Many local stages will be presenting all kinds of shows on New Year’s Eve. See Naked Mole Rate Gets Dressed at Imagination Stage, A Soldier’s Play at the Kennedy Center, Beauty and the Beast at Olney Theatre, Into the Woods at Signature, or a A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre. There are even a (very) few tickets left for Wicked at the Kennedy Center. More details for all of them are in this round-up of local live entertainment.

Midnight Noon
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: 10am – 2pm
Admission: $26.95/adult, $20.95/3-12, free/2 & under
Join the MSC for their annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight Noon, where kids can enjoy the ball drop before bedtime. There will be fun New Year’s festivities throughout the day, including a live concert by Marsha and the Pistrons . And, of course, the rest of the museum will be open to explore — read all about here. All activities are free with paid admission (and completely free to members).

Noontime New Year
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: 10am – 5pm
Admission: $21.95 ages 2+
The children’s museum in Baltimore is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve celebration! The day will feature special hands-on, winter-themed activities such as Snow Fun and a Polar Bear Party. And the multi-level space offers tons of ongoing fun for kids and families. And at 12 noon, Port Discovery’s first ever New Year’s ball will be lowered! Read more about the wonderful spot for kids here.

New Year’s Night Lights
Where: Around the DC area
When: After dark
Admission: Varies by locale
Start your own family New Year’s Eve tradition with a seasonal treat: Bundle up for a stroll or take a drive through one of several spectacular light displays! Most of the light shows that dazzle this time of year are open on New Year’s Eve. If you’re enjoying it from the comfort of a car, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, yummy snacks, and prepare a festive playlist for the ride.

Glide into 2023
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the day & evening
Admission: Varies by rink
Skate under the stars to celebrate the start of the new year. Gliding on ice surrounded by twinkling lights, art sculptures, and/or the hubbub of people in festive spirits is a fun, active way to revel. Be sure to check times for each rink, as hours may change for the holiday.

Swoosh into 2023
Where: Ski Liberty | Carroll Valley, PA
When: 9am – 10pm
Admission: Lift tickets start at $80/child
Hit the slopes to ring in the new year! Ski Liberty’s celebration will include food samples, family games in the courtyard, a torchlight parade when the sun goes down, as well as the live music of Mark English in McKee’s Tavern and Freddie Long Band in the Eagle & The Owl! And if you’re not keen on skiing, there’s snow tubing, too, with special NYE festivities from 6-10pm.

Know of any New Year’s Eve events or activities that you don’t see here? Leave a comment and let us know!

Family Celebrations to Ring in 2020

The 12pm balloon drop at Noon Yards Eve

The year is winding down, and the countdown to 2020 is on! If you’re looking for ways to ring in the new decade with young revelers, you have some great options! There are a bunch of family-friendly ways to celebrate around the area, from organized events to plan-it-yourself activities. Here are details and inspiration for your crew to get in on the fun. Happy New Year!

Rumpus Room (Almost) NYE Family Dance Party
Where: Black Cat | 14th Street NW, DC
When: December 29, 2-4:30pm
Admission: $12-15
Celebrate a trip around the sun in style with DC’s best (and only) family dance party! Get the fun started early (and practice your moves for the actual day) at this event that caters to tiny dancers and their fams. Tunes are played at a kid-friendly volume and all ages are welcome to groove on the dance floor together. Rumpus Room is designed for kids 10 and under and their caregivers, but older siblings are welcome.

Family Paint Countdown Party
Where: ArtJamz | Dupont Circle, DC
When: December 29, 11:30am – 1pm
Admission: $22
Start the countdown a couple of days early at ArtJamz with creative and kid-friendly afternoon New Year’s celebration. Admission includes 1.5 hours of studio time, plus access to paints, brushes, art tools, pens, glitter and more to decorate and paint the jamming studio walls with resolutions and goals. Kids can enjoy festive decorations, a noon countdown and non-alcoholic toast, family-friendly party tunes, and tips, guidance and encouragement from jamming local artists. For adults, the bar will be open! While kids paint downstairs, the lounge upstairs will be serving creative cocktails, wine, mimosas, and beer.

Noon Yards Eve
Where: The Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: December 31, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The Yards is once again hosting its Noon Yards Eve festival to ring in 2020! The seventh annual event will transform the park into a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with fun for both kids and adults. Activities will include trackless train rides through the park, inflatable moon bounces, glitter tattoo artists, balloon artistry, music, and a countdown and big balloon drop at noon.

First Night Alexandria
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: December 31, 6pm – 1am
Admission: $30-35/adult, free/age 12 & under
It’s the 25th anniversary of the area’s largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, so the fun and entertainment will be in abundance. Enjoy Kids Karnivals in four locations, with loads of activities for young revelers — face painting, story time, balloon sculptures, interactive games, and much more ($5). And numerous performances on multiple indoor stages throughout Old Town Alexandria will feature live entertainment from a wide variety of genres. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display on the Potomac River at the foot of King Street. For details on where shows will take place, see the schedule on the website.

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: December 31, 11am & 2pm
Admission: $10
For the 13th straight year, the widely popular band that always gets kids rockin’ will be playing a special New Year’s Eve gig at Jammin Java. Sing along to some of your favorite tunes and enjoy the full menu of food and drinks while you’re there. Opt for the lunchtime show at 11am, or go in the afternoon at 2pm. Doors open half-hour before the show and general admission seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: December 31
Admission: Varies by venue
Let some live entertainment take you into the new decade! There are several shows running that the whole family can enjoy…here’s what’s on stage at local theatres with tickets still available for December 31:
* The Velveteen Rabbit at Adventure Theatre (use code 5OFF to save!)
* Squeakers & Mr. Gumdrop at the Atlas Performing Arts Center
* Singin’ in the Rain at Olney Theatre
* Jersey Boys at National Theatre (find discount)
* My Fair Lady at the Kennedy Center (find discount)
* The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at Imagination Stage

Noon Year’s Eve
Where: Badlands | Rockville, MD
When: December 31, 9am – 2pm
Admission: $20/age 3+, $12.50/2 & under, $5/adult
Dance, play, and craft it up all day with an amazing balloon drop goin’ down at noon. They’ll have their egular Toddler Time but all ages are welcome to join in on the festivities and to run, jump, play, and ring in the new year!

Noon Year’s Eve
Where: The St. James | Springfield, VA
When: December 31, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $37/non-members, $15/under 4, free/adults
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 a balloon drop at noon. We’ll have a few light bites, desserts, snacks and juice and water for the kids in case they get hungry. Parents do not need to purchase tickets but 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.

Midnight Noon
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: December 31, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $24.95/adult, $18.95/3-12, free/2 & under
Join the MSC for their annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight Noon, where children can enjoy the ball drop before bedtime. 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 everyone dancing throughout the day. And, of course, the rest of the museum will be open to explore! All activities are free with paid admission (and completely free to members).

New Years at Noon
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: December 31, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $15.95 ages 2+
Countdown to the new year at this family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration! Help Port Discovery welcome 2020 with a celebration that includes a magical noontime countdown, a juice and cookie toast, festive tunes, and more. Other special activities along with the whole multi-level children’s museum include noisemaker and party popper making, a photo ops corner, and a wishing tree to spread your hopes for the new year.

Get Medieval on NYE
Where: Medieval Times | Hanover, MD
When: December 31, 3:30pm (doors open at 2pm)
Admission: $37.95/adult, $30.95/child
Experience an epic afternoon of fun and celebration as you countdown to 2020. Along with a four-course feast and thrilling jousting action, young guests can get free knight training (space limited, arrive early), a free activity book, and story time with Lord Cedric. Be sure to use the code NYE20 for the ticket discount!

Watch Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: Intersection of Broad & Washington St. | Falls Church, VA
When: December 31, 7pm – Midnight
Admission: Free
Ring in the New Year with free, family-friendly festivities at Falls Church’s 22nd annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy food, music, singing, dancing, entertainment, performances and interactive festivities that appeal to all ages. Highlights for kids include an Extreme Air Jumper, rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, obstacle course, inflatable slides, bungee jump, Velcro wall, puppet shows, face painting, caricaturist, balloon sculptor, and more. Plus, restaurants will have special Walking Watch Night Menus at local restaurants. The evening concludes at midnight with the traditional countdown and lowering of the City of Falls Church Star. All events take place around the intersection of Broad and Washington Streets. A free shuttle bus with 11 stops runs from the East Falls Church Metro throughout the evening.

Midnight at 7
Where: Merriweather Post Pavilion | Columbia, MD
When: December 31, 5-7:30
Admission: $15-20, $50/family 4-pack, free/3 & under
Head to the Merriweather in Columbia for early fireworks on New Year’s Eve surrounded by the twinkling Lights. The event will feature food, activities, music, and fireworks at 7pm, as well as the last chance to walk through the lovely Symphony of Lights course.

Swoosh into 2020
Where: Ski Liberty | Carroll Valley, PA
When: 5pm – 1am
Admission: Lift tickets start at $24/child (free/5 & under)
Hit the slopes to ring in the new year! Ski Liberty’s celebration will include late-night skiing and snowboarding until 1am, fireworks at midnight, and a variety of special events happening around the resort. There is also a special, by reservations only, party at Boulder Ridge with Snow Tubing from 10pm to 1am. Find something for everyone and every age!

Glide into 2020
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the day & evening
Admission: Varies by rink
Skate under the stars to celebrate the start of the new decade. Gliding on ice surrounded by twinkling lights, art sculptures, and/or the hubbub of people in festive spirits is a fun, active way to revel. Join a special event like Rock & Skate at Washington Harbour or just do your own thang. Be sure to check times for each rink, as hours may change for the holiday.

New Year’s Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: After dark
Admission: Varies by locale
Start your own family New Year’s Eve tradition with a seasonal treat: Bundle up for a stroll or take a drive through one of several spectacular light displays! Most of the light shows that dazzle this time of year are open on New Year’s Eve. If you’re enjoying it from the comfort of a car, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, yummy snacks, and prepare a festive playlist for the ride.

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Filed under 2019, 2020, All ages, Annual, DC, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Music, Seasonal, Special Event, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays, Winter

Tagged as DC Children's Theatre, DC New Years Events with Kids, Family Entertainment in DC, Family-Friendly New Years Events, First Night Alexandria, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun Things to do with Kids in Washington DC, Ice Skating in the DC Area, Light Displays, Maryland New Year's Eve, Maryland Science Center, Medieval Times, Midnight Noon, New Year's 2020, New Year's Eve 2019, New Years Eve Celebrations with Kids, New Years in DC, New Years in Maryland, New Years in Northern Virginia, Noon Yards Eve, Noontime New Years, Northern Virginia New Year's Eve, Port Discovery, Things to do on New Year's Eve with Kids, Where to Celebrate New Year's with Kids in DC, Winter 2019, Yards Park New Years

December 27, 2018 · 11:42 am

Family New Year’s Eve Celebrations to Ring in 2019

Count down to the 12pm balloon drop at Noon Yard’s Eve!

The countdown to 2019 is on, and if you’re looking for ways to ring it in with young revelers, you have many options! There are a bunch of family-friendly ways to celebrate around the area, from organized events to plan-it-yourself activities. Here are details and inspiration for your gang to get in on the fun — all of them taking place on December 31 unless otherwise noted. Happy New Year!

Noon Year’s Eve
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: December 30, 11:30-12:30pm
Admission: $5/child members, $8/non-members (free for adults)
Ring in the New Year a day early with your little one at this special holiday Tudor Tots! Enjoy a festive counting-themed storytime, then count down together to 12pm. Celebrate the noon-year with noisemakers, confetti, a sparkling craft, and toast 2019 with juice. For ages 2-4 and accompanying adults.

A Fancy (Nancy) Celebration
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: 11am, 2pm, & 4:30pm
Admission: $25
Join Fancy Nancy, for a performance of Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas on New Year’s Eve! There are a few showtimes throughout the day, and they’ll all include a sparkling cider toast and a rendition of Ald Lang Syne (that’s fancy for memories). It’s the fanciest way to bring in the New Year with the kiddos!

Noon Yards Eve
Where: The Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The Yards is once again hosting its Noon Yards Eve festival to ring in 2018! The sixth annual event will transform the park into a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with fun for both kids and adults. Activities will include trackless train rides through the park, inflatable moon bounces, glitter tattoo artists, balloon artistry, music, and a countdown and big balloon drop at noon.

First Night Alexandria
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Starting at 6pm
Admission: $30-35/adult, free/age 12 & under
Fun and entertainment will be in abundance at the area’s largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. There Kids Karnivals in three locations, with loads of activities for young revelers — face painting, story time, balloon sculptures, interactive games, and much more. And more than 100 performances on 30 indoor stages throughout Old Town Alexandria will feature live entertainment from an amazing variety of genres. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display on the Potomac River at the foot of King Street. For details on where shows will take place, see the schedule on the website.

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: 11am & 2pm
Admission: $10
For the 12th straight year, the widely popular band that always gets kids rockin’ will be playing a special New Year’s Eve gig at Jammin Java. Sing along to some of your favorite tunes and enjoy the full menu of food and drinks while you’re there. Opt for the lunchtime show at 11am, or go in the afternoon at 2pm. Doors open half-hour before the show and general admission seating is on a first come, first served basis.

End the Year Medieval-Style
Where: Medieval Times | Hanover, MD
When: 3:30pm (doors open at 2pm)
Admission: $37.95/adult, $30.95/child
Experience an epic afternoon of fun and celebration as you countdown to 2019. Along with a four-course feast and thrilling jousting action, young guests can experience special activities just for the occasion before the extravaganza begins. Knight training, a queen story time, and free posters will make the day extra exciting a for young revelers. Be sure to use the code NYE18 for the ticket discount!

Midnight Noon
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: 10am – 2pm
Admission: $24.95/adult, $18.95/3-12, free/2 & under
Join the MSC for their annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight Noon, where children can enjoy the ball drop before bedtime. 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 everyone dancing throughout the day. And, of course, the rest of the museum will be open to explore! All activities are free with paid admission (and completely free to members).

Noontime New Year’s Celebration
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: 10am – 5pm
Admission: $15.95 ages 2+
Out with the old, in with the new! Celebrate the wonderful memories, fun, and adventures of 2018 — and the magical new things to come in 2019 — at the children’s museum in Baltimore! Festivities will include a noontime countdown, juice and cookie toast, indoor dance party, special performances from Eric Energy, The Kolonder’s, The Kindersinger, a fairy dancer, and more. Along with the New Years’ themed fun, this event will also be a great opportunity to explore Port Discovery’s much-loved exhibits ahead of the wonderful transformations planned for 2019. Check out the Noontime New Year’s schedule of activities on the website for more details.

Watch Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: 100 Block of West Broad Street | Falls Church, VA
When: 7pm – Midnight
Admission: Free
Ring in the New Year with free, family-friendly festivities at Falls Church’s 21st annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy food, music, singing, dancing, entertainment, performances and interactive festivities that appeal to all ages. Highlights include a children’s scavenger hunt, a wide variety of inflatables, free balloons, karaoke, face painting, caricaturist drawings, and restaurants with special Walking Watch Night Menus at local restaurants. The evening concludes at midnight with the traditional countdown and lowering of the City of Falls Church Star. All events take place within a four-block area that begins on the 100 Block of West Broad Street. A free shuttle bus stops at each venue and the East Falls Church Metro throughout the evening, including a shuttle from the East Falls Church Metro station.

Family Fun on the Eastern Shore
Where: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay | Cambridge, MD
When: December 31 – January 1
Admission: See room rates on website
How about an easy getaway to ring in 2019? The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is offering special room rates and family-friendly activities to celebrate the new year. The fun includes a magician, indoor mini golf, carnival games, bounce houses, a game room, photo booth, indoor pool, s’mores, and more. There will also be several special dining options, live music, and strolling entertainment around the resort.

Swoosh into 2019
Where: Ski Liberty | Carroll Valley, PA
When: 5pm – 1am
Admission: Lift tickets start at $24/child (free/5 & under)
Hit the slopes to ring in the new year! Ski Liberty’s celebration will include late-night skiing and snowboarding until 1am, fireworks at midnight, and a variety of special events happening around the resort. Enjoy a decadent fixe prix dinner at Ike’s Chophouse. There is also a special, by reservations only, party at Boulder Ridge with Snow Tubing from 10pm to 1am. Find something for everyone and every age!

Glide into 2019
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the day & evening
Admission: Varies by rink
Skate under the stars to celebrate the start of the new year. Gliding on ice surrounded by twinkling lights, art sculptures, and/or the hubbub of people in festive spirits is a fun, active way to revel. Join a special event like Rock & Skate at Washington Harbour or just do your own thang. Be sure to check times for each rink, as hours may change for the holiday.

New Year’s Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: After dark
Admission: Varies by locale
Start your own family New Year’s Eve tradition with a seasonal treat: Bundle up for a stroll or take a drive through one of several spectacular light displays! Most of the light shows that dazzle this time of year are open on New Year’s Eve. Combine an outing to see them with dinner out — this guide from Edible DC from last year has suggestions on where to eat nearby all the holiday lights. If you’re enjoying it from the comfort of a car, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, yummy snacks, and prepare a festive playlist for the ride.

Family New Year’s Eve Celebrations to Ring in 2018

Count down to the balloon drop at Noon Yards Eve!

Are you ready to ring in the new year with the kids? There are a bunch of family-friendly ways to celebrate around the area, from organized events to plan-it-yourself activities. Here are details and inspiration for your crew to get in on the fun (plus, an extra KidFree suggestion 🙂 ). Happy New Year!

Noon Yards Eve
Where: The Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
The Yards is once again hosting its Noon Yards Eve festival to ring in 2017! The fifth annual event will transform the park into a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with fun for both kids and adults. Activities will include music and dancing, balloon artists, bouncy inflatables, trackless train rides, face painters, kids crafts, and a big balloon drop at 12pm.

First Night Alexandria
Where: Old Town | Alexandria, VA
When: Starting at 2pm
Admission: $30, kids 12 and under are free
Fun and entertainment will be in abundance at the area’s largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Activities begin in the afternoon, but live from a variety of genres entertainment begins at 7pm with more than 150 performances on 22 indoor stages throughout Old Town Alexandria. Among the many kids’ activities will be , face painting, story time, balloon sculptures, interactive games, and much more. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display on the Potomac River at the foot of King Street. For details on where shows will take place, see the schedule on the website.

Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: 11am & 2pm
Admission: $10
For the 11th straight year, the widely popular band that always gets kids rockin’ will be playing a special New Year’s Eve gig at Jammin Java. Sing along to some of your favorite tunes and enjoy the full menu of food and drinks while you’re there. Opt for the lunchtime show at 11am, or go in the afternoon at 2pm. Doors open half-hour before the show and general admission seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Noon Year’s Eve
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: 11:30-12:30pm
Admission: $5/child (free for adults)
(Note: Only member tickets are still available!) Ring in the New Year with your little one at this special holiday Tudor Tots! Enjoy a festive counting-themed storytime, then count down together to 12pm. Celebrate the noon-year with noisemakers, confetti, a sparkling craft, and toast 2018 with juice. For ages 2-4 and accompanying adults.

End the Year Medieval-Style
Where: Medieval Times | Hanover, MD
When: 3:30pm (doors open at 2pm)
Admission: $36.95/adult, $30.95/child
Experience an epic afternoon of fun and celebration as you countdown to 2018. Along with a four-course feast and thrilling jousting action, young guests can experience special activities just for the occasion before the extravaganza begins. Knight training, a princess story time, and free posters will make the day extra exciting a for young revelers. Be sure to use the code 36NYE18 for the ticket discount!

Noontime New Year’s Celebration
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: 9:30am – 5pm
Admission: $13.95
Join the children’s museum in Baltimore for a Snow Ball at its annual Noontime New Year Celebration. Early bedtime or not, partygoers will enjoy a festive day of play inside a Winter Snow Ball Wonderland! Festivities will include performances by Eric Energy and the Kindersinger, plus all kinds of cool activities for kids. A juice and cookie toast will take place at noon amid all the fun. Be surehttp://www.portdiscovery.org/visit/calendar/event/353/noontime-new-years-celebrationhttp://www.portdiscovery.org/calendar/events/4551″ target=”_blank”>check the schedule for timing of specific events.

Midnight Noon
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: 10am – 2pm
Admission: $20.95/adult, $16.95/3-12, free for 2 and under
The Maryland Science Center’s New Year’s Eve family extravaganza will transform the midnight tradition into one the kids can enjoy. The 10th annual Midnight Noon will give kids the opportunity to see the ball drop before bedtime. Guests can dance their way into a very happy “Noon” Year — Grammy-nominated Baltimore kids band Milkshake will take to the stage at 11:30am. Visitors can also decorate party hats, construct noise makers, and more. And the rest of the Science Center will be open for exploration, too!

Watch Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Where: 100 Block of West Broad Street | Falls Church, VA
When: 7pm – Midnight
Admission: Free
Ring in the New Year with free, family-friendly festivities at Falls Church’s 20th annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy food, music, singing, dancing, entertainment, performances and interactive festivities that appeal to all ages. Highlights include a children’s scavenger hunt, a wide variety of inflatables, free balloons, karaoke, face painting, caricaturist drawings, and restaurants with special Walking Watch Night Menus at local restaurants. The evening concludes at midnight with the traditional countdown and lowering of the City of Falls Church Star. All events take place within a four-block area that begins on the 100 Block of West Broad Street. A free shuttle bus stops at each venue and the East Falls Church Metro throughout the evening, including a shuttle from the East Falls Church Metro station.

Midnight at 7
Where: Merriweather Park | Columbia, MD
When: 5-8pm
Admission: $15/advance, $20/day of, free/4 & under
Enjoy a family-friendly New Year’s Eve, featuring a walk through the Symphony of Lights holiday display and a dazzling fireworks display set to a soundtrack. Festivities also include DJ music, New Year’s party favors, face painting, food truck vendors, and more! The event benefits Howard County General Hospital: A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Family Fun on the Eastern Shore
Where: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay | Cambridge, MD
When: Thursday – Friday
Admission: See room rates on website
How about an easy getaway to ring in 2018? The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is offering special room rates and family-friendly activities to celebrate the new year. All guests have access to special New Year’s Eve activities including a DJ-hosted dance party in the ballroom from 9pm–1am, with a midnight balloon drop and champagne toast; bounce houses; teen room; arcade, and game rooms. In addition, all overnight guests will have access to the resort’s amenities, including the indoor Wintergarden pool, Sago Spa & Salon, and our River Marsh Golf Club.

Swoosh into 2018
Where: Ski Liberty | Carroll Valley, PA
When: 5pm – 1am
Admission: Lift tickets start at $23/child (free/5 & under)
Hit the slopes to ring in the new year! Ski Liberty’s celebration will include late-night skiing and snowboarding until 1am, fireworks at midnight, and a variety of special events happening around the resort. New for this year, enjoy a decadent fixe prix dinner at Ike’s Chophouse. There is also a special, by reservations only, party at Boulder Ridge with Snow Tubing from 10pm to 1am. Find something for everyone and every age!

Glide into 2018
Where: Ice rinks around the DMV
When: Throughout the day & evening
Admission: Varies by rink
Skate under the stars to celebrate the start of the new year. Gliding on ice surrounded by twinkling lights, art sculptures, and/or the hubbub of people in festive spirits is a fun, active way to revel. Join a special event like Rock & Skate at Washington Harbour or just do your own thang. Be sure to check times for each rink, as hours may change for the holiday.

Michael Carbonaro Live!
Where: DAR Constitution Hall | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: 7pm
Admission: $17-83
Magician Michael Carbonaro of the hit TV series, The Carbonaro Effect on truTV, is taking his comically perplexing and improbable feats of magic on the road and will be in DC for a New Year’s Eve show. Find out what it’s like to be on the other side of the charmingly devious Michael Carbonaro as he works his magic to make people believe the unbelievable. You will not just “sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.” Michael Carbonaro Live! is jam-packed with audience interaction, hilarious videoclips, and a whirlwind of mind-blowing magic performed live on stage.

New Year’s Night Lights
Where: Around the DMV
When: After dark
Admission: Varies by locale
Start your own family New Year’s Eve tradition with a seasonal treat: Bundle up for a stroll or take a drive through one of several spectacular light displays! Most of the light shows that dazzle this time of year are open on New Year’s Eve. Combine an outing to see them with dinner out — this guide from Edible DC has suggestions on where to eat nearby all the holiday lights. If you’re enjoying it from the comfort of a car, pack a thermos of hot chocolate, yummy snacks, and prepare a festive playlist for the ride.

An Evening in Spain Dinner Party (KidFree Rec!)
Where: Joselito Casa de Comidas | Capitol Hill, DC
When: 5-7:30pm & 9-10:30pm
Admission: See pricing below
Spaniards take their “fin de ano” dinner celebrations seriously and the Joselito Casa de Comidas family intends to do the same stateside on December 31. Joselito will transport guests to an “Evening in Spain” dinner party complete with Spanish dishes featuring ingredients known to bring love, luck and good fortune in the new year. The NYE celebration will include two seatings. Reservations for the first seating will be taken between 5-7:30pm for a three course menu ($50 p/person; $80 per/person with wine pairings). The second seating will take reservations from 9-10:30pm and will feature a six course menu ($120 per/person; $170 per/person with wine pairings), live jazz beginning at 10:30pm, party favors, as well as a balloon drop and a champagne toast with the Spanish tradition of 12 grapes for good luck at midnight.