New Year's Eve Activities in the Washington, DC Area

As the Christmas holiday is in full swing, most of us don't pay attention to New Year's Eve. It's the last day of 2006, and it's time to out with old and in with the new. It's also time to party like there's no tomorrow. There are plenty of New Year's Eve event in the DC Metro Area. It's all about finding what's right in price, atmosphere and good times. Here are some of the New Years Eve Events in the DC Metro Area.

Downtown Countdown: Celebrating its 11th year, this New Year's Eve Party has been Washington, D.C.'s largest and longest running New Year's Eve Gala. Last year, the party featured four party areas, including three bands and a huge balloon drop at midnight, Club '06", an interactive karaoke party and more. This event attracts a mid 20's to late 30's crowd, but everyone is welcome and we are known for attracting a diverse crowd, both ethnically and age-wise. We also attract an even mix of singles and couples. With 3 party areas, encompassing 3 levels of party space, the Grand Hyatt, Washington will have something for everyone! The dress code is formal, creative black tie, but it's not stuffy. You must be 21 years or older.

Big Night DC: Part of the Big Night America Series, Big Night DC features eight fantastic themed party areas, multiple dance floors, "the hottest party bands and DJ's," hors d'oeuvre buffet, huge balloon drop midnight celebration and more. Themed Party Areas include: Mardi Gras Main Stage, Vegas Zone, Club Zone, Retro Dance Atrium, Karaoke Zone and more. It takes place at the Wyndham Washington hotel complex & ballrooms (1400 M Street, NW; WashingtonDC20005). The dress code is creative black tie, and you must be 21 or older.

New Year's Eve Gala Around The World 2006-2007: Euronet International's annual New Year's Eve Party has one theme in mind. Bond, James Bond! Celebrates everything you love about the James Bond series with their Licensed To Thrill New Year's Event Party. Each party room is themed to every James Bond movie. "Gentlemen, be Bond for the night and ladies, slip on your glamorous gowns to become fascinating Bond woman for the evening." The evening features performances, international food stations, premium liquors and wines and free flowing champagne. It takes place at Jury's Washington Hotel on 1500 New Hampshire Ave; NW. Dress code is Black Tie Optional for men and elegant evening wear for the ladies!

New year's Eve at The Kennedy Center: What to bring in 2007 with a bang? The Kennedy Center a dazzling classical concert featuring guest conductor Murry Sidlin, soprano Arianna Zukerman, pianist Stewart Goodyear, and members of the National Symphony Orchestra. After the performance, Patrons are then invited to welcome 2007 in style after the concert with the New Year's Eve Grand Foyer Party. Waltz to music performed by the Salon Orchestra of Washington and swing dance to music by Full Swing in the Grand Foyer from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. There's a big balloon and confetti countdown at midnight. Free for all patrons with any December 31 performance ticket or Roof Terrace Restaurant receipt from that day. Tickets range from $50-$90.

NEW YEAR' S EVE GLOBAL GALA 2007: An International City Celebration of Many Nations: From the charming streets of Europe's classic cities, through the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, to the Majestic Metropolises of America, you can celebrated New Year's Eve in nine different styles in the most unique, culturally diverse, popular cities throughout the world without leaving the city. You have the option of partying in 9 International Themed Party Rooms. You have got the best DJs and live bands to perform for your entertainment. Each theme room has their own menu. In addition, you get great drink specials. The party takes place at Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on 2660 Woodley Rd, NW, Washington, DC.

New Year's Eve Parisian Gala At The Embassy of France: If you can't make a trip to for New Year's Eve, you can do the next best thing. You can celebrate it at the French Embassy. You'll plenty of attractions like musical performances, comedy, chocolate tasting, and many more. The dress code is Black tie optional, but this will sell out fast.

Pros In The City New Eve Gala: what happens when New Year's Resolutions become a big New Year's Eve Party? You get Pros In The City New Year's Eve Gala. The main attractions for this event include 4 party rooms, a lavish menu, Live music and DJ, and much more. The party takes place at Washington Plaza Hotel on 10 Thomas Circle, NW. The dress code is black tie optional, and tickets are selling fast.

First Night Annapolis: Celebrating its 14^th year, First Night Annapolis is a New Year's Eve party for the whole family. It features live music, dance, and comedy in 5 different zones. It showcases the history and drama of Annapolis, and it's held in 40 different venues throughout. In previous years, it attracted over 20,000 visitors to celebrate a drug-free and alcohol free New Years on the streets of Annapolis.

First Night Alexandria: Celebrate the New Year's with this annual, drug and alcohol free party. Entering its 12^th, First Night Alexandria is a New Year's Eve event for the whole family. Various shops, stores, office lobbies, museums and public buildings are turned into performance venues to showcase incredible local and regional talent. Past performers at First Night Alexandria include clowns, face painters and magicians for children to a world-class Scottish fiddler, a Grammy-nominated rock and roll guitarist and a classical cellist for adults. There's a small fee for adult admission, but kids 12 years old and under are free.

First Night Leesburg: Similar to other First Night Events across the country, First Night Leesburg is a family oriented, alcohol-free celebration. This event offers over 100 wonderful performances at 20 indoor locations in downtown Leesburg, all within walking distance of one another. Come and enjoy jazz, classical music, puppet shows, bluegrass, folk music, magicians and much more! First Night concludes at midnight with a traditional Grand Illumination gathering on the courthouse green. Everyone will receive a candle, pass the flame to their neighbor and sing in the New Year as the old courthouse bell rings the last twelve chimes to midnight.

MeetinDC NYE Party: It started out as a yahoo group, and it grown into powerful social networking website. This organization is holding its annual New Years Eve Event! Please Note that this event gets full very quickly. Unless you're a Meetin member who signed up for this event, you may have to sign for other NYE events that are they post on the website. Dress code is black tie optional for men and elegant evening wear for women.

Continental New Year's Eve Party: For those who want to celebrate New Year's Eve without spending money on fancy clothes or overpriced parties, I have news for you! Continental Pool & Lounge is holding its New Year's Eve Party. There's no cover to attend this event. DJ's PORK and BEANS will be spinning the ones and twos. Continental is located on 1911 N. Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA.

For More New Year's Eve Parties, check out these links:

http://www.clubzone.com/nye/index.asp?city=36
http://godc.about.com/od/seasonalevents/a/nye.htm
http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=9&pid=4