Ringing in the New Year, D.C. Style

Planning on ringing in the New Year in our nation's capital? Washington, D.C. offers something for everyone, from casual and not-so-casual New Year's festivities, to concerts, galas, parties and dining, all to help you welcome 2007 with style and non-stop fun.

1. Big Night D.C.: Billed as the largest New Year's Eve extravaganza in the capital, this party takes place at the luxurious Wyndham Hotel. Tickets are required to enjoy full open bars all night long, eight different themed party areas, three dance floors, bands, DJs and Hors D'oeuvres. A huge midnight New Year's celebration features a 14-floor balloon drop and champagne toast to ring in 2007. Crowds typically range in age from the 20s to early 40s, and generally are composed of roughly equal numbers of singles and couples and women and men.

2. New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown: Taking place at the Grand Hyatt at Metro Center, admission tickets entitle you to a 5-hour premium open bar, fantastic food, decorations, party favors, three levels of entertainment, and an ethnically diverse crowd that ranges in age from the mid-20s to late 30s. This is the 11th anniversary of the New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown, and with bands, a DJ, karaoke, comedians, and a balloon drop at midnight, it is sure to be a first-class party for ringing in the New Year. For those patrons looking for a bit more exclusivity, the New Year's Countdown offers a special VIP area, complete with cigar bar, upscale menu and drinks, and more available seating. Attire is formal.

3. Chillin' at the Holiday Inn: Your tickets to this event in Chevy Chase get you a three course dinner, a five-hour open bar, two dance floors, a champagne toast and New Year's party favors. For those looking to stay the night in Chevy Chase, discounted rooms are available for party goers at the Holiday Inn.

4. New Year's Eve Gala: Located at the Jurys Washington Hotel, this New Year's celebration is based on a James Bond theme. Patrons come as their favorite Bond character and enjoy an international buffet, open bars, live entertainment and DJs, comedians, a contortionist, and caricaturists. The New Year is celebrated at midnight with a live feed from Times Square.

5. A Celebration of Continents: Ring in the New Year at the International Club of D.C.'s Wardman Park Marriot Hotel celebration. This black tie event has an international theme two balloon drops at midnight, caricaturists, mock casino gambling, and discounted hotel rooms for party goers. Tickets are required.

For those interested in something a bit more refined than the traditional New Year's Party, check out New Year's Eve at the Kennedy Center, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and guest artists. This annual tradition also features the Grand Foyer Party with two bands and a balloon and confetti countdown to ring in the New Year.

No matter what you're in the mood for, our nation's capital is sure to make for an exciting and enjoyable New Year's celebration. Festivities of all types are available to help you ring in the New Year, D.C. style.