First Night in Alexandria returns once again this year, one of the longest running NYE events in the country that has become synonymous with new years eve in the area, offering one of the biggest parties in the country and helping to grow the burgeoning US NYE traditions of family friendly first night events with a big outdoor party followed by spectacular fireworks.
The event draws additional popularity from its proximity to Washington DC, which in recent years has suspended it’s official Capitol Hill fireworks display, leading residents to seek out the best local alternatives, so you can expect to see good levels of traffic heading in from out of town, so if you’re making your way here on December 31st then be sure to allow plenty of time for your journey.
First Night Alexandria
First Night Alexandria is by far the biggest new year party in the greater Washington DC urban area, featuring an entire evening of entertainment, including live music and performers followed by a dramatic midnight fireworks spectacular over the Potomac River. Note that all venues at this event are alcohol free, which has the aim of enhancing a family atmosphere and keeping rowdy behaviour to a minimum!
The event to welcome 2019 includes a vast variety of entertainment throughout the evening and of course the famous Fireworks on the River!
You can also take the opportunity to visit the local art galleries, historic sites, churches, retail shops, and museums that will be specially transformed into performance venues for the occasion.
The lineup of performers this year includes:
Mike Rose also known as “The Magic Kinda Guy”
Battle of the Local Stars – First Night’s Got Talent
Comedy and Poetry Showcase
The Vaughn Ambrose Trio
The TrueHearts
Tobin James Band
The Stairwells
Irish Breakfast Band
The Glimpses
The Grandsons
Curtis Blues
Not So Modern Jazz Quartet
For the full event schedule, check out the listings on the official site:
First Night Alexandria schedule
For the fireworks this year the location will be a large barge moored offshore at the end of King Street. Vantage points are unlikely to be an issue though, you can secure a decent view from pretty much anywhere along the banks of the Potomac, one of the benefits of Alexandria’s layout. Admission to the First Night activities costs $20 while children aged 12 and under gain entry for free.
New Years Eve Hotels
Alexandria is popular with visitors from out of town throughout the year and has the range of hotel accoommodation to reflect this, while on new years eve there will be a wide range of parties to choose from, with many establishments hosting in-house new year events, including black tie gala dinners and live entertainment.
Top hotels to check out for new year packages include the Embassy Suites, Residence Inn Marriott, Radisson Old Town, Westin Alexandria and the Comfort Inn Landmark.
You can check availability and book tyour room at these and all of the top Alexandria new years eve hotels here.
NYE Restaurants
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat out before heading on to watch the music and fireworks then there is a huge range of restaurants in town to choose from, with steak houses and Italian particular specialities.
Check out the full range of listings here:
NYE Live Stream
There won’t be much in the way of live TV coverage from the First Night celebrations, with most viewers preocuppied by the Times Square ball drop live stream, but there are some live webcam views located in Alexandria to help give you a feel for the new year festivities: