If your sweetie (or a gaggle of girlfriends) is relying on YOU to coordinate the fond farewell to 2011, don’t panic. Despite the fact that New Year’s Eve is fast approaching, there are several great alternatives to hosting the fete Chez Moi. Check out some of these lively “around town” celebrations.
Odyssey River Cruise: Ring in the New Year aboard the Odyssey as you spend an unforgettable evening cruising the Potomac River. Stroll the outside decks and enjoy the spectacular monuments of Washington, beautifully illuminated. There will be live a special chef’s menu, entertainment and dancing, a Viennese dessert table with chocolate Fountain, premium open bar package and, of course, the requisite champagne toast at midnight. 8:00pm-1:00am Priced from $219.90 per adult.
Patti Austin at the Kennedy Center: Jazz superstar vocalist Patti Austin and a six-piece band will showcase selections from her forthcoming recording of the music of Duke Ellington. Ring in the New Year with what will undoubtedly be one of the most-talked-about concerts of the season. After the performance, enjoy festive dancing, a countdown to 2012, and a balloon drop in the Grand Foyer, all included in the price of your concert ticket.
“Hairspray” and Dance Party at Signature Theatre: Nobody throws a New Year’s bash like Signature Theatre. The evening begins with an effervescent performance of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Hairspray,” starring the host of “Around Town,” Robert Aubrey Davis in the divine drag role of Edna Turnblatt. After the show, shake, shimmy, and dance the night away with a live DJ, delicious hors d’oeuvres, Signature drinks from Ali’s bar, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are available for the show and party or for the party only. To reserve, call the Box Office at 703 820 9771. (Insider tip: The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a special rate for Signature patrons. To book, call 703 820 0440; tell them you’re a Signature Theatre patron and receive 15% off your room rate. Beats a DUI!)
First Night, Alexandria: this family oriented, non-alcohol New Year's Eve celebration spans dozens of venues throughout historic Old Town Alexandria. This year includes 100 live indoor performances, the Annual Fun Hunt, children’s entertainment and interactive games, and a spectacular midnight finale with lasers, video, and music at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. The grand finale warms up at 10 pm with a dance party on the Memorial lawn featuring tunes by DJ Ray Casino. At 11:30 pm the show goes multimedia, with video, music, and a swirling spectrum of colorful lasers, culminating in a midnight countdown and ball drop. Six thousand balls will descend (lightly) on revelers. Snag a ball and enter to win a prize! Free DASH shuttles and the King Street Trolley will transport participants to activities along King St.
How do you celebrate New Year’s? Do you go out or hunker down at home for the evening?
Comments