8 Awesome Ways to Bring in the New Year in DC
There's tons going on in the nation's capital for New Year's Eve. From elegant galas to dinner cruises, here are some sweet ways to welcome 2016 in DC.
International Club of DC New Year's Eve Gala
Location: Marriot Marquis, 901 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
Highlights: From North to South America and both sides of the Atlantic, get the full international New Year's experience with music from Latin salsa, Caribbean island, Irish, and big bands at this swanky gala. The only question: Can you salsa to Auld Lang Syne?
Cost: $125 post-dinner, $250 Presidential Ticket with 7:30pm admission and three-course meal
What You Need To Know: Black tie optional or cocktail attire required, 7:30pm for three-course dinner, 9:30 for buffet, 10:30 to skip the food and get your dance on.
Big Night DC New Year's Eve Extravaganza
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St, National Harbor, MD
Highlights: Fifteen themed ballrooms ranging from Retro, Acoustic Lounge, Silent Disco, and of course, DC's largest dance ballroom. Open bar until 1:30am, and if you need a place to crash, well, you're inside a hotel.
Cost: Price ranges from 11pm entry with no food for $104.99, to Velvet Rope Ultra Lounge at $259.99.
What You Need To Know: $20 for round-trip shuttle service from King Street Metro station, dinner starts at 9pm. No formal dress code, but expect a range from club attire to black tie.
The Gatsby Trilogy
Location: Sequoia, 3000 K St NW, Washington, DC
Highlights: Don your fedoras and flapper outfits and check out the gorgeous views over the Potomac from the heated patio, with an open bar of course. Dinner buffet, light shows, and eight separate bar stations, so no drink lines.
Cost: $155 General Admission, $175 VIP
What You Need To Know: It's a Great Gatsby Party, so dress the part—creative black tie, Roaring '20s looks.
New Year’s Eve Passport to the World Gala
Location: The Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC
Highlights: Another internationally themed shindig lets you dance in the Kingdom of Spain Nightfall Ball, styled after an Ibiza nightclub, the Sweet Home DC room with local artist Sendy Brown, or even the Hindi/Punjabi-themed Bollywood Hills Underground Club. Also, different colored bracelets for singles and couples, so no one gets confused.
Cost: General Admission $150, Late Entry $100
What You Need To Know: Dinner goes from 9pm to 10:30pm, with drinks until 1:30am. It's a "red carpet event," black tie optional.
Odyssey Cruise Ship
Location: Departure from 600 Water St SW, Washington, DC
Highlights: Spend New Year's Eve looking out across the Potomac DC's illuminated monuments, and for entertainment, you have everything from Motown to disco, '80s ballads to swing to pump you up.
Cost: $240 per person
What You Need To Know: The cruise starts at 9pm, and don't be late! Collared shirts, dress pants and cocktail wear are recommended.
International Spy Gala
Location: Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Highlights: Prefer the New Year shaken, not stirred? The covert ops of the international spy gala include casinos, two balloon drops, ice sculptures and live music—everything 007 would want at his New Year's Eve party.
Cost: $149 per person, $119 late admission
What You Need To Know: Black tie optional—tuxedo if you want to go full secret agent. Doors open at 9pm (and, of course, watch out for supervillains).
Night At The Newseum
Location: The Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
Highlights: A balcony with national monument backdrops, seven levels of party space, bars, lounges and Newseum exhibits—plus light shows and a five-hour premium open bar. Not too shabby.
Cost: General Admission $165, VIP $220
What You Need To Know: Black tie event, VIPs get in at 9pm, GA at 10pm.
New Year's Eve Gala at The Andrew Mellon Auditorium
Location: The Andrew Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave, Washington, DC
Highlights: Smack in between the White House and the Capitol, the Andrew Mellon Auditorium's red-carpet event is one classy way to bring in the New Year. Limestone walls, marble floors and four colossal ballrooms trimmed in gold make this DC's most luxurious venue—with a top-shelf open bar to boot.
Cost: $129 for General Admission, up to $1,950 for a VIP 10-person table package
What You Need To Know: Black tie and elegant attire plus valet parking available, doors open at 9pm.
