There are three kinds of New Year’s Eve personalities: those who have plans months in advance, those who intentionally have no plans, and a third group who this list is for, the plan ponderers. Maybe your original plans are falling apart or maybe you’re just getting around to thinking about it.
If you’re in that third category, don’t fret, there are still plenty of ways to ring in the New Year around the D.C. area. (And PSA, if you’re going out, Metro will stay open late and be free of charge that night.) This list is here to help, whether you’re looking for a more chill vibe or to go all out and party to say goodbye to 2022.
If you’re looking to chill out and relax …
REFLECT IN NATURE: Maybe you want to start the end of your year in a space of reflection. The National Arboretum has a few two-hour forest bath sessions on New Year’s Eve. The sessions with a trained guide allow guests to participate through either movement or stillness. (The National Arboretum; 9 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m.; suggested donation $35)
EXHIBIT EXITS: Never forget that the Smithsonian museums are open every day except Christmas day. This New Year’s Eve, you can catch exhibits that are on their way out including Girlhood (It’s Complicated) at the Natural History Museum or Block by Block: Naming Washington at the National Portrait Gallery. (Various locations; various times; donations accepted)
MOVE MINDFULLY: The National Cathedral is hosting a virtual retreat that will guide participants through celebration, reflection, release and meditation by Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson, an expert on Celtic spirituality. (Virtual; 1 p.m.; $15)

If you want to see live music …
SOUL IN SOUTHWEST: D.C.-based Gordon Sterling & the People can usher you into the New Year with their smooth soul/rock. (Pearl Street Warehouse; 9 p.m.; $30)
MANDOLIN MAGIC: Get three acts for the price of one down in Alexandria. Bluegrass bands The Seldom Scene, Eastman String Band and Wicked Sycamore will be strumming their way into 2023. (The Birchmere; 8 p.m.; $49.50)
HIP-HOP HOORAY! Party like you’re in the Bronx with MCs Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Hosted by D.C.’s own Kenny Burns, this open-bar party is sure to be a good time. (The St. James Sports, Wellness and Entertainment Complex; 8 p.m.; starts at $100)
FUNK ALL NIGHT. D.C. has deep ties to the funk scene. See one of the genre’s revolutionary pioneers George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and get your groove on at the 9:30 Club. (9:30 Club; 9 p.m.; $100)
GET INTO GO-GO: Go-go icons Rare Essence are turning up at Howard Theatre for their NYE show, and they’re bringing along special guests Trouble Funk. Balcony and booth seating is sold out, but general admission is still available. (Howard Theatre; 9 p.m.; $55+)

If you want a great meal, but still want to get home before midnight …
AMPLE BALKAN CUISINE: Get your fill of Balkan small plates at either Ambar D.C. or Ambar Clarendon. During the day, both locations are offering their famous bottomless brunch food deal, for $34.99 and $42.99 respectively, with the option to add brunch drinks like sangrias or Bloody Marys. In the evening, the bottomless food deal translates into dinner for $79.99 for two seatings at both restaurants, with an option to add on unlimited drinks for $24.99 in D.C. or get 99-cent drinks in Virginia. (Ambar Clarendon or Ambar DC; times and prices vary)
FAMILY FUN! Do your New Year’s Eve with the whole family at the Gaithersburg Dave & Buster’s. Besides the many arcade and other games, ticket holders gain access to an appetizer buffet, bottomless churros, and a ginger-ale toast. (Dave & Buster’s Gaithersburg; 4 p.m.; $37.51)
NEW YEAR, JAPAN-STYLE:Daikaya’s Izakaya, which serves Japanese comfort food, will offer a five-course menu including Japanese-style potato salad, grilled pork belly-wrapped cherry tomatoes, Toshikoshi soba with shrimp tempura, among others — including dessert. (Daikaya; various times; $55)
COMFORT FOOD: For Italian-American comfort food before heading home to watch the ball drop, choose one of the Caruso’s Grocery locations. The D.C. location is offering a ticketed three-course menu for $95 while the new North Bethesda location at Pike & Rose will be serving the regular menu. (Caruso’s Grocery in D.C. and North Bethesda; various times; $95)
TASTE OF THE ISLANDS: It may be frigid on New Year’s Eve, but James Beard-nominated Chef Peter Prime is bringing a piece of the Caribbean with Bammy’s four course tasting menu and open bar. (Bammy’s; various times; $175)
COCKTAILS AT QUADRANT: If you want to toast something other than champagne at midnight, Quadrant, the bar in the West End Ritz-Carlton hotel, is offering a cocktail-forward New Year’s Eve menu. The four-hour evening consists of a cocktail tasting menu with each “course” accompanied by snacks from Michelin-starred chef Enrique Limardo. (The Ritz-Carlton – West End; 8 p.m.; $250)

BOUGIE BUFFET: Self-proclaimed “glam Italian” restaurant L’Ardente is having a “lavish” event complete with a midnight toast. In addition to hors d’oeuvres, guests can enjoy porchetta, veal milanese and beef tenderloin carving stations, a seafood bar, pasta and a dreamy dessert buffet. (L’Ardente; 7 p.m.; $250)
FOR HIGH ROLLERS: If you’ve been looking for an occasion to splurge, two-Michelin-starred minibar from Chef José Andrés is hosting an intimate and decadent New Year’s Eve. Expect dishes that include ingredients like white truffles and caviar with wine pairings. (Minibar; 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; starting at $1,000)
Where to go if you’re looking for a laugh …
COCKTAILS, QUEENS AND COMEDY: Crazy Aunt Helen’s is teaming up with local drag queen Tara Hoot to bring their Sunday brunch show into the evening! There will be appearances from queens Tula and Anja Dick as well as fire eater, Dr. Torcher. Oh yeah and hors d’oeuvres and drink specials. (Crazy Aunt Helen’s; 8 p.m.; FREE)
DC IMPROV: Was your year kind of a joke? Laugh it off with one of two shows at DC Improv. In the main room, see the former America’s Got Talent contestant Gina Brillon, and in the lounge, see a lineup of local stand-ups. (DC Improv; Shows at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.; starts at $35)
FUNNY BROWN MOM: TikTok star Zarna Garg — who was also featured on a recent episode of This American Life — is in D.C. to bring in 2023. (Miracle Theater on Barracks Row; 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.; $50)

If you’re looking for a party …
FREE AT FIGHT CLUB. One of the few free party options will be at Fight Club, a sandwich shop and bar on Capitol Hill throwing a 2000’s-themed dance party. Drinks and childhood-inspired foods like dino nuggets with sweet and sour foie gras mousse and loaded baked potato tots will be available for purchase all evening. Plus cherish the memories with their Polaroid photo wall. (Fight Club; 8 p.m.; FREE)
DINNER AND A PARTY: Three-level Clarendon bar and restaurant Wilson Hardware is serving dinner, then transitioning into a party. Expect a DJ, food and drinks. (Wilson Hardware; 9 p.m.; starts at $40)
CRAFT BEER SPECIALTIES: The craft beer connoisseurs at ChurchKey are sharing unlimited access to their roster of beers, cocktails, wines and, of course, food at their “all inclusive” New Year’s Eve . The party goes well past midnight. (ChurchKey; 9 p.m.; $125)
A BARBECUE BUFFET? Yes, plus additional appetizers and an open bar, a DJ and a champagne toast at midnight– all at Smokecraft in Arlington. (Smokecraft; 8 p.m.; starts at $125)
HYPE AT THE HARBOR: The Gaylord hotel’s party is going to be extravagant. Called Big Night DC, it’s aiming to be the “largest New Year’s Eve gala in the United States,” and will feature DJs, live bands, 15 stages, seven dance floors and lots of open bars. (Gaylord National Harbor; 9 p.m.; starts at $119)
A SILENT SOIREE IN THE CITY: Have you ever wanted to party into the new year, but like, kind of alone? Bottles Wine Garden is hosting a silent disco New Year’s Eve Party. Jam to DJ Don Chirasi’s house, Latin, top 40 and disco music while enjoying an open bar and snacks. (Bottles Wine Garden; 8:30 p.m.; $140)
IF YOU MISSED HARRY-WEEN: It may seem like Taylor Swift has the market cornered on recording-artist-themed parties for NYE, but Harry Styles is also in the mix. Union Stage hosts a Harry New Year party where they’re encouraging your best Harry costume and they’ll be playing his music — along with that of One Direction and some others — all night. (Union Stage; 8 p.m.; $20+)
ALL DAY IN ADAMS MORGAN: And if you want to do a little bit of everything, Adams Morgan’s The Imperial is doing events all day from 10 a.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve. Happy Hour starts at 11 a.m., alongside brunch and later, the restaurant serves a 5-course prix-fixe tasting menu for $60 — or you can order a la carte, including specials like half-price seafood towers and $2 oysters Rockefeller. If none of that interests you, then just attend their cellar party where they’ll ring in the new year. (The Imperial; various times; various prices)

If you absolutely must have a party with a view …
WILD NIGHTS AT EATON. The Eaton hotel will be abuzz with several different scenes on New Year’s Eve. The lobby restaurant, Michele’s is having a night of unlimited food and drinks for $175 per person. It’s dark speakeasy bar, Allegory, will offer an open bar, unlimited food, and champagne at midnight for $200 each. And the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, Wild Days, is hosting women DJs all night long for $50 per ticket. (Eaton Hotel; 8 p.m.; starts at $50)
SET SAIL. The Spirit of Washington yacht is throwing a Gatsby-themed party on their three-level vessel. Drink cocktails from the open bar while floating down the Potomac through midnight. midnight (Pier 4 at 580 Water Street SW; 8 p.m.; starts at $199)
ROOFTOP RING-IN. Take in the D.C. skyline from 11 stories up at Smoke & Mirrors at the AC Hotel in Navy Yard. They are hosting an open-bar party with passed appetizers and a champagne toast. (AC Hotel; 8 p.m.; $250)