New Year’s Eve provides the perfect setting for escape–from the thrill of sparkly parties to the new-leaf feeling of the clock’s midnight toll. It’s the best evening of the year to do or be something different.
This year’s many themed New Year’s Eve activities lend themselves to truly losing yourself in something new with varied themes across music, attire, and even food. Good riddance 2023!
For the music lovers…
Long Live 2024: The problem is 2023, so shake it off with a Taylor Swift-themed brunch on its last day. All Purpose is offering bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and aperol spritzes for just $19 to help you forget about your champagne problems headed into the new year. Diners are encouraged to wear Taylor-inspired or Eras tour-inspired outfits. (All Purpose Capitol Riverfront; 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; $5 reservation fee)
ABBA’s Arrival on the Dancefloor: Expect plenty of glitter and confetti at this night of disco drawing on the legends of Studio 54 for inspiration. Guests will be treated to the sounds of ABBA, Queen, and the Bee Gees all night. And you won’t want to skip the glitter body paint stations. Silky fabrics, bell bottoms, and platform boots are highly encouraged. (Howard Theater; 9 p.m.; $35 – $100)
Electric EDM Party: There will be a heart-pumping EDM party at Echostage. Expect performances from Meduza and James Hype to keep the party going until well past midnight. (Echostage; 9 p.m.; $90+)
Head to the back of your closet and pull out some fun costumes…
Super Prom: Pull out your floofy dresses from the aughts and retro frilly tuxedo shirts for super prom at Silver Lyan. The speakeasy is encouraging guests to come ready to dance in over-the-top formal wear–including tiaras–while DJ Trev Ski plays prom hits from years past. (Silver Lyan; 9 p.m.; $160 – $250)
Masquerade Dinner: Downtown’s newcomer, Kitchen + Kocktails, is throwing its first NYE event. Come dressed to the nines with an alluring Venetian-style mask on. The ticket cost includes a champagne toast and complimentary bar bites such as lobster; butterfly shrimp; mac & cheese; and banana pudding, but other cocktails throughout the night are on you. (Kitchen + Kocktails; 9:30 p.m.; $79)
Neo-Disco: This New Year’s Eve, Morris American Bar, which boasts ‘70s diner decor all year round, is hosting a sleek “disco fever” party. In addition to “groovy sounds,” guests will enjoy an open bar and appetizers until midnight. Bring your bell-bottoms or sparkly dresses. (Morris American Bar; 10 p.m.; $100)
Bring Back Barbie: Grab your Barbie pink clothes to head to Moxy Hotel’s rooftop bar, Lucha Rosa. The bar is having a pink-themed party! Tickets include an open bar, a midnight toast, and hor d’oeuvres. (The Moxy Hotel; 9 p.m.; $150 – $3,500)
As a bonus, there are a handful of events for those who want to pull out their newsboy caps or elbow-length gloves:
The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve Event (Jesiree’s Chop House & Lounge; 10 p.m.; $40)
A Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve at the Brighton on the Wharf (The Brighton; 8 p.m.; $15 – $141)
Capital Gatsby Gala (HQO; 9 p.m.; $179 – $2,500)
The Brass Tap National Harbor’s Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Celebration (The Brass Tap National Harbor; 9 p.m.; $78)
Roaring 2024 (The Morrow Washington; 8 p.m.; $35 – $200)
For those interested in a culinary adventure as a form of escape…
Is “Truffle” a theme?: You can ask L’Ardente. The Italian restaurant known for approachable extravagance has a $2,024 five-course meal for four people. Dishes feature black truffle, including oysters and caviar with black truffle chili and tagliatelle al tartufo with confit lemon and winter black truffle. (L’Ardente; 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $2,024)
Spanish Style Dinner: Travel to the Catalonia region of Spain with a meal at Casa Teresa. Diners will enjoy oysters, caviar, and bone-in ribeye while listening to live music. The Casa Teresa team will also lead the tradition of las doce uvas de la suerte–eating one grape for each of the 12 chimes of midnight. (Casa Teresa; 9 p.m.; $175)
Bites from Brazil: Take a trip to Brazil for Compass Rose’s New Year’s Eve Dinner. The parallel menus accommodating omnivores and herbivores includes dishes such as ceviche or heart of palm ceviche, steak or grilled Brazilian cheese skewers and so much more. (Compass Rose; multiple seatings; $100)
Viva la Mi Vida: Submerge yourselves in Mexican cuisine on NYE. All locations of Mi Vida are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Late evening guests will be treated to a Champagne toast before midnight. This is not a ticketed event. (Mi Vida; multiple seatings; prices vary)
Journey to Japan: Chef Masako Morishita is treating guests to a delightful three-course dinner at Perry’s. Some of the dining options include chicken karaage and wafu shrimp and grits. If you come in after 8:30 p.m. for the bar or for dinner, you’ll also be treated to one of Perry’s iconic drag shows at 10:30 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight. (Perry’s; multiple seatings; $85)
Some themed events that can’t be categorized…
A Community Gathering: In its 29th year, First Night Alexandria is the block party of all block parties. The all-day festival in Old Town features back-to-back activities and performances with neighborhood businesses. Comedians, line dancers, bands, museums and a magical fireworks display at 6 p.m. make this a festive option for early birds or night owl families. (Various indoor venues in Old Town, Alexandria; 12 p.m.; $Free – $35)
We Are the World: The Omni Shoreham hotel in Georgetown is throwing a massive global soiree incorporating simultaneous multicultural events that will keep you busy all night long. There will be events such as an Italian opera performance, 1950s Havana-style dance class, Tokyo Karaoke, and more than a dozen other activities and dance floors across four ballrooms. There will also be plenty of open bars and food stations throughout the evening. (Omni Shoreham Hotel; 8:30 p.m.; $114 – $299)
Hijinks and Hilarity: Escape into punchy jokes and uproarious stories at DC Comedy Clubhouse’s New Year’s Eve. You can expect locally based performers, Chris Harrison, Bernard Bernard, and Anwar Ray.. There will also be food and hookah available for purchase as well a complimentary champagne toast. (DC Comedy Clubhouse; 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; $20)
Murder Mystery: Maggiano’s annual murder mystery dinner tradition continues. Guests play investigators to determine who the homicide suspect is. The ticket includes dinner, a couple of drink tickets, and dancing right into 2024. (Maggiano’s; 6:30 p.m.; $120)
Sober Rager: Guests are encouraged to dress sparkly to this completely sober rave. With three DJs, disco balls, and funky lights, the Recovery Rave is a way to party the night away and wake up with no hangover just in time for brunch. (Bhakti Yoga Studio, 9 p.m.; $20)
