Happy end of the year, DC!
Let’s toast to the end of 2025. Here’s a list of elevated parties, groovy concerts, and family-friendly experiences that may make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable.
Concerts
Raheem DeVaughn
DC-area R&B vocalist Raheem DeVaughn takes center stage at Bethesda Theater hours before the New Year’s ball drops. Fans of his neo-soul crooning can enjoy dinner at the venue before each showtime at 6 PM and 10 PM ($115+).
White Ford Bronco
If you’re excited for 2026, but wouldn’t mind a flashback to the ’90s, this concert is for you. One of the area’s most popular cover bands is stopping by the 9:30 Club to play dance-worthy hits from the Spice Girls, Nirvana, and other oldies but goodies.
A Jazz New Year’s Eve: The Cookers
Here’s a way to jazz up your holiday, and end the night early if you choose. Two Kennedy Center concerts—one at 7 PM, one at 9 PM—feature the soul and rhythmic melodies of jazz septet The Cookers—a veteran supergroup of hard bop soloists ($90+).
Mau P
Echostage is known for bringing top EDM DJs to town. Electronic music listeners can experience one final rave at the Langdon venue on New Year’s Eve headlined by Dutch tech house DJ Mau P ($143+).
Steve Washington
Capitol Hill’s Mr. Henry’s opens its doors for dinner and a jazz show on New Year’s Eve. Dinner is a full buffet serving bites such as chicken roulade and truffle whipped potatoes. The live concert is led by longtime local jazz singer Steve Washington. Washington’s tunes are sure to have concertgoers reliving the melodies of their favorite 20th-century artists ($156+).
The Flaming Lips
Confetti, flashing neon lights, and psychedelic sounds will fill The Anthem as the venue welcomes experimental rock group The Flaming Lips to the stage. To add to the musical extravaganza, DC’s own guitarist Bartees Strange will share the lineup ($90+).
Parties
Brand New Day VIII
Flash’s Brand New Day jam is never-ending: partiers can dance to the tunes of 24 live DJs for more than 30 hours. The nonstop music marathon allows guests to choose the amount of fun they’d like to indulge in by offering multiple options for timed passes. There’s a pass for the whole weekend, or guests can buy just a December 31 night or January 1 day pass ($45+).
Ultimate ’80s NYE Dance Party with DJ D
This ’80s-themed dance bash usually sells quickly. DJ D will be playing favorite throwback hits until 1 AM, bumping songs by Madonna, Prince, Depeche Mode, Tone Loc, and other ’80s artists. There will also be glow sticks for everyone, crowd singalongs, and name-that-tune contests. At midnight, there’s a champagne toast and ball drop ($40).
Big Night DC New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
The name of this NYE jamboree is not an exaggeration. The Big Night celebration boasts an impressive lineup of DJs, live bands, and stage performers, and will span multiple rooms of National Harbor’s Gaylord National Resort & Hotel. The party is set to run for six hours across several dance floors. There are tickets available for VIP access, with options that include food and penthouse views of the harbor ($104+).
Celebrations
Shinnenkai Soiree
Head to the Pendry Hotel’s luxe rooftop for a Japanese-inspired New Year’s Eve celebration with a view. Moonraker’s Shinnenkai Soiree includes hand-rolled sushi, street fare, Japanese instrumentals, DJ tunes, and a champagne toast at midnight ($195).
Sparkling Soirée
Raise a glass of bubbly with friends amid French decor at the recently opened Barbouzard. Diners can experience an elegant evening of coastal Mediterranean cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a live DJ to usher in 2026 with a bit of glam ($249+).
Noon Yards Eve
Families can celebrate the holiday together at Noon Yards Eve. Kids can enjoy a sparkling balloon drop, trackless train rides, bounce houses, glitter tattoos, carnival games, and a magic show at the Sundeck at The Yards DC (free, but registration encouraged).
First Night Alexandria
One of the area’s beloved New Year’s Eve traditions is Alexandria’s family-friendly fireworks show. Leading up to the illuminations, Old Town museums, churches, hotels, and other institutions will host performing arts, live music, and dance parties ($10+ for adults, free for ages under 2).
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Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
