Update Dec. 21 from First Night Organizers:
On New Year's Eve, local shops, historic sites and buildings throughout Old Town Alexandria turn into performance venues to showcase local talent and celebrate the New Year. It's fun, affordable, safe and family friendly.
We have 28 performance venues, as well as the Fun Hunt, children’s activities in the afternoon, and three "Kids Carnival" locations. All of these activities need volunteers.
We also need help from those who are familiar with iPads (or equivalent tablets) to help us manage our admission badge sales. New Year's Eve volunteers generally serve in pairs and there are many 3-hour shifts throughout the day. (We even need a few volunteers for 3 hours the day before for early badge pickup.)
Every volunteer receives a free admission badge, and a box dinner. There is plenty of time to enjoy performances, meet new people, and see the fabulous finale at midnight: fireworks on the Potomac!
For more information and to sign up visit https://www.firstnightalexandria.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
Schedule, Tickets, Events and More About First Night
First Night Alexandria, the largest family-friendly New Year’s Eve party in the metro area, returns to Alexandria New Year's Eve, featuring alcohol-free entertainment from 2 p.m. to midnight.
To purchase a ticket, go to www.firstnightalexandria.org/buy-tickets. (First Night is hosting a flash sale on tickets from noon to midnight Friday, Dec. 14, with online ticket sales discounted to $25.)
This year's event is described as a “celebration of the new year through the performing arts.” Attendees can stroll through the historic streets of Old Town while viewing spectacular art galleries, historic sites, churches, retail shops, and museums that have been transformed into performance venues for local and regional artists.
Adults and children have access to unlimited entertainment in more than 30 indoor venues that highlight more than 100 performances throughout the evening.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available online only until Dec. 21. After Dec. 21, in person purchases will be available starting at the Alexandria Visitors Center at 221 King St. in Old Town Alexandria.
To gain admission to all First Night Alexandria venues each person 13 years and older needs a badge. Children must be accompanied by an adult with a badge. Admission badges are $30 from Dec. 1 to 30, and $35 on Dec. 31.
Kids 12 and under and active military get in for free!
You do not need a badge to view the fireworks.
To purchase a ticket, go to www.firstnightalexandria.org/buy-tickets.
Performances at First Night:
- Mike Rose also known as “The Magic Kinda Guy”
- Battle of the Local Stars - First Night’s Got Talent
- Comedy and Poetry Showcase
- The Vaughn Ambrose Trio
- The TrueHearts
- Tobin James Band
- The Stairwells
- Irish Breakfast Band
- The Glimpses
- The Grandsons
- Curtis Blues
- Not So Modern Jazz Quartet
And many, many, more!
This year’s new events include:
- Kids Karnival including a kids’ countdown at three locations:
Families with children 12 years old and under can enjoy face painting, balloons, special hosts in costumes, carnival-style games, dancing and more at the Kids Karnival from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at three locations throughout Alexandria: the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Old Town, the Mount Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray and the William Ramsay Recreation Center in the West End.
Each party will conclude with a special earlier-than-normal kids’ countdown to the new year.
- Bigger-than-ever bash at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial:
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial has been a go-to spot for First Night fun many years, but the party is even bigger this year! With performances by the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band at 7:45 p.m., Magician Mike Rose from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and dance parties all night long with DJ Good Times, 2018 is bound to create irreplaceable memories for years to come.
Additionally, there will be first-come-first-serve viewing of the fireworks from the lawn at midnight.
- Variety Showcase at Shiloh Baptist Church:
First Night attendees can join a special Variety Showcase from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring several comedians, spoken word poets, performances from a solo guitarist and more.
Come for a specific act, or stay for the whole show!
This annual New Year’s Eve bash presented by the City of Alexandria, Dominion Energy, MGM National Harbor and Virginia Paving Company, takes over Old Town with more than 100 performances at 25 warm indoor venues.
For more information including a full schedule with performance locations, visit www.firstnightalexandria.org.
For questions or inquiries, email info@firstnightalexandria.org or call 703-746-3299.
