With record-breaking transmission levels of COVID-19, First Night Alexandria has canceled its New Year's Eve events. In addition, Olde Year's Eve at the Torpedo Factory is canceled.
"This follows the Alexandria Health Department’s recommendation, and the City of Alexandria’s agreement, to cancel the activities that encourage crowds to gather in a central location, while Alexandria is experiencing its highest number of COVID-19 cases to date. This includes live music performances throughout the day, the Market Square Kickoff, Battle of the Buskers and the Countdown to 2022 Street Party," the First Night organization announced.
The announcements comes on the heels of the Waterskiing Santa organization announcing the cancelation of Santa's trip up the Potomac River on Dec. 24.
If you purchased tickets for First Night events, a full refund is being processed, including ticket price and processing fees, and you can expect to receive a refund within 5 to 7 business days, per Eventbrite procedures. If you have any questions about your refund, please contact First Night via phone or text at 417-501-5752, or email info@firstnightalexandria.org.
The fireworks over the Potomac River are still scheduled to occur as planned at midnight and will last for approximately 10 minutes. Visitors are encouraged to spread out among the viewing areas listed below, and wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, if social distancing cannot be maintained.
Prime viewing locations:
- Canal Center Plaza (Center Canal Plaza)
- Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery St.)
- Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison St.)
- Founders Park (351 North Union St.)
- Waterfront Park (1A Prince St.)
- Windmill Hill Park (501 South Union St.)
- Fords Landing boardwalk (99 Franklin St.)
- Jones Point Park (Jones Point Dr.)
- George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Dr.)