6 Ways to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Kids in Washington, D.C.

Noon Yards Eve Photo Credit: Joy Asico

Blink--just like that, it’s almost 2019. Time is precious, let’s celebrate with the family as we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in a fresh new year! Washington, D.C. is one of the greatest metropolitan areas in the world with lots of amazing ways even the littlest ones can take part in the New Year’s Eve festivities (without staying up till midnight). We've compiled a list of our top picks to help your family make this momentous occasion exciting for everyone! 

1     Happy Noon Year Celebrations
Staying up till midnight can be challenging for younger kids -- or hey, even parents. By celebrating a Happy Noon Year, the kids are able to partake in the fun. You can do your own noon day party at home or check local play gyms, museums and libraries for festivities.

Noon Yards Eve, 355 Water Street SE, Washington, D.C., FREE - Festivities include moon bounce houses, face painters, balloon artistry, live music, glitter tattoo artists and even a trackless train. Guests will celebrate the coming of the new year at NOON with a balloon drop! Date of the event is December 31st from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

Noon Yards Eve Photo Credit: Joy Asico

Noon Year's Eve at Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW, Washington, D.C. Enjoy a festive counting-themed storytime, then count down together to 12 p.m. Celebrate the noon year with noisemakers, confetti, a sparkling craft, and toast 2019 with juice. Date of the event is December 30th from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

Photo Credit: Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

MoBu Kids’ New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, 27 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA. Bring your little ones to MoBu Kids' BRAND NEW location in Falls Church and join in on the Noon Year's Eve countdown on December 31st at 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Ring in the new year with songs and games. Toast 2019 with juice and a light snack. Start the party early with Open Play before the celebration from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Save up to 24% on MoBu Kids Open Play Passes with this CertifiKID deal.

Children’s Science Center Lab’s Noon Year’s Eve, 11948 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, VA. Countdown with the kids! Bring the whole family along for music and dancing to celebrate the noon year! Refreshments will be served to toast 2019! Date of event is December 31st, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

2     Family-Friendly First Night Celebrations
It's the last night of the year, make it special for the entire family at First Night - a community celebration of New Year in cities throughout the country. With a quick search, you're sure to find great family-friendly NYE parties in your area.

First Night Alexandria, held at dozens of venues throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA. There will be three Kids Karnivals from 6 – 9 p.m., designed to entertain and engage families with young children up to age 12. The festivities include plenty of family-friendly fun throughout the night with a finale of fireworks on the Alexandria Waterfront at 12 a.m. Visit the First Night Alexandria website for a full schedule of activities.

City of Falls Church Watch Night, West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA. Spanning a four-block area which is closed to traffic for the evening, Falls Church’s Watch Night features live music, amusements and activities, inflatables, balloon artists, puppet shows and more. A free shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes from the East Falls Church Metro Station to the venues. Free parking is also available at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church. Click HERE for more information.

3      Holiday Light Displays
One of the best family-friendly ways to welcome in the new year is to enjoy the twinkling lights at one of our amazing area light festivals, many of which are open New Year's Eve! 

Bull Run Festival of Lights and Holiday Village, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA. This popular drive-through Christmas lights attraction in Centreville, Virginia is having a special celebration on New Year's Eve. The light displays and Holiday Village will be open to celebrate the coming year with rides, refreshments, and last-minute pictures with Santa Claus. 

Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights, 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA. Meadlowlark Garden's botanical-themed light display filled with colorful flowers, dazzling butterflies, and leaping fish is open on New Year's Eve. The whole family will be captivated by this world of wonder. Be sure to dress warm, as this display requires walking outside. But not to worry, there is a blazing fire pit, s'mores and hot chocolate to warm you inside and out at the end of your journey!

Lightup Fest at One Loudoun, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA. The largest light display on the East Coast will still be lighting up One Loudoun in Ashburn on New Year's Eve! This unique light festival combines traditional Chinese lanterns with modern lighting technology to showcase the rich heritage, traditions and cultures of the world. 

Photo Courtesy of Lightup Fest at One Loudoun

4     Adventure Park USA New Year's Eve Party
Kids full of energy and you want an active New Year's Eve celebration? Experience Adventure Park's indoor attractions with laser tag, ropes course, rock wall, video games, and more! You'll even be treated to some finger foods and beverages (non-alcoholic). The party starts at 9 p.m. so it's perfect for your older kids. If you are interested in checking out Adventure Park at another time, save with CertifiKID's Adventure Park USA Fun Pass and Fun Birthday Party Package deals.

5     Jammin Java's 12th Annual Rocknoceros New Year's Eve Party, 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA
Celebrate New Year’s early by rocking out to the widely popular music of kid band, Rocknoceros, at Jammin Java. Get ready for countdown fun as you toast to celebrate the arrival of 2019 early. Performance begins at 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.) on December 31st. Click HERE for more information and ticket purchases. Can't make it to the show on NYE? Bring your tots to Tot Rock at Jammin' Java this winter to see Rocknoceros and many other local kid favorites on stage! Save 40% off select Jammin' Java Tot Rock performances.

6     Fairfax Four Miler, 10427 North Street, Fairfax, VA
RUN in the new year with a 4-mile race starting at 6 p.m. on December 31st, followed by a post-race pizza party! This is a stroller and pet-friendly event. Click HERE for more information. 

Photo Credit: Swim Bike Run Photographer, Courtesy of Pacers Running, Fairfax Four Miler

Tags: New Year's Eve Families kids fun celebrate DC MD VA

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