By Micaela Williamson
Even though you’ve ditched your clutch for a bag of wipes and squeezable applesauce, you don’t need to skip the fun this New Year’s Eve. The NoVA area is filled with tons of family-friendly options to ring in 2013. Keep your little ones close, and attend one of these great local events:
The biggest family-oriented New Year’s Eve party in the area which features a whole day of entertainment, children’s activities, a scavenger hunt, historic sites, storytelling and more. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Potomac River. Tickets are $20 per person, under 12 and military with ID are free.
Watch Night Falls Church
An exciting, free evening event that boasts live bands, DJs, indoor and outdoor venues, moonbounces, food specials, free swag and family activities. Count down to 2013 and watch the lowering of the historic star that first lit the Falls Church sky in over 60 years ago. Also, lots of great local Falls Church businesses get into the spirit by offering specials and samples.
This family-focused race in the City of Fairfax encourages a healthy lifestyle and helps support the Fairfax Police Youth Club. After the race, the fun continues with food and live entertainment.
Ringing in Hope Race and Fun Run
Come to Brambleton with your family to enjoy a 10K or 5K race or 1K walk/fun run the morning of New Year’s Eve. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the finish line. There will also be booths by area businesses and sponsors, food, moonbounces for the kids, live entertainment, giveaways and a silent auction. The event benefits some Loudoun County charities. Register and view more information online.
Noon Year’s Eve at the National Children’s Museum
Just across the river from Alexandria, this brand new museum in National Harbor will host a “Noon Year’s Eve” event complete with a character parade, arts and crafts, and special performances and programs. Please note that the museum will be issuing timed tickets for different two hour time slots throughout the day. To guarantee your spot, purchase tickets online in advance.
Inside the gallery, a family-friendly event will begin at 7 p.m. with storytelling and live entertainment. The celebration will move outside at 9 p.m. and feature a bonfire complete with music and dance performances. Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served. Additional events require tickets and preregistration.
Jam packed with tons of performances, face painting, costumed characters, puppet shows, animals, chainsaw artisans and interactive fun for kids, First Night Fredricksburg is a non-alcoholic family affair for the young and old. There are even trolley and carriage rides and an amazing fireworks show. Families that don’t want to stay out too late can take advantage of the “early countdown.” Online tickets are available for $10 per person (under 3 free and military are half price) on the website. The price rises to $15 per person at the event.
6th Annual Rocknoceros New Year’s Eve Party at Jammin’ Java
True kings of the local “tot rock” scene, Rocknoceros will host two shows at Jammin’ Java (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) Tickets are $10 per person, and seating is general admission. According to the Jammin’ Java website, “Rocknoceros will do a full-fledged countdown and apple juice toast for all.” Due to the popularity of these shows, advance tickets suggested.
Micaela Williamson is the creator of www.supernovamommy.com, a popular, local blog that focuses on Northern Virginia families and events. Her website was recently voted “Best Blog 2012” in Northern Virginia Magazine. Micaela enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.
