New Years in DC

New Year's Eve brings thoughts of Times Square and revelry; of Dick Clark and music; of silly hats and glasses, of resolutions and Miley Cyrus (hopefully less of this next year). In realty, who would want to be stuck in Times Square, crowded with a million other strangers, when it's freezing cold outside, to stand there and watch a horribly gaudy giant electric disco ball drop from the top of a building, when they could spend the night in DC instead? There are no shortage of great New Year's Eve options and New Year's Day (if you find yourself able to function) in DC, so read on to find out how to ring in the new year with style in the District.

Nothing says swag, sexy, and style quite like 007. For spies and civilians alike, the Washington Plaza Hotel promises they have a license to thrill as they host the annual 007 Thunderball. People travel from all across the county for this party and on New Year's Eve, the hotel is reserved exclusively for participants in this one of a kind party. Attire is formal: tuxedos for men and elegant evening gowns for women. Secret Agents, Bond Girls and Super Villians are all welcome. Awesome gadgets from Q division not included in the ticket price.

Do you have a ticket for a December 31st show at the Kennedy Center? Consider staying the rest of the night for the New Year's Eve Grand Foyer Party. This two hour party runs from 10:30pm to 12:30 am and is FREE to anyone who has tickets to an evening performance on New Years Eve, including the Jazz New Year's Eve. There is a midnight countdown and plenty of champagne as well as other drinks available for purchase. 

Ever wanted to attend a masquerade ball but havn't found time to go out and buy a mask? The NYE 2014 Masquerade Ball at the Hyatt Regency is perfect for you as the ticket price includes a complementary mask. This is an all-inclusive party: discounted hotel rooms, plenty of food, 3 different rooms with fully stocked bars, a midnight balloon drop, multiple djs, party favors, and soo much more. 

DC is a multi-cultural, international city. The best place to experience a diverse New Year's Eve party is at the NYE Gala 2014 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The party touts itself as an international celebration of many nations. This is a huge party with 5 ballrooms and 6 party rooms and 10 internationally themed celebrations. This party is truly classy. White glove, VIP service type classy. There is a premium open bar, midnight champagne toast, and awesome food. Strolling entertainers and exclusive Cirque performers. DJs, live bands, karoke, and gambling. They even have a time machine ballroom, where they will teach different dances from as far back as the 1800s. If you don't have fun at this party, you are doing something wrong. 

If the thought of dancing and djs doesn't appeal to you, how about laughing in the New Year? The DC Improv Comedy Club hosts it's own unique spin on a New Year's party. Ticket prices includes party admission, food, champagne, party favors and a free pass to a future show. 

Looking for a down-home New Year's Eve celebration? The Hamilton is bringing the Bayou to you for New Years. Their New Year's Eve extravaganza boasts not one, but two live acts. The Grammy-award winning musician Dr. John and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Wanda Jackson. Tickets also include a gumbo (what else?) dinner and the obligatory midnight champagne toast. 

While most businesses are closed on New Year's day, there is still no shortage of things to do in DC, if you're feeling up to it. The Smithsonian museums are open as well as the Monuments along the National Mall. Parking should be lighter and the crowds should be thinner, if you get a fairly early start. Arlington National Cemetary is open also. If you're interested in walking off some of the food you consumed over to holidays, head over to the National Zoo. The Zoo is open New Years day and in addition to over 400 animals (including the super cute baby panda) the zoo is perfect for walking, just make sure to wear comfortable shoes!

George Washington's home at Mount Vernon never closes! Head out there on New Years day and experience the Christmas at Mount Vernon holiday celebrations. An already beautiful estate is mande even more so this time of year. The third floor is open to visitors, the only time of year that it is, and the home is decorated the way the Washington's would have done so. Chocolatiers produce chocolate on site using 18th century techniques, there is holiday story telling and dance lessons. You can even meet Aladdin the camel, the Washington's annual holiday guest.

When in doubt, go see a movie. The holiday season is a busy one for new movie releases. Take a walk if the weather is nice. There is more the DC then what can be found inside. Whatever you end up doing this New Years, we hope you stay safe and have fun.

Happy New Years!