Many southeastern cities enjoy First Night New Year's Eve celebrations, offering family-friendly and alcohol-free fun. With eight First Night celebrations, Virginia is the leader in the Southeast for offering First Night family-friendly alternatives in place of traditional New Year's Eve celebrations.
Virginia's First Night Celebrations
Date - December 31st:
First Night Alexandria
Photo of First Night Alexandria; Photo Credit: Gary Carr / GaryPhoto.com
First Night Alexandria is the largest, family-focused New Year's Eve celebration in Northern Virginia, with more than 100 performances on indoor stages throughout Old Town Alexandria, including blue grass musicians, honky-tonk bands, clowns, magicians, classical musicians and more, plus a spectacular multimedia finale with lasers, music and video at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. This affordable, safe and alcohol free celebration has been celebrated in Alexandria since 1994. Active military and children 12 and under are free.
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More Event Information - Visit the First Night Alexandria Website.
First Night Virginia in Charlottesville
First Night Virginia is Virginia's first official First Night celebration and the second in the world, preceded only by Boston. Drawing close to 10,000 people to the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, this popular annual event features family-friendly fun with music, dancing, comedy, juggling, a Kid Fest, fireworks and more.
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Additional Event Information - Visit the First Night Virginia Website.
First Night Fredericksburg
Featuring an evening of continuous performances by area artists performed in historic churches, business and the streets of downtown Fredericksburg, this family-friendly alternative to traditional New Year's Eve celebrations offers fun for all ages. The evening festivities culminate with a midnight celebration to welcome the New Year.
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Additional Event Information - Visit the First Night Fredericksburg Website.
First Night Harrisonburg
Downtown Harrisonburg's First Night celebration features lively musical, dance and dramatic performances presented in various downtown buildings including churches, commercial spaces, building lobbies and stores. An exciting Grand Procession takes place in the evening and a Fireworks Finale on Court Square welcomes the New Year at midnight.
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Additional Event Information - Visit the First Night Harrisonburg Web Site.
First Night Leesburg
Cancelled for 2011
Featuring entertainment coordinated by the Bluemont Concert Series, First Night Leesburg hosts performances at many indoor locations within walking distance of each other in historic downtown Leesburg. Performances include jazz, classical music, puppet shows, bluegrass, folk music, magicians and more. At midnight, a traditional Grand Illumination on the courthouse green welcomes the New Year.
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Additional Event Information - Visit the First Night Leesburg Website.
First Night Warrenton
Featuring entertainment coordinated by the Bluemont Concert Series, First Night Warrenton hosts an array of performances at various indoor locations within walking distance of each other in historic downtown Warrenton. Performances include jazz, classical music, puppet shows, bluegrass, folk music, magicians and more. At midnight, a traditional Grand Illumination on the Old Courthouse green takes place. Attendees receive candles, pass the flame to their neighbors and all join in singing in the New Year as the Old Courthouse bell rings the last twelve chimes to midnight.
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Additional Event Information - Visit the First Night Warrenton Website.
First Night Williamsburg
First Night Williamsburg is a family-oriented New Year's Eve celebration of the performing arts, presented in a number of venues within walking distance of historic Williamsburg's Merchants Square. Area entertainers perform vocal and instrumental music, dance, magic, storytelling, puppetry, juggling, clown acts and more. The Grand Finale at William and Mary's Zable Stadium, welcomes the New Year with a countdown and dazzling fireworks extravaganza at midnight.
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Additional Event Information - First Night Williamsburg Website.
First Night Winchester
First Night Winchester offers an array of performing artists, including country, classical, rock 'n' roll and jazz, big band, magicians, puppeteers, jugglers, story-telling, face painting, dancing and more. The festivities end with a party under the stars at midnight for the traditional Apple Drop countdown and fireworks show.
Winchester Hotels - Compare Prices for Winchester area hotels.
Additional Event Information - Visit the First Night Winchester Website.
More First Night Celebrations in the Southeast
Explore First Night celebrations in other southeastern states.
