The new year is just hours away, here’s how to celebrate the occasion.
WASHINGTON — Day 365 is finally here and 2026 is just hours away. Here are some ways you can celebrate with fireworks to ring in the new year.
The Washington Monument will light up for a New Year’s Eve projection show to celebrate the 250th anniversary celebrations. The event begins New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025, with a special countdown moment marking the official arrival of America’s 250th year. The opening night presentation will feature a 250-foot birthday candle effect illuminating the monument as the clock turns to midnight, serving as a symbolic national kickoff to the anniversary year. Projections will continue through Jan. 5 between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria will also have two firework shows, one at 7:30 p.m. and another at midnight. Viewers can catch the show from these areas:
- Canal Center Plaza
- Rivergate Park (2 Montgomery Street)
- Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street)
- Founders Park (351 N Union Street)
- Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street)
- Windmill Hill Park (501 S Union Street)
- Ford’s Landing Boardwalk (99 Franklin Street)
- Jones Point Park (Jones Point Drive)
- George Washington Masonic Temple (101 Callahan Drive)
The National Harbor will also host an ice show through Jan. 4. The theme is The Polar Express, which is the first time the theme is at the National Harbor.
Lastly, if you’re looking for an earlier start to the new year, the Capitals are hosting the New York Rangers this afternoon at 12:30 p.m. at Capital One. Tickets are still on sale here.
For a list of full events at D.C. for New Year’s Eve, visitors can go here.