Happy Holidays, Northern Virginia!
Hey guys!
New Year's is literally right around the corner. And if you're like me, you're probably still trying to figure out your plans…
So, to help you with that, I went ahead and pulled together everything you need to know about what’s going on around here.
Whether you wanna go out and celebrate big, do something fun with the family, or just kick off 2026 getting some fresh air, you’re covered.
Let’s jump into it!
—Chris Colgan
Ring in 2026: Three Ways to Celebrate
New Year's Eve Fireworks in Old Town Alexandria
New Year's Eve Parties & Events
Best for: Anyone who wants to party, dance, and celebrate with a crowd. Perfect if you want live music, themed fun, or a big night out.
New Year's Eve Masquerade Party
The Huntōn Restaurant at Hotel Burg, Leesburg • 8 PM to 1 AM • $180
Formal attire and masks required. Live music in the lounge, DJ on the second floor.
MORE DETAILS→
New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball
Shipgarten, McLean • December 31, 7 PM to 2 AM • Free
Sparkle in your fancy outfit with DJ Maskell, balloon drop, Times Square broadcast, free buffet 7-9 PM.
MORE DETAILS→
Dueling Pianos New Year's Eve
Rooftop Recess, Arlington • 7 PM • $41–$84
Singing and dancing to dueling pianos. VIP includes a three-course meal with crab bisque and steak au poivre.
MORE DETAILS→
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Old Town Alexandria (multiple viewing spots) • 7:30 PM and midnight • Free
Spectacular fireworks over the Potomac River, plus the First Night Alexandria festival with 30+ years of tradition.
MORE DETAILS→
Decades NYE Party
Starr Hill Brewpub, Tysons • 9 PM to 1:30 AM • $58–$115
Dress up in your favorite decade. 70s/80s hits, 90s/2000s tunes, today's tracks. Hors d'oeuvres and champagne toast.
MORE DETAILS→
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Family-Friendly "Noon Year's Eve"
Best for: Families with kids who want to celebrate without staying up until midnight. Perfect for little ones who need earlier bedtimes.
First Night Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria • Noon to midnight • $10, free for 2 and under
30+ years of tradition. Kids' activities at George Washington Masonic Memorial, 20+ acts of music/dance/comedy, fireworks at 7:30 PM.
MORE DETAILS→
Kids' New Year's Eve Party with Rumi and Spider-Man
Shipgarten, McLean • Noon to 6 PM • $12.51
Meet and greet at 3:15 PM, kiddo rave, petting zoo, face painting, magic show, balloon drop.
MORE DETAILS→
Noon Year's Eve Celebration (LEGO)
Springfield Town Center • 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM • $30–$37
LEGO Build, party favor, apple cider toast, digital photo pass.
MORE DETAILS→
West Falls' Noon Year's Eve
Commons Park, Falls Church • 11 AM to 1 PM • Free
DJ, photo booth, giant bubble party performer. Nearby restaurants for after.
MORE DETAILS→
The Rocknoceros New Year's Eve Ball
Jammin Java, Vienna • 11 AM • $15
Family music, share New Year's resolutions, apple juice toast, and the famous ball drop. 20th anniversary celebration.
MORE DETAILS→
Noon Year's Eve at Hanson Regional Park
Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, Aldie • 10:30 AM to noon • $5
Festive crafts, s'mores roasting, lawn games, bounce house, and countdown to 2026 at noon.
MORE DETAILS→
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Upscale Dining Reservations
Best for: Anyone who wants an unforgettable night out without dealing with cooking or crowds at home. Perfect if you're celebrating as a couple or want to impress your crew.
Alexandria Area
Mia's Italian Kitchen
100 King St.
Luxe veal chop parmigiana and Maine lobster ravioli with preserved lemon-caviar butter sauce. Toast with Canella Prosecco or Pinot Noir Brut Rosé.
MORE DETAILS→
Joe Theismann's Restaurant
1800A Diagonal Rd.
14-ounce whiskey-soy marinated drunken ribeye with garlic butter. La Marca Prosecco and Beau Joie Brut Champagne are flowing.
MORE DETAILS→
BARCA Pier
2 Pioneer Mill Way
Za'atar-spiced scallop and Aleppo shrimp surf and turf skewers, plus seared branzino with caponata.
MORE DETAILS→
Royal Restaurant
730 North Saint Asaph St.
Lobster thermidor with cognac sauce and cast-iron NY strip au poivre with rosemary butter and crispy Brussels sprouts.
MORE DETAILS→
The Majestic
911 King St.
Expertly crafted cocktails and hearty seasonal plates in Old Town style.
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Ada's on the River
3 Pioneer Mill Way
Miso-glazed Arctic char or 65-day aged American wagyu ribeye.
MORE DETAILS→
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Around NoVA
L'Auberge Chez François
Great Falls
Seven-course feast with award-winning decor, sparkling holiday lights, festive trees, and three roaring fireplaces.
MORE DETAILS→
Local Provisions
Sterling
Curated three-course special: lobster risotto, oven-roasted beef strip loin, warm chocolate cake. Regular seasonal menu available too.
MORE DETAILS→
2941
Falls Church
Four-course prix fixe at $165 per person. Charcoal-grilled Elkhorn oysters, butter-poached lobster, mushroom madeira raviolini, dry-aged wagyu ribeye.
MORE DETAILS→
Davio's
Reston
Three-course menu with lobster fettuccine, filet mignon, lump crab, saffron risotto, asparagus, béand arnaise. The regular menu is also available.
MORE DETAILS→
Divan
McLean
Award-winning Persian and Mediterranean dishes with complimentary prosecco toast and romantic candlelit ambiance.
MORE DETAILS→
Tuscarora Mill
Leesburg
Three-course prix fixe or a la carte. Seared jumbo scallops, duck breast, Chilean sea bass, rack of lamb, bison short ribs.
MORE DETAILS→
Brasserie Royale
Sterling
French-inspired classics with handcrafted cocktails in an elegant but lively setting.
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Palette 22
Arlington
Arlington's most artistic celebration. Brick oven pizza, pasta, seafood with champagne, and creative flair.
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Clarity
Vienna
Four-course prix fixe with amuse bouche, optional wine or whiskey pairing.
MORE DETAILS→
The Inn at Little Washington
Washington, VA
America 250 celebration "We The People..." - immersive colonial fantasy with candlelit splendor, period details, tasting menu.
MORE DETAILS→
Patty O's Café
Washington, VA
Five-course Champagne dinner timed so you're home by midnight. Oysters Rockefeller, truffled poulet à la crème or grilled king lamb chop.
MORE DETAILS→
🎥 5 Best Places to Live in
Northern Virginia in 2026
In this video, I’m breaking down the 5 Best Places to Live in Northern Virginia in 2026. From the tech-fueled growth in Arlington and the historic charm of Alexandria to the family-friendly vibes of Reston, Haymarket, and Loudoun County, I cover the data you need to make a smart decision.
💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?
Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content I’ve got you covered.
📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project
First Day Hikes: Start 2026 Right
Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge, VA
Best for: Anyone who wants fresh air, great views, and a healthy start to the new year. Perfect for families or if you need to work off those holiday meals.
Good to know: Free parking at all Virginia State Parks
Leesylvania State Park
2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge
Wetland Hike
Jan 1 | 9 AM to 10:15 AM
1.6-mile out-and-back with Powell's Creek, railroad, and wetland views.
Kid Sensory Hike
Jan 1 | 11 AM to 11:45 AM
0.4-mile family-friendly trail that's stroller accessible along the Potomac Trail.
Visitor Center open 9 AM to 4 PM for warm beverages and First Day Hike stickers.
Mason Neck State Park
7301 High Point Rd., Lorton
Sunrise Hike
Jan 1 | 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Ranger-led 3.6-mile hike through diverse terrains right after sunrise. Morning tranquility and sounds of nature coming to life.
Winter Tree ID Hike
Jan 1 | 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Slower-paced High Point Trail hike, learning tree identification and key identifiers.
Sky Meadows State Park
11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane
Leashed pets welcome on all hikes
Sunrise Hike
Jan 1 | 6 AM to 8 AM
1.5-mile moderate hike to Piedmont Overlook for the year's first sunrise - special significance as true start of New Year.
Bring: Headlamp or flashlight with red lens
Look to the Future, Walk Through the Past
Jan 1 | 1 PM
Family-friendly 2-mile Valley Trails hike exploring farming at Sky Meadows and future evolution.
Sweet Run State Park
11661 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro
11 miles of trails total. Meet at The Interpretive Center 15 minutes early for guided hikes.
Hike to Gordon Pond
Jan 1 | 10 AM to 1 PM
5-mile relaxed pace covering a variety of trails and terrains.
Good to know: Registration required, limited to 15 people
Family Friendly Mountain View Trail
Jan 1 | 2 PM to 3 PM
1-mile slow-paced hike perfect for kids. Learn how wildlife survives winter, pass Wortman Pond, and reach the scenic Mountain View Trail top.
101 Widewater State Park Rd., Stafford
Sunrise First Day Hike
Jan 1 | 7 AM to 9 AM
1.8-mile Holly Marsh Trail with sunrise over the Potomac River. Ranger shares wildlife insights.
Good to know: Registration required, arrive before 6:55 AM
Our Current Local Market Numbers
Washington DC’s market is still competitive. Median sale price hit $680K last month, up 2.3 percent year over year. Homes are selling in about 55 days on average, slower than last year. Total sales dipped 9.5 percent year over year. Price per square foot fell to $488, down 6.5 percent. Inventory is edging up while momentum softens. Could be a smart entry point if you’re ready.
For buyers: Rising inventory and slower days on market give you room to negotiate. Stay pre-approved and move when the right home pops up.
For sellers: Prices are still holding, but buyers expect value. Clean presentation, smart pricing, and strong agent strategy matter more than ever.
Alright, guys, that's your complete NoVA New Year's playbook.
Whether you're looking to party the night away, celebrate with the kids, dine in style, or start 2026 with some fresh air and exercise, now you've got solid options close to home.
Have an amazing New Year!
Be safe, have fun, and I’ll see you in the next one.
And don’t forget to tell me which one was your favorite. See ya!