New Years is a singular holiday. It is essentially void of the commercialism found in its predecessors in November and December. New Years is not followed by Black Friday; it has no invented mascot of gift giving. It is unique in its basis on the family and friends it is spent with. No presents are given or received, with the exception of a kiss at the end of the evening, if you are lucky enough to get it. The idea of the New Year is a hopeful one; resolutions are often made but seldom kept. Even so, a holiday centered on the idea of self improvement can’t be all that bad, right?

Often people find that they are overwhelmed and exhausted by the time this day approaches, but they should not be so quick to overlook it. This year why not expend some time and energy on this holiday and make it a memorable one. In a city like ours we have an abundance of diversions just a short metro ride away – take in a show, treat you and your loved ones to a fancy meal, or just let loose and dance the night away.

There are many restaurants, bars, clubs, and venues that host special New Years Eve events. These typically require advance ticket purchases, which can be anywhere from $20-$300 depending on just how upscale you want  to go.

MUSIC & THEATER:
The Kennedy Center offers a chance to satisfy the creative and musically-inclined mind with “A Jazz New Year’s Eve” concert at either 7:30 or 9:30 p.m. Entertainer Patti Austin and her band interpret some of the Gershwin brothers most notable compositions. After the concert the center’s Grand Foyer serves as a dance floor with live music right up until the stroke of midnight.

If you are looking for something a bit more unusual to do for your evening, go no further than the always quirky Black Cat, where Peaches O’Dell and her orchestra will host a New Year’s Eve Ball. O’Dell is a born entertainer decked out in an outrageous assortment of costumes while an eclectic arrangement of the world’s greatest swing dance music is played. The burlesque show and dance offers romantic tunes from the 1930s-40s, rumbas, tangos, jump swing, Hollywood hits, 1920s cha-cha, as well as 50’s classics.

New Year’s Eve is a chance to take a step outside the overplayed Top 40 music and treat your ears to long-lost favorites, or new and unusual genres. DAR Constitution Hall brings back that always interesting combination of funk and psychedelic music with George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic’s colorful show. Blues Alley satisfies your hunger for good food and soulful music with a special dinner and the sounds of Ahmad Jamal & the Keter Betts Memorial Band. At the 9:30 Club Chuck Brown, the self-proclaimed “Godfather of Go-Go,” performs with a guest appearance by Sugar Bear and opener Mambo Sauce.

THEMED EVENTS:
Concerts, dancing, a good meal – if you are not quite sure what you want to do with your evening, the Carnegie Library has organized an event for even the most indecisive personalities. The “Mad, Mad Masquerade” lineup includes music from Scythian, a dynamic live local band, 80’s cover band Reflex, New Orleans-style jazz from Yamomanem, and hip-hop DJ duo Beat Tactics. Additionally movies will show in a basement theatre and a world-class magician will be on hand to entertain while you sip a drink from the bar and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and food from the buffet. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Sunday best and if the mood strikes you: a mask.

The Marriott Wardman Park Hotel hosts their New Years Eve Global Gala which certainly lives up to its name with nine themed party areas with unique food and drinks in each section. Chicago, Jamaica, France, Havana, New York, Las Vegas, Japan, Ireland, and Kentucky are all represented with dancing, games, and live music all playing a part in the evening. One ticket (general admission $164, VIP $225, some discounted tickets available) gets you into all the events, culminating with a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight.

Social butterflies will enjoy the annual “Downtown Countdown” event, held this year in the Washington Convention Center. Mix, mingle, and dance to the sounds of live music and DJs with the city’s largest balloon drop at midnight. Big Night DC held at the Westin City Center boasts eight themed areas with three bands and two DJs, a ballroom, mock casino-style gambling, and an impressive buffet. Attendees at this event continue to impress each year with outrageously creative black tie gowns and suits. Hotel Washington is giving one Last Hurrah on this December 31 as it will be the last chance to see the hotel before it is closed while being transformed into a sleek new “W” Hotel during 2008. The event includes ballroom and salsa dance lessons, DJs and comedians in addition to drinks and dinner.

DINNERS:
If fine dining is more your style, use the evening as a chance to indulge. DC is home to some of the most brilliant chefs in the world serving up a variety of dishes in various styles from French elegance to spicy New Orleans. The Four Seasons Hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves their seven course set menu dinner at 7 p.m. featuring regional and seasonal ingredients and also offering choices for vegetarians and children. The Blue Duck Tavern at the Park Hyatt Washington tackles American cuisine with dishes utilizing farmland ingredients. The Tavern offers an extensive wine list and is a perfect option for large groups or families with an à la carte menu allowing everything to be ordered family-style to share.

Acadiana, Le Paradou, and 1789 Restaurant are three fine holiday dining options each with a unique flavor. Acadiana, inspired by all things southern, is a busy, bustling atmosphere with bold and flavorful menu and décor. The chic French restaurant, Le Paradou, is an impressive and celebrated setting with an upscale menu crafted by executive chef Yannick Cam, a familiar name to food enthusiasts. 1789 is the stateliest of the three, alluding to DC’s political history in the architecture and décor with an imaginative seasonal menu of classic dishes.

FAMILY FRIENDLY:
Although New Year’s is by default a holiday for grown ups and night owls, there are some options for families with little ones in tow. Glenn Echo Park is the perfect place to bring kids (just make sure they have had a nap first!) with live music from New York City band, George Gee and the Jump Jivin’ Wailers. The young and the young at heart can try their hand at swing dancing with lessons at the beginning of the evening and practice their newly-learned skills to music throughout the night. If you’re looking to celebrate earlier in the evening, bring your young ones to the National Archives for a “Book of Secrets” treasure hunt. Exercise your brain by solving mysteries, decoding messages, and exploring our nation’s history. The event is free and appropriate for children of all ages.

If you are more comfortable staying in your little niche of the city, drop by your local café, bar, tavern, or restaurant, as no location is too small for a proper New Year’s Eve celebration. The most important part of this, and any holiday, should always be who you spend it with. If you are lucky enough to have the means to make your New Years Eve and extravagant and outrageous night to remember, DC is certainly a city with limitless options.