If your New Year’s resolution is to have more fun, why wait until January 1? Washington, DC has plenty planned for the last night of 2026, including live concerts, dance parties, special dinners, and a few good excuses to dress up.
At Capitol Hill Hotel, we’re always happy to help guests make the most of their time in the District. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Washington, DC, on New Year’s Eve, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to say goodbye to 2026 and hello to 2027.
Ring in 2027 With Live Music
DC’s music scene isn’t taking New Year’s Eve off.
Feeling nostalgic? Head to 9:30 Club for White Ford Bronco: DC’s All ’90s Band. Expect a crowd singing along to the biggest pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B hits of the decade. Doors open at 9 p.m., and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight is included.
Over at The Anthem, drag superstar, DJ, and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Trixie Mattel is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration. Doors open at 9 p.m., with the show starting at 10 p.m. Come ready to dance.
For something with a little more brass, The Hamilton Live is welcoming the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band. The New Orleans group brings its signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul to the stage for a 9 p.m. performance.
Make Dinner the Main Event
If there’s ever a night to splurge on dinner, December 31 is a pretty good contender. Plenty of DC restaurants celebrate with special menus, Champagne toasts, and a few surprises.
At Cuba Libre, dinner comes with a side of dancing. The Penn Quarter restaurant is ringing in 2027 with a four-course Cuban feast featuring duck croquettes, beef tenderloin, red snapper, and a decadent chocolate-and-rum dessert. The $105-per-person package also includes a DJ party and Champagne toast at midnight.
Capitol Hill has no shortage of restaurants worth celebrating at. Rose’s Luxury is a neighborhood favorite for its inventive dishes and lively dining room.
For a taste of the Mediterranean, Ambar on Barracks Row serves Balkan small plates that encourage sharing, sampling, and ordering just one more round.
And if your perfect New Year’s Eve calls for pasta and a glass of red wine, consider Caruso’s Grocery. The Italian-American restaurant delivers the kind of comforting meal that will lead you into 2027 with a full belly and an even fuller heart.
Watch Fireworks Over the Potomac
Want to start 2027 with a bang? Head across the river to Old Town Alexandria.
The City of Alexandria is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration on Thursday, December 31, 2026, at Waterfront Park. Festivities run from 7 p.m. until past midnight, with live entertainment and two fireworks displays: an early show for families and another at midnight.
Spend the afternoon exploring Old Town’s historic streets, grab dinner along King Street, and make your way toward the Potomac for the evening shows. For more information, visit the City of Alexandria’s holiday events page.
Explore DC Before the Countdown
Here’s a little New Year’s Eve planning tip: save some time for sightseeing.
Most of the Smithsonian museums remain open on December 31, and general admission is free. You can spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of American History, admiring art at the National Portrait Gallery, or wandering through the National Museum of Natural History.
Prefer some fresh air? Take a walk around the National Mall, visit the Lincoln Memorial, or admire the U.S. Capitol before the evening crowds arrive.
You can also explore the historic streets surrounding Capitol Hill Hotel. Stop by Eastern Market for a bite, browse neighborhood shops, and take your time planning the evening ahead.
New Year’s Day: Brunch, Anyone?
Made it to 2027? Congratulations. We think you’ve earned brunch.
For a classic start to the year, head to Minetta Tavern in Union Market. The New York institution’s DC outpost is serving New Year’s Day brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a great excuse to reminisce on last night’s shenanigans over a leisurely meal.
If getting dressed sounds like entirely too much effort, Teddy & The Bully Bar has an idea. The Dupont Circle restaurant is hosting a New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch, complete with a DJ, a contest for the best pajamas, and cash prizes. Brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so there’s no need to rush out of bed. Your New Year’s resolutions can wait until January 2.
Where to Stay for New Year’s Eve in Washington, DC
Planning a full night out? The last thing you’ll want to worry about is a long trip back to your room.
Capitol Hill Hotel makes a comfortable home base for your New Year’s Eve getaway. Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, our hotel puts you close to the National Mall, Eastern Market, and some of DC’s best restaurants and attractions.
Ready to make a weekend of it? Browse our latest hotel offers and start planning your New Year’s Eve stay in Washington, DC.
Here’s to a wonderful 2027!