Whether it’s dancing to your favorite cover band, dining out in style in one of our acclaimed restaurants, sipping craft cocktails in a late night lounge or cozying up in a country B&B, there are so many ways to ring in the New Year in Loudoun. Not all the fun has to happen at night. There are hiking trails to explore in the day, fun runs at your local brewery, museums and galleries to visit and coffee shops to get warm in with a hot chocolate or craft espresso. 

Happy New Year!

Preamble to the Party

There’s nothing like a little exercise to put you in the mood for the late night. How about a 0.5 km – yes half a kilometer – fun run for beer at Dynasty Brewing Company, Ashburn starting at 11 a.m., dubbed the Dynasty Beer Dash, the event is the final leg of the Virginia Brewery Running Series™ where 10 percent of the proceeds go to local non-profits. Tickets cost from $32 to $100 with all participants receiving cash to purchase the first beer, entry to a raffle and a limited edition 2023 season recap sweater.

Savor the Flavor of 2023

New Year’s Eve can be a classy culinary affair. Those who like an elegant dinner should book a table at AhSo, the brilliant wine and small plates eatery in Brambleton Plaza. The restaurant is hosting a four and six course New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu experience leading up to a champagne toast at midnight for the second seating, which starts at 6 p.m. The wine list is world-class and Chef Jason Maddens creates exquisite dishes such as crispy wild boar ribs and Chesapeake rockfish with spice-roasted cauliflower.

Then there’s Forbes Five-Star Salamander Middleburg. The resort hosts two glittering food forward events starting with a three-course dinner at fine dining restaurant Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill. Dishes include Ora King Salmon, drunken Wagyu beef, poached King Crab and Duck breast with Madeira wine sauce. The 5 p.m. seating costs $250 per guest and the 8 p.m. seating is $295 per guest.

The second seating includes entry to the resort’s other event: the Grand Salamander Party in the Living Room. The glitzy annual party features a live DJ, seafood, caviar and dessert stations and an outdoor vodka ice bar. The midnight toast comes with complimentary champagne and a balloon drop.

Groove Into the New Year

The clock strikes 12 five hours early in London hence the 7p.m. start of Vanish Farmwoods Brewery’s British New Year’s Eve Celebration. Winchester-based Brit-pop cover band Shag will play everything from Beatles, Stones and Blur to Queen and Bowie at the popular 63-acre farm brewery while revelers get to enjoy a full wine bar, 20 beers on tap, house-made cider and multiple food stands. Doors open earlier in the day at 1 p.m.

As for foot stomping parties, in downtown Leesburg Tally Ho’s New Year’s Eve Party never fails to deliver. The retro cinema turned live music venue will once again host popular East Coast 80s cover band The Reagan Years. Whoop and holler to the hits of Bon Jovi, Madonna, Joan Jett, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Journey and Guns ‘N Roses and don’t forget your acid-washed jeans and big, blow-dried hair.

Kid-Friendly New Year Celebration

Looking for something to do with the little ones? Start New Year's Eve off by visiting the 257-acre regional park in Aldie, Hal and Berni Regional Park, for their "Noon Year's Eve" celebration starting at 10:30a.m. It will be an afternoon full of festive crafts, activities and s'more's roasting at the small cost of $5 a person. 

If you plan on being at Salamander's grand salamander party, don't worry about finding a sitter as there will be a pajama jam party for the kiddos going on at the same time. In true party fashion, there will be a DJ playing live music and games going on all throughout the night. On the menu are kid favorites such as cheeseburger sliders, mac and cheese, pigs in a blanket and classic cheese & pepperoni pizza. New year themed mocktails will be available for consumption as well! 

A Cozy Night in the Country

If you’re visiting Loudoun, or even if you’re a resident and want to make a night of it, why not book a stay in one of our cozy bed and breakfasts for the evening?  

One suggestion is the historic Welbourne Inn outside Middleburg, a rustic, late 18^th- century manor house and horse farm owned by the descendants of Col. Richard H. Dulany, founder of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show. The house features five upper floor rooms (three with Queen canopy beds) and a large ground floor room just off the opulently furnished lounge filled with stunning antiques and oil paintings depicting hunt country scenes. The grand front porch is a popular spot for bourbon cocktails in the evening, often with your charming hosts.

Welbourne is just one of dozens of locally run bed and breakfasts in Loudoun. For a full list and to book a stay, visit our Bed & Breakfast page.