Whether it’s a run and a beer at your local brewery, dancing to your favorite cover band, dining out in style or cozying up in a country B&B, there are so many ways to ring in the New Year in Loudoun.
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 $30 to $100 with all participants receiving cash to purchase the first beer, entry to a raffle and a limited edition 2022 season recap sweater.
How about a bit of pre-evening family time – with a little carbo-loading? Take the kids to Wild Wood Pizza in the Village at Leesburg for the Kids Pizza Making Class from 12-1 p.m. The little ones learn to stretch dough, spread sauce and top their pies with blended cheese and pepperoni and you all get to eat the finished product. Good prep for the night ahead
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 8 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 Resort & Spa in 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 Lobster Risotto with White Alba Truffles.The 5 p.m. seating costs $195 per guest and the 8 p.m. seating is $325 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 11 a.m.
Several Loudoun restaurants get in on the live music New Year’s Eve action. In Ashburn, solo artist Chris Timbers entertains diners and drinkers at the intimate Social House Kitchen & Tap, while cover act the New Dominion Band performs classic rock, country, blues and soulful Motown covers Clyde’s at Willow Creek Farm in east Loudoun.
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.
At City Tap House in the One Loudoun complex, get ready to party like it's 1979 at a disco-themed dance bash. The evening will feature sparkling 70s décor, a photo booth, popcorn machine, food stations and DJ Carey spinning retro and current hits. Come dressed to dazzle in your most festive cocktail attire and ring in the New Year with a champagne toast for the ball drop. Tickets start at $42.40.
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 18th- 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.