Category Archives: Cool Yule News

Cool Yule Newsletter: January 2 – 8

Cool Yule News January 2, 2023

Hello and welcome to 2023! This year, many venues are extending their holiday events through January 8th. You can expect fewer crowds but still beautiful lights. And Epiphany is January 6! What will you see and do this week? I hope you have fun!

This Week’s Highlights

  • Today is Motivation and Inspiration Day! This is a great day to take one small step toward achieving your New Year’s resolutions.
  • Wednesday is Weigh-In Day.
  • The Twelve Days of Christmas started December 26 and ends on Epiphany, January 6.
  • Orthodox Christmas celebrations take place this week.

In the Shopping Cart

  • Order a French-style King Cake for Epiphany from La Madeleine or any French bakery.
  • Add a planner to your cart and be organized all year in 2023.
  • Look for markdowns on Christmas items and winter apparel.
  • Fitness bands are inexpensive and an easy way to keep fit with resistance training.

Recycle Your Tree and Christmas Greenery

  • Check your jurisdiction for instructions on how to recycle your real Christmas tree and local collection dates. Fairfax County accepts trees that are free from decorations and tinsel and that are not flocked.
  • You can compost tissue paper, holly and mistletoe. If you don’t have a compost bin at your home, you can take these items to a composting collection site.

Things to Do

These events are held nightly this week:

  • Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA. 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. More than 500,000 LED lights and displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland, including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights, two-story animated fountain, and Gingerbread Village. The price of this event ranges from $16 to $20. Advance registration is recommended.
  • Bull Run Festival of Lights. Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville. 2.5 mile drive-through light display, walk-around winter carnival and Holiday Village with attractions, s’mores and Santa Claus. Fee per car.
  • Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run. Alexandria, VA. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. nightly. Admission to village is $10. Skating and admission is $22 and tickets must be purchased online in advancel. 55×80’ Real Ice Rink, 20’ Walk thru Tree, 100’ RGB Lighted Tunnel, lit trees and winter displays, Fire Pits, Heated Igloos, Wreath Photo Op, Bling & Things Retail Shop, Slice & Ice- Pizza, donuts & more.

Monday, January 2 

  • Christmas Town Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is open 4 pm – 9 pm tonight.

Tuesday, January 3 Quadranids Meteor Showers

Wednesday, January 4  Weigh In Day

  • Perihelion Day at 11:17 am closest to the Sun

Friday, January 6  Epiphany, Full Moon

  • Christmas Town Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is open 4 pm – 9 pm tonight.
  • Full Moon Nature Hike and Campfire, Lake Fairfax, 5 pm $10

Saturday, January 7

  • Christmas Town Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is open 2 pm – 9 pm tonight.

Sunday, January 8

  • Christmas Town Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is open 4 pm – 9 pm tonight and tonight is the final night of the season.
  • Last night to see Meadowlark Gardens Winter Walk of Lights, Bull Run drive-through lights in Manasass and the lights and skating at Cameron Run in Alexandria.

And so ends another Cool Yule! Please join me in September at Autumn in Virginia to celebrate the best of fall and in November for more Cool Yule Blog. Thank you for reading. Take care and have a wonderful year.  — Mary

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Happy New Year!

Cool Yule News January 1, 2023

Happy New Year! I hope you rang in the New Year happy and healthy. Blessings to you and your loved ones in 2023. If you are looking for ideas of things to do today and this week, check out the Calendar. Best wishes for a joyful New Year’s Day…Mary

Wishing you the Happiest New Year’s Eve!

Cool Yule News December 31, 2022

It’s that time again! Time to say goodbye to 2022 and hello to the fresh promise of a new year.

I hope you find a way to celebrate that’s just right for you this evening, whether it’s a big party or a quiet evening at home.

If you would like to make some plans for today or the rest of next week, check out the calendar.

Let’s all say a silent prayer or send our best wishes around the world tonight…for others, and also for ourselves. I hope 2023 brings us all peace, prosperity and good health.

It’s traditional to ring a bell at midnight to ring in the New Year! And it’s also traditional to sing Auld Lang Syne.

Wishing you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve! — Mary

 

Cool Yule Newsletter: December 26 – Jan 1

Cool Yule News December 26, 2022

Happy Almost New Year! This week is full of fun events and things to do.

This Week…

  • Today is the First Day of Christmas and the last night of Hanukkah.
  • Today is also Boxing Day and the first day of Kwanzaa.
  • See my article on fun things to do on New Year’s Eve.
  • Look online for free resolutions lists and New Year’s games you can download and print.
    The movie New Year’s Eve is free to watch on TubiTV and it’s the “RomCom” of the week!
  • If you’ve had enough of cold weather, just wait! In Virginia, weather temperatures this week will rise to the mid to upper 60s by New Year’s Eve!

In the Shopping Cart

  • 2023 calendars and planners!
  • A fun thing to have is a 2023 sign. They have plenty of inexpensive ones at Party City and other party supply stores. Hold it for a fun social media profile photo.
  • Champagne Toast from Bath and Body Works is a light and flirty fragrance of champagne, berries and tangerine and is perfect for New Year’s Eve! It just smells happy 🙂 And a big plus, no hangover with this kind of champagne!
  • Don’t forget to buy black-eyed peas and collard greens for those of you who eat them for luck on New Year’s Day. Some people eat 12 grapes at midnight, a Spanish custom.
  • For at-home entertaining or a quiet New Year’s Eve in, stock up on sparkling beverages, crackers, cheese, a great dessert, and maybe a few party hats, tiaras and decorations.

Things to Do

See the Calendar for details about these and other events. This your last chance to see the National Christmas Tree, Capitol Tree, Winter Walk of Lights and other light attractions this week.

Tuesday, December 27. Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day.

  • STEM Art: Snowflakes. 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Fairfax Regional Library, Fairfax, VA. Children ages 5 to 9. Free but registration required.

Friday, December 30 5th Day of Christmas. Plan Your Resolutions Day.

  • Let’s Party! Children 7 to 11 years old will learn how plan, decorate and serve refreshments at this early New Year’s Eve gathering at Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, 9 am – 4 pm. $50/for Reston kids/$75 for non-Reston-residing kids.

Saturday, December 31  New Year’s Eve

  • Kings Dominion Winterfest (Doswell, VA near Ashland and Richmond).
  • First Night Alexandria in Old Town is on for this year!
  • Party like it’s the ’80s at the sports bar, Ned Devine’s Irish Gastro Pub, with the throwback band, The Reflex. 9:30 pm – Midnight. 2645 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA.
  • A New Year’s Eve Maggiano’s Murder Mystery Dinner Event. 6:30 pm – 12:30 am. Maggiano’s Little Italy. Tysons II Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA. Tickets $125.
  • The musical Wicked is playing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The musical performance, A Jazz New Year’s Eve, plays at 7 pm and 9 pm.

Sunday, January 1 7th Day of Christmas. Happy New Year!

  • First Day Hikes and activities at Virginia State Parks state-wide and Lake Fairfax in Reston, VA.

Have a blessed New Year and look for more events next week as we wrap up the final days of the holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

Cool Yule News December 25, 2022

My best wishes to you and your loved ones for a Merry Christmas!

If you are looking for things to do today, check out the Calendar.

Have a Cool Yule! Love, Mary

Have a Merry Christmas Eve!

Cool Yule News, Libations December 24, 2022

Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmas Eve celebrations today!

Just a reminder, if you would like some fresh air, consider going to see Santa and his water skiing elves at the Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Waterfront at 1 pm today.

There are so many options for today; if you need some ideas, please check out the calendar.

Oh, and did you know that today is also Egg Nog day? Here is a recipe if you would like to make some from scratch.

Creamy Holiday Eggnog (from the Pillsbury Kitchen Cookbook, out of print)

Gather: Electric hand mixer, mixing bowl, punch bowl

Ingredients:

  • 6 pasteurized eggs, separated
  • 1/3 cup of sugar or honey
  • 5 cups of milk (or lactose-free milk)
  • 1 tablespoon of rum extract
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of whipping cream (1/2 pint carton)
  • Nutmeg

Directions: In a large bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add yolks and sugar, beat well. Stir in milk, rum extract and vanilla extract. Chill in refrigerator. Just before serving, whip whipped cream and fold into mixture. Pour all into a punch bowl and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Cheers!

Cool Yule Newsletter: December 19 – 25

Cool Yule News December 19, 2022 1 Comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we move toward the celebration of Christmas, there are so many treats in store. I am looking forward to the Solstice, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And Hanukkah is going on all week, as well!

Wow, Can You Believe It’s Almost Christmas?!?
  • Only six more days until Christmas!
  • Today is Holly Day. What a good day to put a wreath on your door!
  • Here’s an idea: drive around your neighborhood at night and look at the lights with Christmas music on the radio on Tuesday, December 20 – Go Caroling Day.
  • Do you love to bake? Bake cookies and share them with neighbors or coworkers on Thursday, December 22 – Christmas Cookie Exchange Day.
  • I love Christmas movies!! Snuggle up and watch your favorite movies this Friday, December 23 – Christmas Movie Marathon Day.
  • Temperatures will turn bitterly cold later this week. It’s a good idea to fill your gas tank and put a winter emergency kit in your car before Thursday.
  • See the Waterskiing Santa and his elves on Saturday, December 24 at 1 pm at the Alexandria Waterfront.
  • Watch the NORAD Santa tracker online on Christmas Eve. Updates on Facebook and Twitter, too, if you follow them!
Get Well Wishes

My mom was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia last night. I would be so grateful if you would say a prayer for her or send good wishes for her recovery. Thank you! ♡ 

Mom making her purchases at The Christmas Mouse

As you have doubtless heard on the news, there are many children and adults who are now ill with the flu, RSV or Covid (some have all three). Virginia’s flu rates are very high right now. Please take care of yourselves, consider taking recommended precautions, and let’s all say a prayer (or send good wishes for recovery) for those who may not be feeling well this week.

In the Shopping Cart

Early this week would be a good time to stock up on necessities because it’s going to get pretty cold later this week. Don’t forget cocoa and marshmallows!

Winter Candy Apple soap and bath products. If you want to feel extra Christmasy, I have a scent for you. The scent of the week is Winter Candy Apple, and like a holly berry, it comes in packaging that is red, red, red. It smells delicious! I bought this to put in my son’s stocking.

Lactaid Brand Egg Nog. Christmas Eve is Eggnog Day! I love egg nog but it upset my tummy. Now I drink the Lactaid brand with zero problems. I mix it with lactose-free milk because the nog is very rich and sweet and top it with nutmeg. Try putting a little in pancake mix, cookie batter or coffee.

Hershsey’s Caramel Syrup. Did you know that December 25 is also Pumpkin Pie Day? I figured out a trick to make store-bought pie taste amazing. After you put on the whipped cream, lightly drizzle the pie with Hershey’s Caramel Syrup. This adds very few calories and it does something magical to the flavors, balancing and blending them to be even more delicious!

Observing the Solstice

As the longest night of the year is upon us on December 21st, the moon will be a whisper of a crescent in the sky. Ancient pagan peoples observed this day as a solar festival. They burned great fires — these became Yule logs.

We owe so many of our modern Christmas traditions to ancient pagan celebrations so why not acknowledge these traditions tonight?

 

Tonight would be an excellent night to enjoy a yule log cake or “buche de Noel,” light candles, and relax by an real or video fire. Learn how to make a Yule Log

Blue Christmas

December 21st is also the annual observance of Blue Christmas. Life is not perfect and many people become sad or depressed around the holidays. Blue Christmas is a day set aside acknowledge these feelings and to grieve and honor our departed loved ones. It can also be a time to grieve losses of any kind, such as ended relationships or jobs, perhaps, so you can move on to brighter opportunities in the New Year.

Tonight, light a blue or white candle to remember anyone you lost this year, or any person for whom you continue to mourn.

I will be lighting a candle for my Aunt Bev, who died this year from Covid, and my former brother-in- law, Doug, who passed this year after a long struggle with cancer. Rest in peace, Doug and Aunt Bev.

Read more about celebrating a Blue Christmas.

Make Reservations Now for Christmas Eve Feasts!

Several area Italian restaurants in DC and Northern Virginia are offering a traditional Italian-American “Feast of Seven Fishes” on Christmas Eve, including Piero’s Corner in Herndon. For an unforgettable dining experience, make your reservations now!

Reserve your Christmas Eve feast at Wellington’s Restaurant found at the 4 star Westfield’s Marriott in Chantilly — offering a lavish dinner of Caesar Salad, soup, Prime Rib and choice of dessert on Christmas Eve for $39 per person. Call (703) 818-0300 for reservations.

Events This Week!

Monday, December 19

  • “Frosty” Live musical theater production for families. 4 pm – 5:30 pm. McLean Community Center’s Alden Theatre. 1234 Ingleside. McLean, VA. Tickets $10.

Saturday, December 24. Christmas Eve

  • Carolers with 42nd Street Singers. 11 am – 2 pm. Fairfax Corner (shopping center). 4100 Monument Corner Drive. Fairfax, VA. Last minute shoppers can get free gift wrapping with purchase from 11 am – 2 pm and free cocoa while waiting.
  • Water-skiing Santa and company…Alexandria Waterfront – 1 pm, with meet and greet by the waterfront Christmas tree. Masks are requested to be worn. Expect the Grinch!
  • 11:30 pm: Christmas Eve Mass (with the Pope) – NBC (also broadcast live online on YouTube)

Sunday, December 25 Merry Christmas!

  • Have fun but stay warm! Temperatures may be frigid. These attractions are open all this week and on Christmas Day…
    • Meadowlark Garden Winter Walk of Lights is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Vienna.
    • Bull Run Festival of Lights (drive-through) is open 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Bull Run Regional Park, Centreville.
    • Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run. Alexandria, VA. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Admission to village is $10. Skating and admission is $22 and tickets must be purchased online in advance. 55×80’ Real Ice Rink, 20’ Walk thru Tree, 100’ RGB Lighted Tunnel, lit trees and winter displays, Fire Pits, Heated Igloos, Wreath Photo Op, Bling & Things Retail Shop, Slice & Ice- Pizza, donuts & more.
    • Skating at Reston Town Center, Pentagon Row and indoor ice rinks.
I wish you a Merry Christmas, a blessed Yule and a Happy Hanukkah. Thank you for sharing the holidays with me. There’s more Cool Yule to come! New Year’s Eve is on its way.– Mary

Crunch Day! 10 Things for Your To-Do List on the Last Day of School Before Break

Cool Yule News, Shopping December 16, 2022

Okay, folks, this is IT! This is the last and best day to get ready for Christmas.

Why? Why today? I’m telling you why. In case this day sneaked up on you.

  • If you have kids, this is likely the last day they are in school until January 3. And then, and then, parents, it is two whole weeks of togetherness.
  • If you don’t have kids, this is the last day you will have any semblance of peace while shopping in a relatively child-free store until January 3.

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on Pexels.com

So, here is my checklist of 10 Must-Do Things for today. Hopefully, this will help you get ready for Christmas and New Year’s Eve this year.

First of all, today is Ugly Sweater Day, so break out that Ugly Christmas or Hanukkah sweater because today is going to be a busy day!

  1. If you have done everything already, congratulations to you for being so organized! Treat yourself! Enjoy a day of uninterrupted work, play, self-care or relaxation! 
  2. Send in or drop off teacher presents. If you can’t manage a present, send a card.
  3. Tip your helpers, including childcare workers, house cleaners, pet sitters and groomers, hair stylists, etc. Give an extra amount of tip to servers working this week.
  4. Stock up on supplies. Folks are home longer than usual, so you’ll use up stuff more quickly. Buy extra toilet paper, hand soap, kleenex, paper towels, printer paper and ink, face masks, cough drops, snacks and groceries. 
  5. Finish your Christmas shopping — gifts and stocking stuffers. If you don’t have one already, you might want to get a 2023 calendar or planner for yourself. Don’t forget tape for gift wrapping!
  6. Wrap your presents. Hide them, if needed. 
  7. Mail Packages and greeting cards because today is really the last sane day to go to the post office.
  8. Finalize your plans for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. See the Cool Yule Calendar for ideas! Make restaurant and hotel reservations, if needed.
  9. Decide what you’ll wear for special days (like worship services, holiday parties and New Year’s) and see if anything needs ironing or cleaning. 
  10. Book your babysitters and petsitters for dates through January 3 (and beyond).

 

Cool Yule Newsletter: December 12 – 18

Cool Yule News December 12, 2022

I hope this week finds you full of holiday spirit! There’s so much to look forward to: Hot Cocoa Day, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and the first night of Hanukkah, among other special times.

Holiday Deadlines…
  • Today is the last day to donate a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots. In Fairfax County, drop off your toy at any participating fire station or drop-off location.
  • This Saturday is Wreaths Across America. If you would like to volunteer to help lay wreaths at the tombstones in Arlington Cemetery on Saturday morning, please follow this link to register for an available time slot. There will also be wreath layings in other area cemeteries, including Richmond, Alexandria, Herndon, Quantico, Culpepper, Amelia, Hampton and other locations nationwide (see website).
  • Saturday is the USPS recommended deadline for mailing holiday greeting cards and packages by standard delivery, first class mail.
In the Shopping Cart
  • It’s not an Ugly Sweater, technically, but I found a soft and cuddly holiday decorated sweatshirt to keep my elderly mom warm and in the holiday spirit. They are on sale for $15 at Cracker Barrel, while supplies last.
  • Russet potatoes for latkes at the end of this week.
Special Days and Events
Happy Poinsettia Day!

Many stores offer nice poinsettias at an affordable price. They are a cheerful seasonal gift and can brighten the room of a home-bound senior or nursing home resident, your clients or anyone who needs a lift today. Learn how to care for a poinsettia.

Tuesday is Cocoa Day

I will be sharing some ideas for an at-home or at-work Cocoa Bar tomorrow.

Friday is Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Do you have an Ugly Sweater yet? If you don’t, hop to it, because this Friday is Ugly Sweater Day! That means, of course, an over-the-top, decorated Christmas or Hanukkah sweater. I saw loads of these at Marshall’s and Wal-Mart, or you can go for an authentic vintage one at area thrift stores.

Saturday is Wreaths Across America
Hanukkah Begins on Sunday

Hannukah begins at sundown on Sunday, the 18th. Happy Hannukah to all who celebrate it!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

On the final Sunday of Advent, it is traditional to light four candles, the fourth Candle representing Peace. How fitting, then, to take a look at the Nativity story, which is the focus of my Advent post this week. Hopefully, you can find some time for quiet reflection.

Friday, December 16

  • Grinchmas Holiday Plaza Party at Fairfax Corner, 5 pm – 8 pm. Check in at the welcome tent at the Plaza for free, while supplies last, light up necklaces, green plush hats and glow in the dark cups, complimentary drink voucher, DJ and s’mores making, plus meet Mr. Grinch (really seems to be more of an adult event than for the kiddos!) 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax, VA.
  • Celebration Station at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Evening attraction: see holiday lights, ride the Holiday Express train and Caroler’s Carousel. 6 pm to 9 pm. $10. Register online.

Saturday, December 17 

  • National Wreaths Across America Day begins at 8 am. Volunteers are needed to lay wreaths in Arlington Cemetery (and cemeteries around the United States). To sign up for a time slot, visit this link.
  • Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Daytime attraction: ride the Holiday Express Train and Caroler’s Carousel, play Gingerbread Man’s Mini Golf, visit with Santa, hot chocolate and more. 11 am – 5 pm. $15 advance; $20 walk-up. Register online.
  • Holiday Musical Performances at Reston Town Center Park. 11:30 am – 4:30 pm. Reston Town Center, Reston, VA (outdoors). Free, all ages.
  • Herbs and Spices for the Holidays.  2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Oakton Library, Oakton, VA. Peggy Riccio explains the origins of allspice, cinnamon, clove and other holiday herbs and spices, and how to use them in your home. Adults. Free, no registration required.
  • Celebration Station at Burke Lake Park. 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA. Evening attraction: see holiday lights, ride the Holiday Express train and Caroler’s Carousel. 6 pm to 9 pm. $10. Register online.
  • The Sweetback Sisters perform holiday songs and country tunes on the Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage in Washington, DC at 6 pm. Free tickets but you must reserve in advance. Or you can watch the performance online during the livestream.

Sunday, December 18

Thank you for reading and being a part of Cool Yule! — Mary

 

Make Plans Now For These New Year’s Eve Events

Cool Yule News, New Year's December 10, 2022

Before you know it, New Year’s Eve will be here! With a little planning, you can attend one of these fabulous events to ring in 2023. Which sounds the most wonderful to you? All events take place on December 31, 2022 (naturally!)

Washington, DC
  • Black Tie Gala at the Hotel Willard Intercontinental. Expect a well-dressed crowd of young professionals. $145 desserts until midnight (no dinner), open bar, dancing to DJs and live bands, party favors, champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. Pay more to get in earlier with dinner options.
  • A Night at the Kennedy Center The musical Wicked is playing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm. The musical performance, A Jazz New Year’s Eve, plays at 7 pm and 9 pm.
Chevy Chase, MD
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
  • The Greenbrier resort features a whole day of New Year’s Eve activities for registered guests, including an early morning Fun Run, an afternoon Champagne tasting and two parties, one for kids and one for adults. The Frosted in Diamonds event is $225/person, plus tax and gratuity, and features multiple food stations, a live band, dancing and a champagne drop. The children’s party is $125/child between ages 6 and 12.
Alexandria, VA
  • First Night Alexandria in Old Town is back this year after a hiatus for the pandemic. The musical performances are indoors and you will need a pass for that ($50 for adults, less for others). The “party” is on the plaza in front of Town Hall (you will also need the pass for that) BUT those fireworks are free! There will be fireworks at midnight for about ten minutes, best visible from the waterfront parks and the Masonic Memorial in Old Town.
  • Ice and Lights at the Winter Village at Cameron Run. Ice skating, lights, food and more until 10 p.m. Tickets: $8-$20. Cameron Run Regional Park 4001 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304.
Arlington, VA
  • Masquerade-themed New Year’s Eve Party at Clarendon Ballroom. Tickets start at $45 (Coat Check $10) and include live entertainment, party favors and Champagne toast. 9 pm – 1 am. 3185 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington

Falls Church City

Herndon, VA
  • Party like it’s the ’80s at the sports bar, Ned Devine’s Irish Gastro Pub, with the throwback band, The Reflex. 9:30 pm – Midnight. 2645 Centreville Road, Herndon, VA. (This is the shopping center with the big clock).
McLean, VA
Vienna, VA
  • Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, Vienna, VA. 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. More than 500,000 LED lights and displays transform the gardens into a winter wonderland, including a flowing stream of softly glowing lights, two-story animated fountain, and Gingerbread Village. The price of this event ranges from $16 to $20. Advance registration is recommended.
Doswell, VA
  • Kings Dominion Winterfest* (Doswell, VA near Ashland and Richmond) is a fantastic, family-friendly New Year’s Eve experience! Expect ice skating (for a fee), amusement park rides, discounts on holiday merchandise in the gift shops, musical performances and fireworks at midnight. I went last year and had a wonderful time.
Nellysford, VA
Williamsburg, VA
  • Williamsburg Inn New Year’s Eve Celebration – An elegant night featuring an 8-course dinner, wine, champagne toast. $275/person, plus tax and gratuity.
  • Colonial Williamsburg Community Celebration – this free, outdoor festival held in a heated tent on the grounds of the Art Msueums of Colonial Williamsburg, with live music, televisions for the ball drop, and beverages fro purchase. 301 S. Nassau Street.
  • Busch Gardens Christmas Town is open until 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Virginia Beach, VA
  • Last Night on the Town is a free street festival and concert, with family and kids activities from 6 pm to 8 pm and bands and parties from 8 pm – to the midnight countdown with Virginia Beach Ball Drop.
Chincoteague, VA
  • Pony Island Horseshoe Drop – Festivities begin at 11 pm at this parade and street festival, featuring a costume parade (this year’s theme is “Cowboy Culture”), music, dancing and a horseshoe drop at midnight. Robert Reed Downtown Waterfront Park. Stick around for the Polar Pony Plunge on New Year’s Day as costumed brave souls plunge into the icy Atlantic waters at 1:23 p.m.