(Updated at 11:10 a.m.) The biggest party night of the year is five days away, and several bars and restaurants in Arlington are hosting events to ring in 2014.
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) — The Drafthouse is hosting a 1980s-themed party with a DJ. For $15 tickets, bought in advance or at the door (cash only), guests will receive party favors with admission. The Times Square ball drop will be shown on the Drafthouse screen. Patrons must pay for food and drink at their tables. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Those under age 21 must be accompanied by a parent between 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. Only 21 and over permitted after 9:00 p.m.
Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) — Starting at 8:00 p.m., Clarendon Ballroom is hosting a prepaid-only party with music from Lost in Paris and DJ Bobby. Tickets are $75 and cover four drink tickets, a champagne toast, a dinner buffet, party favors and a balloon drop at midnight. The dress code is listed as “dress to impress.” Ticket prices may increase or tickets may sell out in advance.
Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street) — With live music from Gonzo’s Nose and DJ Tymez Square, Clarendon Grill’s New Year’s Eve celebration will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $65, but may increase or sell out. Admission includes three drink tickets, a champagne toast at midnight, hors d’oeuvres and party favors. Clarendon Grill’s outdoor patio will be open and heated for the night.
The Melting Pot (1110 N. Glebe Road) — The Melting Post is offering a four-course dinner for the holiday. For $68, customers will get a starting course of crab cheese fondue, a salad, and main course offerings including lobster tails, jumbo shrimp and two different types of sirloin steak. A champagne toast is included with the dessert course. Make a reservation in advance with OpenTable.
Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) — Signature Theatre is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash to go along with its currently running musical, Gypsy. For those who want to see Gypsy and stay after midnight, tickets start at $120 for subscribers and $164 for non-subscribers. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. After the show, starting at 10:30, there will be unlimited beer and wine, appetizers, desserts, a champagne toasts and Signature cocktails available for $8. Tickets for just the after party are $50 for subscribers and $75 for non-subscribers. Tickets for either can be bought at the theater’s box office or by calling 703-820-9771.
Crystal City Sports Pub (529 23rd Street S.) — An all-inclusive appetizer and dinner buffet with live music awaits guests on New Year’s Eve in Crystal City Sports Pub. For $49.99, appetizers begin at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner buffet is from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Jeff Miller Band will provide the live music, and there will be a champagne toast for those over 21 years old. Guests can also purchase a night in the Crystal City Radisson with their dinner for an extra $100. For reservations call 703-521-8215.
Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd) — Local band Back to Zero will play on the main stage during Whitlow’s New Year’s Eve bash. For $40, guests 21 and over will receive a champagne toast at midnight, coat check, and heavy appetizer buffet. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the event, starting at 9:00 p.m..
The Comedy Spot (Ballston Common Mall, 4238 Wilson Blvd) — A family-friendly comedy show gets started at 8:00 p.m. in The Comedy Spot. Presented by Comedy Sportz, tickets are $15 for this “PG-rated” comedy show and include party hats.
Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill (2424 Wilson Blvd) — For $35, revelers will be given one drink ticket, party favors, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at the Arlington Rooftop. There will be a balloon drop at midnight. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Doors open for the party at 9:00 p.m. and the bar will stay open until 2:00 a.m.
Jaleo Crystal City (2250 Crystal Drive) — Starting at 8:00 p.m. José Andrés’ Jaleo will be offering unlimited tasting of their Spanish tapas. A live band will perform starting at 10:00 p.m. and, at midnight, guests will be given a glass of cava and a dozen grapes, a Spanish New Year’s tradition. Guests can call 703-413-8181 or go online to make a reservation for the dinner, which costs $85.
Flickr photo by Dave Hunt