There's no better way to ring in the New Year than celebrating with your closest family and friends. We’ve gathered the top New Year’s Eve events (and events hosted a day early on Dec. 30, noted below) taking place throughout Hampton Roads that are sure to entertain all age groups. These exciting local countdown celebrations range from cookie parties at local libraries to an all out 12-hour New Year’s Eve bash. Check out our list below to find the best family-friendly festivities taking place near you.
Hampton
Downtown Hampton New Year's Eve Block Party
This "Disco Inferno" New Year's Eve Block Party brings funk music to the streets of Downtown Hampton with DJ Taylor Haycox as well as food from vendors and restaurants open along Queens Way. When the clock strikes at midnight there will be a crab pot drop from the top of the Old Point National Bank headquarters. This event will begin at 6 p.m.
Newport News
Stellar Noon Year’s Eve
The Virginia Living Museum invites you and your family to kick-off the New Year at a space adventure-themed celebration. Meet characters from your favorite outer space movies and enjoy a variety of fun and stellar activities. Galactic costumes are encouraged. Admission to the event is included with the purchase of a museum ticket. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Norfolk
New Year’s Bubble Bash
Norfolk’s Blyden Branch public library is swapping out champagne bubbles for the real deal with their countdown to noon bubble blower celebration on Dec. 30. After the noon countdown, kids can enjoy an hour of music, crafts, punch and cookies. The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. and is free to the public.
New Year’s Eve Family Lunch
Embark on a two-hour long, family-friendly New Year’s Eve lunch cruise with Spirit Cruises. Enjoy dancing and a signature lunch buffet including salads, pasta, surf-and-turf entrees and a plethora of desserts. Boarding begins at 11 a.m. The cruise will sail from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at $48.90 for adults and $28.95 for children.
New Year’s Eve Celebration! at Dickens Christmas Towne
From noon to 5 p.m., celebrate the New Year with Geoffrey the talking tree, magicians, performances at the Pickwick Puppet Theater and more at Dickens Christmas Towne at Decker Half Moone Center. Tickets must be purchased at the door and are $5 per person. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
Portsmouth
New Year’s Eve Bash: Countdown to Noon
Face painting, magic, balloon-making and a glittery ball drop are several ways to ring in the New Year at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center’s Countdown to Noon event. Kids will also be able to create their own fireworks by walking on the “carpet of bubbles” after the Noon Year arrives. The event will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Old Towne Scottish Walk
Join the procession of families, friends, visitors and bagpipe-and-drum performers in Old Towne Portsmouth to wish good luck and prosperity to the upcoming year. This event inspired by the Scottish Hogmanay Festival will begin at 4 p.m. at the Monumental United Methodist Church, at the corner of Queen and Washington Streets. The celebratory walk begins 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 757-650-3052.
Suffolk
Noon Year’s Eve
Celebrate the commencement of 2018 on Dec. 30 with snacks and New Year-inspired activities at Suffolk Public Libraries. Two family-friendly countdowns will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Morgan Memorial Library and North Suffolk Library.
Virginia Beach
Noon Year’s Eve Family Fun Event
Toast to the New Year with a bubbly glass of Sparkling Cider at Dave & Buster’s in Virginia Beach. Admission to this daytime celebration beings at 11 a.m. and includes a $15 Power Card with unlimited video game play, child-friendly activities and a balloon drop. Food will also be available for purchase.
Countdown to 2018
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center with an afternoon full of fun games, contests and treats. The Countdown to 2018 celebration will be hosted in the Aquarium’s Marsh Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry into the event is included with the admission.
Last Night on the Town
Ring in the new year at Virginia Beach Town Center’s fifth annual Last Night on the Town event. From 2 to 5 p.m., kids can celebrate the end of 2017 with magicians, jugglers, live music, delicious treats and more at Pembroke Mall. The family-friendly celebration continues until 2 a.m. at the Countdown Stage on Columbus Avenue with a live performance by 10,000 Maniacs, a laser show and a big ball drop at midnight. This event is free and open to the public.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
