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Community Corner

Weekend Picks: New Year's Eve Celebrations

Get out of the house this weekend with our weekend planner.

Where/When: Newseum, Washington, D.C., Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

Why Go: What better place to count down to 2012 than one of D.C.'s top museums and party venues? Cocktails and food from Wolfgang Puck, entertainment from Round Midnight, dance jams with DJ Scientific Beats, access to Newseum exhibits, and a countdown to 2012 on the 40x22 foot high-definition video screen. Tickets include an open bar from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., light snacks and a champagne toast at midnight.

Pricing: 
$195 per person, $180 for Newseum members.

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2. First Night Alexandria

Where/When: Old Town Alexandria, Saturday Dec. 31, various activities from 1 p.m. to midnight

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Why Go: First Night Alexandria is a family oriented, non-alcohol celebration of the new year through the performing arts. Local shops, restaurants and buildings turn into performance venues to showcase local talent all throughout Old Town. It's fun, affordable, and safe, with 100 live performances, children’s entertainment and games, and a spectacular midnight finale that starts out with a dance party and ends with multimedia show complete with lasers and a midnight countdown.

Pricing: $20 per person; children 12 and under free.

3. A Jazz New Year's Eve

When/Where: The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., Saturday Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.

Why Go: Celebrate the final hours of 2011 with superstar entertainer Patti Austin and a six-piece band showcasing selections from her forthcoming recording, which will feature her distinct interpretation of the music of Duke Ellington. After the performance, enjoy festive dancing, a countdown to 2012, and a balloon drop in the Grand Foyer, free with your concert ticket.

Pricing: $75

4. 1980’s Party at Arlington Drafthouse

When/Where: Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Saturday Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Why Go: 1980's themed New Year’s Eve celebration at a low price. Watch the Times Square ball drop on the huge theater screen. Food and party favors included.

Pricing: $15 per person.

5. New Year’s at the Art Space

Where/When: Art Space Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, Saturday Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

 Why Go: This family-friendly event features an open house, bonfire and more all for free. After 10:30 adults are invited to attend a Music Café with desserts and a midnight champagne toast.

Pricing: Free for the open house or bonfire; $20 per person for the Music Cafe.

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