New Year's Eve 2026 in Alexandria: city fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight Thursday, Dec. 31, at Waterfront Park, plus what is closed and how to get there.

Last checked Nov. 1, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Facts come from the city’s Celebrating the Holidays page and events calendar, First Night Alexandria and DASH. Restaurant plans are listed only when the restaurant announces them.

Alexandria will ring in 2027 with two free fireworks shows over the Potomac at Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St.: one at 8 p.m. and one at midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31. With two shows, families with young children do not have to stay up until midnight. The city lists the fireworks among its four signature holiday events.

Before you go

  • City events and closures: Alex311, 311 or 703-746-4311
  • Day-of and weather updates: alexandriava.gov/Alert, or text HOLIDAYSALX to 855-925-2801
  • Emergency: 911

The fireworks

When What Where Cost
Thursday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Early fireworks Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St. Free
Friday, Jan. 1, midnight Midnight fireworks Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St. Free

Waterfront Park is on the Old Town waterfront. The river parks to the north and south, from Founders Park to Point Lumley and Windmill Hill, line the same stretch of the Potomac; our parks and trails guide maps them.

First Night Alexandria

Last year the city held its fireworks in collaboration with First Night Alexandria, a ticketed New Year’s Eve festival at indoor and outdoor venues around Old Town, with shows at 7:30 p.m. and midnight. This year the city lists its own times, 8 p.m. and midnight. When we checked on Nov. 1, First Night Alexandria’s website said only “more details coming soon.” We will add its program and tickets when they are posted.

Dinner and drinks

No Alexandria restaurant had posted a New Year’s Eve menu or party when we checked. Many restaurants announce their plans in early December on their own websites; we will list them here as they do. For ideas, see our date night and live music and nightlife guides.

Getting there and home

The city says parking in Old Town is limited while City Hall and Market Square are renovated and asks people to come by DASH, the King Street Trolley, Metrorail, on foot or by bike.

  • King Street Trolley: free, every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days a year, between the King Street-Old Town Metro station and City Hall. It stops running before the midnight show.
  • DASH buses are fare-free.
  • Metrorail: King Street-Old Town station is about a mile up King Street from the waterfront.

See our getting around guide for garages and late transit.

What is closed

Date City offices Recreation (RPCA) Trash and recycling
Thursday, Dec. 31 No closure listed Closed Normal
Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 Closed Check RPCA notices City collection runs Monday to Thursday

The city had not yet posted its 2027 holiday collection calendar when we checked. Christmas tree pickup starts in early January on your yard waste day; the city posts dates on its holiday waste page, and our trash and recycling guide will carry them.

What this means for you

  • Families with young children: plan on the 8 p.m. show.
  • Come by bus, Metro or on foot; driving into Old Town on New Year’s Eve means long waits for parking.
  • Dress for the cold: both shows are outdoors on the river.

Related guides: holiday lights and Christmas events, Christmas parade and tree lighting and Valentine’s Day.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alexandria have New Year’s Eve fireworks in 2026?

Yes. The city lists fireworks at 8 p.m. and at midnight on Thursday, Dec. 31, at Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St., in Old Town. They are free.

Is First Night Alexandria happening this year?

First Night Alexandria’s website said only that more details were coming soon when we checked on Oct. 19. Last year the city held its fireworks in collaboration with First Night.

Are Alexandria city offices open on New Year’s Day?

No. New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan. 1, 2027, is a city holiday when offices close, and city recreation facilities list a closure on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, Dec. 31.

How do I get to the Alexandria waterfront fireworks?

Old Town parking is limited during the City Hall renovation, so the city asks people to take DASH, the King Street Trolley or Metrorail, or to walk or bike.