Best New Year’s Eve Events for Parents in Richmond

There was a time when New Year’s Eve was the pinnacle of all parties. We were young and carefree and staying up until midnight was a breeze – after all, it’s what we did on an average Tuesday. After having kids, however, New Year’s Eve becomes a different kind of a holiday altogether. Not only does staying up until midnight become a challenge versus a foregone conclusion, suddenly we have babysitters to book and schedules to coordinate with friends who are pulling from the same limited babysitter supply pool. But worst of all, even if we manage to find a babysitter and a fancy dress that still fits after the post-Christmas cookie binge, there’s still the question of what to do and where to go.

When you’ve been “out of the scene” for awhile, as most parents have been, the list of possibilities can seem overwhelming. We can easily find ourselves flipping through the options with no idea of what to do. Do we party like it’s 1999 (or at least like we did in 1999)? Or do we invite a few friends over for an elegant evening of fondue and adult conversation?

Well, here at Richmond Mom, we know the struggle all too well. So we’ve done some of the hard work for you and found five awesome New Year’s Eve activities that will provide a range of options to suit every taste. From festive celebrations to cool bands to laid back gatherings just for grown-ups, we’ve got you covered.

Take a look at our five favorite New Year’s Eve Event for Parents, and remember, even if you don’t make it until midnight, at least you tried!

In the meantime, if you’ve already decided that a late night is not in the cards and you’re looking for an earlier, family-friendly event, be sure to check out our guide to Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Richmond.

And no matter how you choose to ring in the New Year, we wish you all the best in 2019!

For Parents Wanting to Party in Their Black-Tie Best:

New Year’s Eve at Dover Hall

What: With its sweeping lawns, graceful architecture, and Old World elegance, Dover Hall is the perfect place to spend a sophisticated New Year’s Eve. But fortunately, at Dover Hall’s New Year’s Eve celebration, sophistication does not come at the cost of fun. This black-tie optional event features a night of dancing, dining, and delights from start to finish. Ring in the new year with The Dickens Band who will be playing a mix of new music, rock and hip hop, Motown classics, and everything in between. Plus, enjoy cutting-edge cuisine from Chef Lee Hendrickson, who will be offering small-plate stations, passed canapes, and decadent late-night desserts. Best of all? Skip the drive home and take advantage of Dover Hall’s luxurious lodgings – complete with a late check-out on New Year’s Day.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018, 8pm – Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 1:30am

Where:
Dover Hall
1500 Manakin Road
Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

How:
Tickets are $120/person or $95/person for groups of 10 or more. Order tickets online here.

For Parents Needing Chill Tunes and Good Vibes:

8^th Annual Anchor Drop with Three Sheets to the Wind 

What: Three Sheets to the Wind, otherwise known as “America’s #1 Tribute to Yacht Rock,” will once again be bringing in a new year at The Broadberry with their classic soft rock favorites from the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Join them for a night of music, dancing, and a laid-back good time. In addition to amazing music, the Broadberry features a large bar, an all-night kitchen, and a spacious stage with state-of-the-art sound – all of the ingredients needed to make your New Year’s Eve one to remember.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018, 8pm (doors), 9pm (show) – whenever the party ends

Where:
The Broadberry
2729 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23220

How: Purchase advanced tickets online here for $35-$40 each or get tickets the day of the show for $50 each.

For Parents Who Want to Feel Like A Kid Again:

New Year’s Eve at The Circuit Arcade Bar

What: You may not be as young as you used to be, but that doesn’t mean you can’t act like it. The Circuit, Richmond’s first arcade bar, features more than 80 retro and modern arcade games, including classic coin-operated machines, sports games, skeeball, and pinball games. Plus, they offer a self-serve beer wall and a state-of-the-art tap system with 50 varieties of craft beer, wine, cider, and, of course, some bubbly to ring in the new year. For New Year’s Eve, join them for a night of fun with a screening of the ball drop at Times Square, live music, an open dance floor, free bar snacks, raffles and prizes, and more.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018, 8pm – Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 1am

Where:
The Circuit Arcade Bar
3121 West Leigh Street
Richmond, VA 23230

How:
Purchase advanced tickets here for $10 each, or pay $15 at the door

Parents Looking for Festive Dinner and Dancing:

New Year’s Eve FIESTA, Havana Downtown*

What: If you’ve ever been to Havana ’59, then you already know that ambiance is the name of the game at this popular downtown restaurant. With string lights, crumbling plaster walls, palm trees, and the gentle aroma of cigars, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the streets of Havana, Cuba. For New Year’s Eve, the fiesta only gets bigger and better with an all-night Salsa dance party, an optional three-course meal, and a champagne toast at midnight. A live DJ will be serving up salsa and bachata music as the fiesta goes on.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018, 8pm – Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 1am

Where:
HAVANA ’59 (Downtown)
16 North 17th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

How:
Order your dance-only tickets online here for $30 each. Call (804) 780-2822 to reserve dinner-only tickets for $60 or “Dinner and Fiesta” package tickets for $80 each.

*Don’t want to go downtown? Then celebrate the new year at Havana 59’s newest West End location! Get the details or order tickets here.

For Parents Who Could Use a Good Laugh:

SUCK IT, 2018! New Year’s Eve Sketch Comedy Blowout 

What: If 2018 has left you reeling, what better way to say farewell to the old and welcome in the new than with laughter, dancing, and shenanigans all night long. The Coalition Theater offers live comedy performances and classes throughout the year, and this New Year’s Eve, they’re bringing their best to the stage with a live sketch comedy performance. Kick the night off with a cocktail hour and complimentary hor d’oeuvres from 8pm-9pm, laugh your 2018 blues away with the live show from 9pm-11pm, then stick around for music, dancing, fun hats, a photo booth, and, of course, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

When: Monday, December 31, 2018, 8pm – Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 2am

Where:
Coalition Theater
8 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23220

How: Order advanced tickets online for $30 each, or pay $5 at the door after 11pm for dancing only.