6 Ways to Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve isn’t just the concluding day of each year– it is the day before resolutions, changes, a fresh start, and sometimes, a new diet. On this day, people all over the globe watch excitedly as the clock ticks, anticipating the new year.

But it’s easy to falling into a rut, doing the same thing year after year. So if you’re sick of celebrating the same way year after year, consider celebrating this year’s New Year’s Eve or Day in one of the following ways.

Plan a Fancy Dinner

Before you make the resolution to start that new diet or hit the gym, go out one last time for some fun. Charlottesville offers many dining options for a special New Year’s night, including Fleurie, an elegant, upscale French eatery on the Downtown Mall. Yes, reservations are required and it’s definitely a splurge with main course prices ranging from $28-$38, but you can dine on special fare like Scottish Salmon, Butter Poached Lobster, and Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and desserts like Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee and Chocolate Raspberry Cake.

Another great choice for a fancy evening out is the Ivy Inn which serves American cuisine (such as Bison Short Ribs, Pork Rib Chop, and crab cakes) near the University of Virginia. Main entree prices range from $25-$30. Off of Old Ivy Road, The Ivy Inn is popular among locals, so do be sure to make reservations.

If you are searching for a cheaper alternative, give Fluvanna’s Dogwood Restaurant a shot. This popular spot on Centre Court across from the Lake Monticello Rescue Squad offers excellent service and delicious food at low prices.

Another great choice for New Year’s dinner on a budget is Villa Nova’s across from Food Lion at Lake Monticello. Known for their piping hot pizza and Italian cuisine, this restaurant has been serving the community since 2006. They offer daily lunch and dinner specials that can be found on their website.

First Night Virginia 2017

First Night is an annual celebration of the new year in Downtown Charlottesville. The tradition of First Night began in Boston in 1976 as a way to bring the community together, and in 1982, the city of Charlottesville became the second city in the nation to celebrate the event . The night consists of live music, good food, and performances of all kinds.

To be admitted, you will need a wristband ($16 for adults and $6 for children) which can be purchased until midnight on December 29. They are sold online at firstnightva.org or at Plan 9, The Paramount Theatre, Volvo of Charlottesville, and the VA Discovery Museum.

Spend it on the Slopes

Wintergreen Resort is open on New Year’s Eve with plenty of events throughout the day for people of all ages to enjoy. The slopes open at 9:00 am for skiing and snowboarding. Then, from 5:30-midnight, there are multiple dining options including Copper Mine Bistro, Devil’s Grill, and The Edge. At 10:00 pm, the slopes will be lit with fireworks to ring in the new year. To hit the slopes, you will need to purchase lift tickets which range between $26 and $69, with prices for night sessions being your cheapest bets. More information can be found at their website.

Hold a Movie Marathon

If you would rather kick off the new year in the comfort of your own home, this is for you. There are plenty of movies with a recurring theme of the new year, so take a look at the list below to find the one for you, then grab some popcorn and find a place to curl up as you watch.

    • Poseidon: A remake of a 1972 original The Poseidon Adventure where the “grandest cruise ship of them all” collides with a tidal wave on New Year’s Eve.
  • Ghostbusters II: The Ghostbusters fight supernatural forces on New Year’s Eve.
  • Money Train: A train is robbed that contains all of the money acquired by the NYC Subway System, all happening on New Year’s Eve.
  • New Year’s Eve: With a star-studded cast including Lea Michelle, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hillary Swank, Ashton Kutcher, and Robert De Niro, this is a series of several mini  rom-coms centered around finding love at the end of the year.
  • High School Musical: The popular Disney Original series begins at a New Year’s Eve Party, where two unsuspecting characters meet and the rest is history.

New Year’s Day 5k

Sponsored by the Charlottesville Track Club, this is a 3.1 mile, fairly-flat course. The race is open to people of all ages, and registration is $25. All participants will receive a free strobe safety light, and no strollers or dogs will be allowed on the race course. Awards will be given to the top finishers in each age group. For directions, photos from last year’s race, and more, click here. 

New Year’s at the Boar’s Head Inn

Spend New Year’s Eve at the Old Mill Room with a four-course meal. The Old Mill Room which was built from the timbers of an abandoned gristmill along the banks of the Hardware River dating back to 1834. From 5:30-8:30 pm, the historic room is open to the public for a celebration of 2017. The meal costs $110 per person, and includes a celebratory glass of champagne. Menus and additional information can be found at the previously listed site.

The Boar’s Head Inn also offers a New Year’s Day Brunch, which is also held in the Old Mill Room from 11 am-2 pm, The cost is $60 per person, while children ages 6-11 are $26 each, and children ages 5 and below are free.