To Ring in the New Year, Get an Early Start

By Fritz Hahn
Special to The Washington Post
Friday, December 15, 2006

New Year's Eve is the biggest day on the night-life calendar, fraught with decisions: Should we rent tuxedos and go to one of those all-out black-tie hotel parties? Is there a band playing at a favorite club? Or should we just forget about all the hassles and welcome 2007 with a cheap beer at a neighborhood pub?

To try to get a handle on the numerous options across the Washington area, here is a list by type of event: hotel gala, concert, dance clubs and bars. And procrastinators will welcome the option of free and cheap parties, most of which don't require reservations.

Whatever your interests, you should try to make a decision soon. Many of these events, particularly those at hotels and nightclubs, raise prices precipitously as New Year's Eve draws closer, and a good number will sell out before Dec. 31. (If a Web site is listed below, it means you can purchase tickets to that event online.) When the big night rolls around, arrive early to avoid long lines. It's sad but true: Every year, I hear from people who arrived at the club at 11 p.m. and missed "Auld Lang Syne" because they were still waiting to get in or check their coats.

A number of bars and clubs will be closed Dec. 31, either for a private party or because they're giving staff the night off. This includes such standbys as the Brickskeller, Galaxy Hut and HR-57.

For an updated list of events, including price hikes and sellouts, check washingtonpost.com's City Guide.

Galas and Hotel Balls

These events, with multiple dance floors, live music and, if you're lucky, free-flowing drinks, offer the most bang for your New Year's buck. They also tend to be the most crowded, with some drawing thousands of guests.

Two things to note: If an event has an open bar, you can assume there's a champagne toast at midnight. Also, events listed below are offering discounted hotel rooms; ask about the deals when ordering tickets.

CARNEGIE LIBRARY Mad Mad Masquerade 2007 features Scythian (Celtic, world), Monopoli (indie rock), Yamomanem (New Orleans jazz), Christopher Robin Band (Southern rock) and Beat Tactics (DJs) in the former City Museum. Movies show in a theater on the basement level, and magicians perform. $99 ($119 after Friday, $149 at the door), top-shelf open bar, hors d'oeuvres and buffet stations. 801 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Square); 202-631-6336. http://www.scythianmusic.com.

DOUBLETREE HOTEL CRYSTAL CITY Wicked Rockin' New Year's Eve Ball '06. Wicked Jezebel (party rock), Red Letter Day (folk rock), drag performers Ella Fitzgerald and Destiny B. Childs, D.C. Kings, Charm City Boys and comedian Regina Jozet Adams. Open bar, dinner buffet, champagne, door prizes. Formalwear requested. $199 ($379 couples). Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 22. 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington; 703-909-3264.

GRAND HYATT WASHINGTON Downtown Countdown features the Rebirth Brass Band (New Orleans jazz), the Sugar Hill Gang (hip-hop), Pat McGee Band and Politicks (alternative rock); DJs (Top 40, rock, hip-hop); and karaoke in three ballrooms. Hosted by DC 101 FM DJ Elliot in the Morning. Sponsored by Lindy Promotions, Georgetown Events, The Washington Post Express and others. $159, open bar, hors d'oeuvres buffet. $225 VIP tickets give access to premium drinks and more rooms. Creative black tie optional. 1000 H St. NW; 301-652-7712. http://www.downtowncountdown.net.

HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CENTER Positive Black Men Coalition New Year's Eve Gala with Blue Magic ('70s soul), Soul Patrol (neo-soul, go-go) and DJs Lady JC and Smooth (R&B) in three ballrooms. Live broadcast on Majic 102.3 FM (WMMJ). $99 for Blue Magic concert and after-party with other acts, beginning at 8; $60 for after-party only, beginning at 10. Soul food buffet and champagne toast. Semiformal/black tie optional. 5000 Seminary Rd., Alexandria; 301-809-6094. http://www.pbmc.net.

HYATT REGENCY BETHESDA SalsaMetro.com's annual New Year's Eve Salsa Party with live music by Edwin Ortiz y Su Orquesta La Romana (salsa); DJs Alberto (Azucar) Machado, Bruno (El Unico), Mery (La Unica) and Miquel (El Sonero) Morales; comedian Rockn Randy; and performances by local dance teams and instructors. $85 ticket includes admission, reserved seat, champagne toast and party favors; $95 VIP ticket adds dinner and an open bar. One Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda; 301-657-1234; http://www.latin-dance.com.

HYATT REGENCY WASHINGTON ON CAPITOL HILL Mix 107.3 FM New Year's Eve Celebration, featuring the Jack Diamond Band with Jim Steed and Lisa Anne, a DJ ('80s), stand-up comedy and psychic readings. $475 per couple, includes a four-course dinner, open bar and overnight accommodations. Semiformal attire. 400 New Jersey Ave. NW; 202-719-8510. http://www.mix1073fm.com.

HYATT REGENCY CRYSTAL CITY Positive Black Men Coalition New Year's Eve Gala with Chuck Brown (the Godfather of Go-Go) with special guest Jas Funk, Familiar Faces (go-go, R&B) and DJ Storm (hip-hop, R&B) in three ballrooms. Live broadcast on 95.5 FM (WPGC). $50; $80 VIP tickets add a soul food buffet. Proper attire required. 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington; 301-809-6094. http://www.pbmc.net.

JURY'S WASHINGTON"James Bond: 007 License to Thrill" Around the World Gala with various internationally themed rooms, all with food, cocktails and a (sometimes tenuous) James Bond theme, including mock gambling at a "Madagascar" casino; a Caribbean-themed room with reggae, calypso, zouk and other tropical rhythms; an Icelandic martini bar; Bollywood dance performances and a DJ in an Indian-flavored ballroom; swing and oldies from the Night and Day Orchestra; unlimited vodka and champagne in "Russia"; magicians and artists in "New York"; and pints in an Irish pub. Sponsored by Euronet International. $149, open bar, buffet stations. $225 VIP tickets add a four-course dinner, upgraded open bar and a VIP lounge. $500 Presidential Ticket adds access to an even more exclusive penthouse lounge and midnight crepes station. Black tie optional. 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 301-509-1218. http://www.euronetinternational.com.

LA MAISON FRANCAISE This French-themed party at the French Embassy's La Maison Francaise is a little over-the-top, but at least you can say you spent New Year's Eve on French soil without the cost of flying to Paris. It includes a French buffet; an open bar with European beers and wines; unlimited champagne; wine and chocolate tastings; mini French lessons; ballroom dancing to a live orchestra (with dance lessons); screenings of French movies; a DJ playing Top 40, retro, world and swing music; stand-up comedy from XM Radio's Will Marfori; street performers (mimes, jugglers, etc.) and more. Black tie optional. $155. Parking available for early arrivals, and hotel discounts for the (relatively) nearby Hilton Washington Embassy Row. 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW; 202-686-5990. http://www.prosinthecity.com.

L'ENFANT PLAZA HOTEL Inner Caucus New Year's Eve Gala. DJs (hip-hop, R&B, reggae, old-school soul) and live jazz in five ballrooms and lounges. Sponsored by Inner Caucus and WHUR (96.3 FM). $60 before Christmas ($65 after, $70 at the door), includes hors d'oeuvres buffet, half-bottle of champagne, champagne toast, party favors. Black tie optional. 480 L'Enfant Plaza SW; 202-466-1646. http://www.innercaucus.com.

SHERATON ANNAPOLIS D.C. Hand Dance Club's New Year's Eve Dance Party with DJ Tommy D (oldies, blues, R&B). $65, buffet dinner, open bar. 173 Jennifer Rd., Annapolis; 410-672-2729. http://www.dchanddanceclub.com.

WARDMAN PARK MARRIOTT"An International City Celebration of Many Nations," with nine internationally themed ballrooms and bars with entertainment, buffets and premium open bars. (Think DJs in a "New York nightclub," swing dancing with the Tom Cunningham Orchestra in "1920s Chicago"; gambling in "Las Vegas"; waltzing to a live string orchestra in "Vienna"; a salsa band in "1950s Havana"; karaoke in "Tokyo"; live reggae from the Oasis band in "Montego Bay." Sponsored by Things to Do D.C. and the International Club of D.C. $165; $250 VIP option adds early admission, a three-course dinner and access to balcony seating. Black tie optional. 2660 Woodley Rd. NW; 301-519-8030. http://www.thingstododc.com.

WASHINGTON PLAZA HOTEL New Year's Eve Gala hosted by Professionals in the City. One ballroom focuses on '80s music, complete with a Madonna impersonator, while another plays Top 40 and club hits. A "Reality Check" room offers speed dating, motivational speakers and fortune tellers. $139, includes open bar from 8 to 2; dinner buffet and bagel breakfast; salsa dance lessons; and comic Will Marfori. 10 Thomas Cir. NW; 202-686-5990. http://www.prosinthecity.com.

WYNDHAM WASHINGTON Big Night D.C. with Gonzo's Nose (alternative and '80s rock covers), JunkFood, Doug Segree and Scott's New Band (alternative rock). Eight themed areas, including dancing to DJs Rene (club hits) and Kwest (retro); mock casino gaming; and karaoke. $149.99, open bar, dinner buffet, hors d'oeuvres. Creative black tie optional. 1400 M St. NW; 877-772-5425. http://www.bignightdc.com.

Live Music

BIRCHMERE The Seldom Scene, Good Deale Bluegrass Band featuring Mike Auldridge and Old School Freight Train (bluegrass). $39.50. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500. http://www.birchmere.com.

BLACK CAT Peaches O'Dell and Her Orchestra (big-band swing) and Tony Anthony & His Malvivants (lounge, retro jazz) on the main stage; DJs spinning everything from retro to electro on the backstage. $20. 18 and older. 1811 14th St. NW; 202-667-7960. http://www.blackcatdc.com.

BLUES ALLEY Ahmad Jamal Trio and the Keter Betts Memorial Band (jazz). $100 ticket for the 6:30 p.m. show includes dinner and nonalcoholic drinks. $150 ticket for the 10 p.m. show includes dinner, nonalcoholic drinks and unlimited glasses of champagne. 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-337-4141. http://www.bluesalley.com.

DAR CONSTITUTION HALL George Clinton-Parliament Funkadelic (funk). $76. 1776 D St. NW; 202-397-7328. http://www.ticketmaster.com.

GLEN ECHO SPANISH BALLROOM"Party Like It's 1959," featuring Blair Carman and the Belleview Boys (rockabilly, honky-tonk). $20, swing dance lesson from 8 to 9, dessert, sparkling cider and party favors. All ages; smoke- and alcohol-free. 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo; 301-492-6229. http://www.gottaswing.com.

JAMMIN' JAVA Children and parents will find something to celebrate at this smoke-free Vienna concert cafe. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Robbie Schaefer (of Eddie From Ohio) performs at a special family-friendly New Year's Eve party with goofy singalong songs, noisemakers and an apple juice toast. Admission is $10. Later that night, the adult show features a half-dozen local rockers: BOB, Business of Flies, the Drugstore Cowboys, Fire Dean and Ilyaimy. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; 703-255-1566.

KENNEDY CENTER"A Jazz New Year's Eve" with Freddy Cole and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band is sold out. "New Year's Eve at the Kennedy Center" with Murry Sidlin conducting members of the National Symphony, soprano Arianna Zukerman and pianist Stewart Goodyear. $55 to $90. Beginning at 11, dance to Full Swing (big-band swing) and the Salon Orchestra of Washington (waltz) in the Grand Foyer. Admission is free with a ticket to any New Year's Eve performance at the Kennedy Center or dinner reservations at the Roof Terrace Restaurant. 2700 F St. NW; 202-467-4600. http://www.kennedy-center.org.

IOTA Last Train Home, These United States (roots rock, alt-country). $35, champagne toast. 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340.

JV'S Martha Capone Blues Band, featuring guitarist Larry Orf (blues, oldies, roots rock). $15 ($27 couples), appetizers and a champagne toast. Tickets sold in advance at the bar. 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church; 703-241-9504.

9:30 CLUB The Greyboy Allstars, Soulive (acid jazz, funky jam bands). $55. All ages. 815 V St. NW; 202-393-0930. http://www.930.com.

STATE THEATRE The Psychedelic Furs ('80s stars). $45. 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-237-0300. http://www.thestatetheatre.com.

RAMS HEAD TAVERN Virginia Coalition, No Second Troy (alternative rock). $89.50, premium open bar and champagne toast (and tax and gratuity). 33 West St., Annapolis; 410-268-4545. http://www.ramsheadtavern.com.

RAMS HEAD LIVE Clutch, the Sword, William Elliot Whitmore, Wooly Mammoth (metal, hard rock). $30 in advance; $33 day of show. All ages. 20 Market Place, Baltimore; 410-244-1131. http://www.ramsheadlive.com.

TWINS JAZZ Buck Hill (local jazz legend). $75, three-course Ethiopian dinner and bottle of champagne. 1344 U St. NW; 202-234-0072. http://www.twinsjazz.com.

TWINS LOUNGE Terry Marshall (jazz piano). $75, three-course Ethiopian dinner and bottle of champagne. 5516 Colorado Ave. NW; 202-882-2523. http://www.twinsjazz.com.

Nightclubs

APEX DJ Alex Cohen, VJ Mark Hawkins (Top 40, electronic dance). Midnight champagne toast. 18 and older. $20. Doors open at 9. 1415 22nd St. NW; 202-296-0505.

AVENUE Buzzlife's Electric Avenue featuring DJ Scott Henry (house, dance classics) and 17 local DJs perform on three floors. Open bar from 8 to 10, champagne toast, party favors. $20. See http://www.buzzlife.com for a limited number of discounted tickets. 649 New York Ave. NW; 202-347-8100. http://www.avedc.com.

CHLOE DJs (hip-hop, house). $30 in advance. $60 ticket includes open bar and appetizer buffet from 8 to 10. Table reservations available for $1,000. 2473 18th St. NW; 202-265-6592.

CLARENDON BALLROOM Liquid A (rock covers) and DJ Lil Fos (dance) on two floors. Seven drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres, midnight toast. Nonsmoking. $95, rising to $105. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-469-2244. http://www.clarendonballroom.com.

D.C. SANCTUARY DJ Timmy Richardson of New York's Shelter Club (house) with Andrew Hogans, Louis P. and Luminescent Soul (house). $10 from 8 to 10, $15 after. Free champagne and dancing until 6 a.m. 1355 H St. NE. E-mail urbandanceproject@yahoo.com.

DC9 Liberation Dance Party (Britpop, indie rock). $25, one free drink and champagne toast. 1940 Ninth St. NW; 202-483-5000. http://www.dcnine.com.

FIVE DJs (dance) until sunrise, top-shelf open bar, midnight champagne toast, buffet, midnight cash drop. $65. 1214-B 18th St. NW; 202-331-7123.

FUR DJ Chris Styles of Hot 99.5 (Top 40 and hip-hop) in the main room; Three other lounges feature Latin, house, trance, international and a "mix of everything." $25; $100 VIP tickets include open bar from 9 to 12, hors d'oeuvres buffet, champagne toast. Table reservations available for groups of six. 33 Patterson St. NE; 202-842-3401. http://www.furnightclub.com.

H2O DJs (hip-hop, reggae, R&B, old-school) in five rooms. Bottle of champagne for each guest, dinner buffet from 8 to 10. "Proper attire" required; black tie optional. $30. 800 Water St. SW; 202-484-6300. http://www.ticketmaster.com.

JUSTE LOUNGE DJ Alize (hip-hop, R&B, reggae). Open bar from 8 to 9:30, hors d'oeuvres buffet, party favors. $30; $50 at the door. 6821 Reed St., Bethesda; 202-393-0939. http://www.justelounge.com.

LOVE DJs (hip-hop, dance) until 4. $40. $80 VIP tickets allow access to more areas. 1350 Okie St. NE; 202-636-9030. http://www.lovetheclub.com.

MCCXXIII International and Asian Night Celebration with DJs (hip-hop, old school and house). $40. VIP Tables available in Spank Lounge for $1,500 minimum (10 guests). 1223 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-822-1800. http://www.dcnites.com.

PLATINUM DJs (hip-hop, dance). Open bar from 8 to 10, dinner buffet, bottle of champagne at midnight. Fashionable attire required. $30. 18 and older. 915 F St. NW; 202-393-3555. http://www.platinumclubdc.com.

PLAY LOUNGE DJs (house, hip-hop, Top 40). Midnight toast. $40 ($70 couples). VIP admission is $1,000 for 10 people and includes a table, two bottles of liquor and a bottle of champagne. 1219 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-466-7529. http://www.playloungedc.com.

THE RED AND THE BLACK"New Year's Eve in the French Quarter" with DJs spinning party music, beads, free red beans and rice, champagne toast. Discounted drinks from 9 to 10, and anyone wearing a Mardi Gras mask gets a free drink. $15. 1212 H St. NE; 202-399-3201.

ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL An eclectic DJ lineup features James F!@#$% Friedman of New York's Refuse! parties (electro punk-funk), local favorite Jesse Tittsworth (Baltimore club, hip-hop), Ris Richards (ex-Q and Not U), Ca$$idy (from the Garutachi electro night), Stereofaith (Britpop) and Cale (electronic beats, '80s). $30 general admission; $50 open bar until 1; $100 VIP gets top-shelf until 2:30 and access to special champagne rooms. Everyone gets a champagne toast at midnight. 1353 H St. NE; 202-388-7625.

SONAR Two parties: In the main room, it's the All Mighty Senators (jam band) and Jah Works (reggae). DJs, top-shelf open bar until 4, and late-night breakfast. $50. In the club and lounge area, the Taxlo party features Cullen Stalin, Simon D Phoenix, Dave Nada, Mod Dave and numerous others (electro, hip-hop, Britpop, soul, etc.) until 4. $15. 18 and older. 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore; 410-327-8333.

ULTRABAR DJs (hip-hop, Latin, international, Top 40, house) on three floors. Open bar from 7 to 10, champagne toast. $35 until Dec. 25, then $45. Tables in the VIP Chroma Lounge, where DJ Pete Moutso (house) is spinning, require a $1,000 minimum for six people. 911 F St. NW; 202-271-1171. http://www.ultrabardc.com.

ZANZIBAR ON THE WATERFRONT DJs (world, R&B). Dinner and late-night breakfast buffets, champagne toast, party favors. $40 general admission ($75 couples) until Thursday. Guaranteed seating requires bottle service ($400 minimum per couple). 700 Water St. SW; 202-554-9100. http://www.zanzibar-otw.com.

Bars

51ST STATE TAVERN DJs (dance) upstairs and foosball on the patio. Appetizer buffet, party favors, champagne toast. $15 includes one free drink. Dressing up "is encouraged." 2512 L St. NW; 202-625-2444.

ASYLUM DJs (rock, metal, hip-hop). Champagne toast, shooter specials. $15. 2471 18th St. NW; 202-319-9353.

THE BIG HUNT DJ (rock, dance). Limited open bar, dinner buffet. $70. 1345 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-785-2333.

BLOB'S PARK The Rhinelanders (polka, German). Dinner buffet, snacks, breakfast at 1. $35. 8024 Blob Park Rd., Jessup; 410-799-0155.

BLUE GIN Beginning at 8:30, DJs progress from jazz and R&B through hip-hop and house, then disco and dance music after midnight. Champagne toast. $35. Table packages range from $400 to $650 and include admission for five and bottles of premium liquor and champagne. 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-965-5555.

THE BOTTOM LINE DJs (rock, hip-hop). Open bar, dinner buffet, champagne toast, party favors. $75 ($120 couples). 1716 I St. NW; 202-298-8488.

BOURBON DJs (party music) on the second floor. Champagne toast, drink specials throughout the night. $35. 2321 18th St. NW; 202-332-0800 (This is the Adams Morgan branch; the Glover Park Bourbon is being rented for a private party.)

CLARENDON GRILL Hi-Jinx (covers from the '70s to today), DJ 2Nutz (hip-hop, dance). The back patio will be tented and heated for the evening. $45 tickets include hors d'oeuvres, three drink tickets and a midnight toast. 1101 N. Highland St., Arlington; 703-524-7455.

COMEDY SPORTZ Improv comedy, suitable for all ages. Show at 8. $14. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-294-5233.

DR. DREMO'S TAPHOUSE DJ (dance music), appetizer buffet, champagne toast. $25. 2001 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-528-4660.

DRAGONFLY Blazin' Beats DJs Dynamix and Bikram Keith (international, techno, Top 40, hip-hop, reggae) until 4 a.m. Open bar, early morning Japanese breakfast buffet. $75 until Dec. 15; more after. 1215 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-331-1775.

EIGHTEENTH STREET LOUNGE DJs Federico Aubele (lounge, house, Latin), Tom B (house) and Majik Mike (hip-hop, Lounge classics) in the main room; live performances by Rockers international and SEE-I (reggae) and the Donvonte McCoy Quintet (jazz). Midnight champagne toast. $30 in advance, $40 at the door. 1212 18th St. NW; 202-466-3922.

FELIX AND SPY LOUNGE There are four choices at these sleek, interconnected Adams Morgan lounges: $80 gets you a premium open bar from 10 to 2 and a midnight champagne toast; $45 tickets include a buffet dinner, one free cocktail and a champagne toast; $20 admission includes two cocktails and a toast; and the cheapest option is to just pay $10 for admission. Whatever customers choose, they can wander between three rooms to hear Jeff Warren's the Band (rock) and DJs Nobel and Freddy spinning dance music. 2406 18th St. NW; 202-483-3549.

FLANAGAN'S HARP AND FIDDLE Tommy Lepson Band (blues, soul). Six-course dinner, beginning at 7:30, and a bottle of champagne per couple at midnight. $75. 4844 Cordell Ave., Bethesda; 301-951-0115.

THE FRONT PAGE DJ (rock, Top 40, dance). Top-shelf open bar from 9 to 2:30 and heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet. Coat check. $90. For an extra $35, add a four-course dinner with wine. 1333 New Hampshire Ave. NW; 202-296-6500.

FLY LOUNGE DJs Dirty Hands (hip-hop, old school) and Enferno (hip-hop, old school). Limited $150 general admission tickets include Moet champagne at midnight and hors d'oeuvres. Table reservations are $2,900 and include seats for up to six people, limousine transportation from any location in Northwest Washington, a hotel room at the Topaz Hotel and unlimited bottle service all night. 1802 Jefferson Pl. NW. 202-828-4433.

HELIX LOUNGE Joint party with the nearby Topaz Bar and Bar Rouge, so revelers can hop among the three hotel bars. Specialty cocktail menus. $20. Table reservations available. Helix: 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW; 202-462-9001. Rouge: 1315 16th St. NW; 202-232-8000. Topaz: 1733 N St. NW; 202-393-3000.

ICON NIGHTCLUB The "Official Scream Tour Afterparty" finds R&B heartthrob Omarion (formerly of B2K) heading down to Waldorf to join L!ssen da Grewp, the Publicity Band (go-go) and DJ Dyn-O-Might. Open bar and free buffet from 8:30 to 10. $30 and $40 after that. Call 301-899-1483 or 202-438-9019 for more information. 2106 Crain Hwy., Waldorf; 301-870-0002.

INDEBLEU DJs ('80s, hip-hop, crowd favorites) and burlesque dancers in the Tantra Lounge. Midnight toast, party favors. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. From 8 to 10, there's a special buffet and premium open-bar cocktail service for early arrivals, which costs an extra $80. 707 G St. NW; 202-333-2538.

THE IMPROV Ted Alexandro, Dave Siegel (comedy). $35 for show at 8 ($65 ticket includes dinner, tax and gratuity), including free pass to future show. $85 for show at 10:15, including champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres and free pass to future show. 18 and older. 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-296-7008.

IRELAND'S FOUR FIELDS The Sean Fleming Band (Celtic). $30, champagne toast. Dinner available. 3412 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-244-0860.

KSTREET DJs (house, hip-hop, Top 40, rock). $50. $200 couples package includes admission for two and a bottle of Moet champagne; add $50 for a bottle of Veuve Cliquot. $1,000 table reservations include admission for six, a bottle of vodka and a bottle of champagne. 1301 K St. NW; 703-751-8563. http://www.absoluteaddiction.com.

LIMA DJs (house, international). $40, includes unlimited Louis Roederer champagne. 1401 K St. NW; 202-789-2800.

LUCKY BAR DJ (hip-hop, rock, top 40). Open bar from 9 to 2, buffet, champagne toast. $75. 1221 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-331-3733.

MACKEY'S PUBLIC HOUSE DJ (dance). Open bar, dinner and breakfast buffet. $95. Discount hotel rooms at the adjacent Quincy Hotel. 1823 L St. NW; 202-331-7667.

MADAM'S ORGAN Johnny Artis Band (blues), $95 for an open bar from 9 to 2, appetizer buffet and non-reserved bar seating; $105 for all that plus a seat on the mezzanine level. If you don't want to see the band, a $70 package allows dancing to a DJ upstairs, an open bar from 10 to 2:30 and an appetizer buffet. 2461 18th St. NW; 202-667-5370.

MANGO MIKE'S Caribbean-inspired "White Party" with DJs (salsa, merengue, hip-hop, Top 40). Appetizer buffet, champagne toast. All-white attire requested. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 4580 Duke St., Alexandria; 703-370-3800.

MCFADDEN'S DJ (Top 40, retro, hip-hop). Top-shelf open bar from 9 to close, full dinner buffet. $120. Group discounts and booth reservations available. Black tie optional. 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202-223-2338.

MIE N YU DJ Dub (lounge grooves). Champagne toast, specialty martini list. $10 cover charge after 10:30. 3125 M St. NW; 202-333-6122.

MODERN DJ Stylus Chris (hip-hop, old-school). Appetizer buffet, half-price drinks from 8:30 to 10. $40. Cocktail attire required. Open until 4. 3287 M St. NW; 202-338-7027.

MURPHY'S IRISH PUB Pat Carroll, Double Down (Celtic). Four-course dinner, midnight champagne toast. $65, including tax and gratuity. Reservations only; no walk-ins. 713 King St., Alexandria; 703-548-1717.

NEW VEGAS LOUNGE Out of Town Blues Band, Dr. Blues, Jimmy Johnson (blues, Motown, R&B) and special guest Garfield Ruffin of the Delfonics. Champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres. $25. 1415 P St. NW; 202-483-3971.

RNR BAR AND LOUNGE"Downtown Throwdown" features DJs (hip-hop, '80s, rock) on three floors until 4. $65, open bar, champagne toast. 717 Sixth St. NW; 703-862-4464. http://www.minkevents.com.

THE REEF DJs (dance) on two levels. Rooftop deck open, weather permitting. Premium open bar, dinner buffet from 9 to midnight, dessert buffet after midnight. $115 until Friday, then $125, with 10 percent discount for anyone who lives in the 20008, 20009 and 20010 Zip codes; No sneakers, hats or jeans. 2446 18th St. NW; 202-518-3800.

STRIKE BETHESDA DJ (dance). Unlimited bowling, open bar from 9 to 1, champagne toast and dinner buffet for $95. Private lane reservation for up to six people for $495. 5353 Westbard Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-0955.

TAPATINIS DJs (dance). Open bar from 9 to midnight, champagne toast, tapas buffet. $40 in advance, $60 at the door. 711 Eighth St. SE; 202-546-8272.

TOMMY JOE'S DJ (rock, '80s, Top 40). Happy hour prices all night, buffet from 8 to 10. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 4714 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda; 301-654-3801.

WHITLOW'S ON WILSON Back to Zero (funk-rock). Hors d'oeuvres buffet, champagne toast. $35. Semiformal attire optional. 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-276-9693.

Free and Cheap

Those who'd like to keep their New Year's Eve parties simple have plenty of options. All the following events cost less than $10, and none require a reservation, though some are cheaper if you pick up tickets in advance.

THE ARGONAUT"Neighborhood New Year's." Champagne toast at midnight. Free. 1433 H St. NE. 202-397-1416.

AROMA DJ Josh LaRue (hip-hop, funk). Free. 3417 Connecticut Ave. NW; 202-244-7995.

AUSTIN GRILL Ty Braddock (alt-country), dinner until midnight, champagne toast, food and drink specials, including $2.50 draft beers. $10 after 9. 919 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring; 240-247-8969.

BAR PILAR Open as usual. Free. 1833 14th St. NW; 202-265-1751.

BEBAR DJ Jace (Top 40 remixes, circuit anthems). Midnight champagne toast. $5. 1318 Ninth St. NW; 202-232-7450.

BUFFALO BILLIARDS Regular pool rates and happy hour. 1330 19th St. NW; 202-331-7665.

CAFE SAINT-EX DJ D-Mac (funk, soul, dusty grooves). Free. 1847 14th St. NW; 202-265-7839.

CAPITOL CITY BREWING CO. DJ (dance). $5 in advance, $10 at the door. 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington; 703-578-3888. (Two other branches in the District should be open as usual, with no DJ or cover charge: 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE; 202-842-2337; and 1100 New York Ave. NW; 202-628-2222).

CONTINENTAL MODERN POOL LOUNGE DJ Pork and Beans (hip-hop, '80s, Top 40). Champagne toast and drink specials. Free. 1911 N. Fort Myer Dr., Arlington. 703-465-7675.

DOGFISH HEAD ALEHOUSE Bar open as usual. Free. 800 W. Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg; 301-963-4847.

HALO DJ Ed Bailey (dance, lounge). Midnight toast. Free. 1435 P St. NW; 202-797-9730.

IRELAND'S FOUR COURTS Ronan Kavanaugh (Celtic). Dinner available until 11. $10 after 8. 2051 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-525-3600.

KIRKPATRICK'S DJ (general dance music) at both locations. Free. 44050 Ashburn Village Blvd. (in Ashburn Village Center), Ashburn; 703-724-9801; and 5351 Merchants View Sq., Haymarket; 571-248-6635.

NED DEVINE'S IRISH VILLAGE DJ (Top 40, rock, hip-hop). $10. 21800

Town Center Plaza, Sterling; 703-444-7873.

R.F.D. WASHINGTON Pie Boys Flats (rock). Free. 810 Seventh St. NW; 202-289-2030.

RI-RA IRISH PUB - BETHESDA Allowishious Farhatt (rock) after 10. Free. 4931 Elm St., Bethesda; 301-657-1122.

ROCK BOTTOM BREWERY Memphis Gold (blues, R&B). Specialty house-brewed ale for $2.07, shooter menu, champagne toast, dinner specials. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-516-7688.

ROCK BOTTOM BREWERY Live music. $10 cover after 9. 7900 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-1311.

ROYAL LEE BAR AND GRILL Karaoke, DJ and dancing. Champagne toast. Free. 2211 N. Pershing Dr., Arlington. 703-524-5493.

SCIENCE CLUB DJs (funky soul, Latin and R&B). No cover. 1136 19th St. NW; 202-775-0747.

STETSON'S Champagne toast and party favors. Free. 1610 U St. NW; 202-667-6295.

TONIC Welcome the D.C. smoking ban with a "Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em" party, where cigarette girls prowl the bar handing out free cigarettes. Drink specials all night, and midnight toast with mini bottles of Miller High Life, "the Champagne of Beers." Free. Arrive early for a prix-fixe dinner: $29.95 per person, including a bottle of wine for the table. 3155 Mount Pleasant St. NW; 202-986-7661.

WONDERLAND DJ Meistro (funk, hip-hop, dance) and guests; French champagne specials and a Miller High Life toast at midnight. $10 ($15 couples). 1111 Kenyon St. NW; 202-232-5263.