New Year’s Eve Guide for the Winchester Area

Image from First Night Winchester Facebook page
Got kids? Got grandparents and family visiting? Maybe you’ve got a party spirit rearing to go. Or maybe you prefer to enjoy New Year’s Eve in a peaceful, quiet setting. No matter what, we’ve got you covered this New Year’s Eve in the Winchester and surrounding Frederick County area with some ideas on what to do from the day before to the day after.  Need help getting home safely?  We’ve got a number of cab companies and Uber!  Please note: Hours/events listed below have been checked before posting, however are subject to change.  Please double-check before making plans.


Kid and Family Friendly

30th Annual First Night Winchester

  • Saturday, December 31 – 10am-Midnight throughout the Old Town Winchester area, culminating with the Apple Drop at midnight on the walking mall.  Buttons $10 for adults, children under 10 are free.  Reserve buttons online here (with a $2 convenience fee), or purchase at these locations.

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 10am-4pm (regular admission prices).
  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 10am-4pm as part of the part of First Night Winchester celebration (free admission with First Night Winchester botton).
  • Sunday, January 1 – Closed.

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 9am-5pm (regular admission prices).
  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 12pm-4pm for the New Year’s at Noon event (regular admission prices), and later as part of First Night Winchester celebrations from 4pm-7pm (free admission with First Night Winchester botton).
  • Sunday, January 1 – Closed.

United Way/Rubbermaid Parking Lot Sale at the Apple Blossom Mall

  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 8am-12pm – Very popular local event, with proceeds benefitting the Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (free admission but show up early as the best items go fast!).

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 5:30pm-9:30pm (regular non-peak admission prices).
  • Saturday, December 31 – Closed.
  • Sunday, January 1 – Open from 5:30pm-9:30pm – final day of the season (regular non-peak admission prices).

Winchester Model Railroad Club

  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 6pm-10pm – part of First Night Winchester celebrations (free admission, First Night Winchester buttons not required, but donations accepted).

Party Spirit

Image from Sweet NOLA's Facebook Page Image of Sweet NOLA’s 2016 New Year’s Party from their Facebook Page

Alamo Drafthouse

  • Saturday, December 31 – 10pm-Midnight – “When Harry Met Sally” New Year’s Eve Party. Show starts at 10pm, special champagne toast at midnight.

Bright Box

  • Saturday, December 31 – 8pm-12:30am – “B105’s Boots Bourboun and Barbecue New Year’s Eve Bash” – live country music, dancing, fresh barbecue, and a bourboun toast at midnight.  $15 in advance or $20 at the door.  21+

Hideaway Cafe

  • Friday, December 30 – 8pm-10pm – Sashay Away 2016 Drag Show – admission $3

Sweet NOLA’s

  • Saturday, December 31 – 7:30pm-Midnight – New Orleans House of Blues circa 1940 New Year’s Eve Party with live music and 4 course buffet meal with incredible food.  $65 per person, reservations required.  21+

Winchester Brew Works

  • Saturday, December 31 – 8pm-Midnight – New Year’s Eve Brewery Bash with live music, dancing, light fare from eM, and beer.  $45 per person, reservations required. 21+

Winchester Beer Mile

  • Sunday, January 1 – 1pm-4pm – This national trend (as seen on CNN, ESPN, Jimmy Fallon, and more) is enjoying it’s second year in Winchester.  $20 registration, beer and root beer (non-alcoholic) categories. 21+

Valley Cat

  • Saturday, December 31 – 7:30pm-11pm – New Year’s Show & Afterparty featuring 5 live bands.  $10 cover, or $8 if you bring canned goods for donation to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.  All ages.

A Quiet Celebration

Just a sampling of local spots to enjoy on your own casual time with limited or no special events planned Image from Region’s 117 Facebook Page    

Belle Grove Plantation

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 10am-8pm – final day of the season (regular admission prices).  Candlelight tours 6p-8p.

Escutcheon Brewing Co.

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 2pm-10pm
  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 12pm-6pm
  • Sunday, January 1 – Open from 12pm-8pm

James Charles Winery 

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 12pm-8pm
  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 12pm-4pm
  • Sunday, January 1 – Closed

Region’s 117 Restaurant

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 11:30am-9pm (regular hours/menu)
  • Saturday, December 31 – Open from 11:30am-9pm (reservations only, special menu)
  • Sunday, January 1 – Open from 11am-3pm (brunch menu)

Valerie Hill Winery

  • Friday, December 30 – Open from 11am-9pm
  • Saturday, December 31 – Closed
  • Sunday, January 1 – Closed
  • Monday, January 2 – 11am-6pm New Year’s Party with live music by Jimmy Lee from 2-5