This is it, the final hours of 2011! Usher in 2012 in grand fashion with 8 great New Year’s Eve ideas. There is always the option to go big, but sometimes the smaller, local events can offer the most fun.

1. Looking for a fun way for the kids to ring in the New Year? Quantico Lanes is having a New Year’s Eve Glow-Bowling Party on December 31, 2011 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Cost is $12 and this includes 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, soft drink, pizza, party favors and prizes. Register online or call 703-784-2210. Space is limited, so hurry!

2. After the kids have had their fun, it is time for the adults to celebrate at the Clubs at Quantico. DJ, Hors d’oeuvres, carving station, party favors & hats, prizes, champagne toast at midnight, soft drinks for designated drivers and tons of fun! Celebrate from 8:00 pm – 1:00 am. Tickets are $15 for E-5 and below and $20 for SNCO, Officer & Civilian. Tickets are available through Rec/ITT. Call 703-784-4264.

3. If you are looking for an event that is fun for the whole family, look no further than First Night Fredericksburg. A family tradition since 1994, this event offers fun for everyone for the affordable price of $10 / $7 in advance. Active duty military, retirees and children 3 and under are FREE! (Offer is not valid for military dependents. Click here for locations of button sales. Enjoy live musical performances, dance, kids crafts, pineapple illumination and fireworks.

4. If you enjoy the idea of a First Night celebraton, but prefer to head North, then you may enjoy First Night Alexandria. 100 live performances at 18 different venues, annual fun hunt, children’s entertainment and games and a spectacular show of lights, lasers and video at the George Washington Mesonic Memorial.

Badges may be purchased in person at the Alexandria Visitors Center at Ramsay House, 221 King Street. On December 31, all First Night venues will have badges for sale beginning 15 minutes prior to the first performance. Admission badges will also be available beginning at noon on December 31 at the Durant Arts Center, 1605 Cameron Street.

5. Maybe a relaxing and delicious meal is more your style. Blue and Gray Brew Pub is hosting a three course wine and beer pairing menu with oysters, wellington and bananas foster. Sounds like the perfect choice for your last meal of 2011.

Dinner is $59.99 plus tax and gratuity. First seating is at 5:00, last one at 8:00 pm. Please call 540-371-7799 for reservations.

6. Dinner and entertainment are on the playbill at the Riverside Dinner in Fredericksburg. Enjoy a three course meal and a live performance of the musical, “White Christmas”. Seating for dinner from 6:00 – 6:15 pm. Cost is $90 per person. Please call 540-370-4300 or 888-999-8527 for reservations.

7. Potomac Point Winery is bringing some class to the last night of the year. Join in the fun of a masquerade ball with formal attire and traditional masks. Enjoy a cocktail hour with appetizers, followed by a dinner buffet, dessert buffet, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. For reservations, please call 540-446-2107. $109.00/per person.

8. Looking more for the traditional bar scene New Year’s Eve celebration? Main Street Grill & Bar in Stafford is the perfect solution. Hosted by DJ Epidemic and deemed the “End of the World New Year’s Eve Celebration”, this party has the potential to be epic! Call 540-288-9277 for more information.

Regardless of where you bring in the New Year, please remember to behave responsibly and have a great time celebrating the end of 2011!

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