Guide to Local New Year's Eve Celebrations

There's no such thing as last-minute plans for New Year's Eve if you plan to stay in the Annandale area.

Missed those tickets to that big event in Washington, D.C. that sounds amazing? Don't want to break the bank to ring in 2012? Or maybe you prefer the ease of being close enough to home?

Here's our list of some NYE events happening in Annandale and our neighboring cities.

Annandale

Annandale's AMF Lanes has something for the whole family on Saurday night. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., kids can bowl for $50 for five people. The $50 includes shoes and the cost of bowling. Then from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., five people can bowl for four hours for $80.

The Grille is known for its live music, but this New Year's Eve, there will be a DJ spinning hits and crowd favorites. In addition to handing out party favors, there will also be a toast at midnight. For further details, call 703-658-0928.

For their Saturday menu, Silverado will have filet crab cakes and other delicious items. They open at 11 a.m. and close at midight, but the bar will stay open until 1 a.m.

Falls Church

City of Falls Church 14th Annual Watch Night

Another local family-friendly event that also happens to be free. Watch Night will feature live bands, a 20 piece orchestra, dancing and more. Read more about it on . There will also be free Shuttle Bus every 30 minutes from East Falls Church Metro Station to all venues, running from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Velocity Five

Located in Merrifield, Velocity Five will host an NYE party that will feature the usual dancing and champage toast, but also include free hors d'oeuvres and some acrobatic performances. There is a $35 cover charge.

Springfield

Kilroy's Little Black Dress Party

Kilroy's New Year's Eve party features a performance by DJ Sabra, dancing, dinner specials, and a champagne toast at midnight. Call ahead for reservations and pricing.

Alexandria

Foxfire Grill

If dinner's more your style versus a night out on the town, just over the Annandale border in Alexandria's Pinecrest Shopping Center, Foxfire Grill has an NYE meal for $65 per person. Includes a glass of complimentary Champagne or Sparkling Cider For full menu details, visit their website.

First Night Alexandria
1 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Adults $20, children 12 and under free with a paying adult.
The historic City of Alexandria presents its annual all-day New Year's Eve celebration. Events for children kick off at 1 p.m., including the annual Fun Hunt and free arts programs at the . Then, at 5 p.m., events for adults begin, featuring live performances, a multi-media countdown show, and a 'ball drop', where plastic balls will be dropped on party-goers, which can be redeemed later for a chance to win prizes.

Fairfax

Fairfax Four Miler

Join the  and the City of Fairfax for a four-mile run through the city. It starts at 6 p.m. This event supports the Fairfax Police Youth Club. The post race party includes food and entertainment. Register online before the event.

A live performance by Celtic Union, a three-course meal, a champagne toast to New Year's in Ireland, and party favors are included for $39.99. A $10.95 late-night fee covers a performance by DJ Espree and a champagne toast at midnight. The party lasts from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Call for reservations.

Admission of $35 pre-sale, $40 at the door, covers drink tickets, shots, a champagne toast and party favors. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

Reminder: is offering free cab rides through Jan. 1, 2012 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. You can grab a SoberRide by calling 1-800-200-TAXI or #TAXI on AT&T wireless phones.