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Turning Back the Clock for New Years Eve in DC

| 12/20/2011

 

Being the über nostalgic retro-fiend that I am, I was thrilled to discover that turning back the clock (a lot!) seems to be the pervasive theme in DC this NYE. What better way to wrap up 2011 than with a nod to golden ages past? I’ve rounded up of some the most alluring other era soirées. Here they are listed in chronological order from the fifteenth century, to the roaring twenties, all the way to the amped eighties.  I’m having the hardest time deciding which one to attend, times like this I wish I had a DeLorean!

Venetian Masquerade Party at Tuscana
Masquerade balls were all the rage during the 15th century, especially among the royals and their swanky friends.  Enjoy a four-course Italian dinner with live piano, a champagne toast, dancing, and a prize for best mask.

What: Venetian Masquerade Party
Where: Tuscana | 1350 I St NW, Washington DC
When: December 31, 2011 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. – close
What’s Next? Book your reservations: Early seating $59; late seating $89.

NYE Venetian Ball at Ultra Lounge
If you’re looking to dance till dawn then Ultra Bars Venetian Ball may be more your speed. Party till the end of the year in anonymity  – but when the clock strikes midnight, all will be revealed.

What: Venetian Ball at Opera Lounge
Where: Opera Ultra Lounge | 1400 I Street NW, Washington DC
When: December 31, 2011 | 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
What’s Next? Purchase tickets ($50) or reserve a table.

Black Cat’s Swinging New Years Eve Ball
Peaches and her Orchestra will be performing swing dance music, dreamy romantic fare from the 1930s-40s, Latin rhumbas and tangos, “jump swing,”Hollywood’s greatest hits, hot-cha-cha stuff from the very late 1920s and a few humdingers of the 1950s.

What: Black Cat New Years Eve Ball
Where: Black Cat | 1811 14th St NW, Washington DC
When: December 31, 2011 | 8:00 p.m.
What’s Next? Purchase tickets $25/person

New Year’s Eve 2011 Prohibition Era Party at Sonoma
Spend the night remembering some of America’s saddest years – the dry ones. But nothing makes a cocktail more delicious than its prohibition! Enjoy themed cocktails, a four-course menu, music, dancing, flapper dresses, fedora hats, zoot suits, and more.

What: Prohibition Era NYE Party at Sonoma
Where: Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar | 223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington DC
When: December 31, 2011 | 5:00pm - 1:00 a.m.
What’s Next? Call to reserve your space today ($95) 202-544-8088

Southern Speakeasy-themed New Year’s Eve at Art and Soul
Another prohibition era bash! Enjoy a fun New Orleans circa 1920s inspired party including a 4-course dinner, live jazz and a midnight champagne toast served by wait-staff donning that iconic style.

What: Southern Speakeasy-themed New Year’s Eve
Where: Art and Soul | 415 New Jersey Ave, Washington DC
When: December 31, 2011 | 5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
What’s Next? Book your reservations.  $75.00

Pinstripes & Pinups: NYE retro soiree at The W Hotel POV Rooftop Lounge
Nothing is quite as sexy as a pin-up style lady or a 4 piece pin-stripe suit wearing, man. Ring in 2012 in style surrounded by beautiful people and one of the best views in the city. 

What: Pinstripes & Pinups: NYE retro soiree at the W P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge
When: December 31, 2011 | 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Where: 515 15th Street NW
What’s Next? Reserve tickets ($200)

1980s New Year’s Eve Party – Arlington Cinema n’ Draft House
Have you noticed how much of the coolest music, movies, fashions and people (ahem) were born in the eighties? Watch New York’s, Times Square celebration, as well as other celebrations around the world – LIVE – on a huge theater screen while partying 80’s style.

What: 1980s New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Arlington Cinema n’ Draft House | 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington VA
When: December 31, 2011 | 7:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
What’s Next? RSVP Required $15

One Love Massive Presents: Fatback Time Travelers Ball
If you’re like me, than it may be nearly impossible to choose just one decade’s party to attend. The Time Travelers Ball allows you to choose any era you like and party among people from all over history. Dress like it’s the 60’s, or the 20’s or even biblical times! With so many options, you may even opt for a mid-party costume change.

What: Time Travelers Ball
Where: Slaviya (Formerly known as Left Bank) | 2424 18th Street NW, Washington DC
When: December 31, 2011 | 8:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
What’s Next? Call to reserve your space ($30) 202-464-2100

Images via Flickr (creative commons) by e-MagineArt.combeskal.pancit, and Michael McDonough

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Category: BAR EVENTS, EAT N' DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT, MORE EVENTS, MUSIC EVENTS, NEW EVENTS, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANT EVENTS, SPECIAL OCCASION EVENTS, THE ARTS

About Vanessa Carbajal: Vanessa is a DC metro native, and a true urbanite at heart; moving from DC to London to NYC and back again. She’s passionate about city life, food, wine & cocktails, travel, books and writing. Vanessa currently works as an independent freelance writer and Social Media Manager. View author profile.

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