No one says you have to go out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and far be it for us to suggest that you do. But for those eager to put the economic shifts and geopolitical tensions of 2025 aside for one evening before having to dive into the unknown and possibly terrifying abyss of 2026, Richmond, as always, offers a wide array of happenings to distract you, if only temporarily.

And while it’s not a New Year’s Eve event date-wise, Kwanzaa does mark the end of the old year ahead of the incoming one. One of the largest Kwanzaa celebrations on the east coast, Elegba Folklore Society’s 2025 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival celebrates African American culture, family, community and heritage. The Kuumba Stage features music and dance, with shopping available at the cultural Ujamaa Market and food offerings from around the African Diaspora available in the Karamu Kitchen. Children are invited to Watoto Kwanzaa, and the Nia Sessions offer cultural connection and discussion points. Dec. 27, 1 – 7 p.m. Greater Richmond Convention Center, 5th & Marshall Streets.

Anglophiles and those with early bedtimes can celebrate New Years Eve based on UK time at local pub The British Embassy. The aim is to have everyone tucked up in bed by 9 p.m., which means they’ll be raising their glasses at 7 p.m. local time to watch the fireworks from London on their bank of TVs. It’s always a full house on NYE, so early reservations are strongly encouraged. Dec. 31, 4 p.m., The British Embassy, 116 E. Main St. Reservations: 804.866.2838

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Richmond’s most iconic underground arts event, PLF’s Annual Decemberween. For their 19th year, the event returns to their roots –though no longer in basements and backyards- with a more intimate community feel while still delivering the full Decemberween spectacle of fire performances, DJs, immersive art installations, interactive circus and flow arts, live painting, outdoor pyro-sculptures, lounge zones, food trucks and fully stocked libation stations. Costumes strongly encouraged. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Homegrown VA, 1794 Arlington Road. Tickets

Should you be so disgusted with 2025 that you’re longing for simpler times, you’re a prime candidate for the Y2K NYE Bash at Ember Music Hall. For the ultimate throwback celebration, head straight back to the iconic era of ‘90s and 2000s hits, where pop, hip-hop, and R&B ruled the world and every night felt like a music video. Count on a midnight live ball drop, a neon-soaked nostalgic atmosphere and music by Polo Brown. Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Ember Music Hall, 309 East Broad St. Tickets

Don your gothic finery to ring in the New Year at Fallout RVA’s annual masquerade ball, Masque, where semi-formal, formal or fetish wear is required to enter. With DJ Scareypete and DJ Jackie playing goth, industrial, New Wave, EBM, indie, and electronica, we’re pretty sure this is the sole RVA venue offering NYE cage dancers. Guests can count on a snack buffet, professional photo booth, celebratory midnight toast and for the first 200 attendees, a special gift bag that includes a mask and Fallout swag. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Fallout RVA, 117 N. 18th Street. Tickets

Richmond’s legendary world music ensemble Rattlemouth will usher in the new year with special guest Roger Carroll and an opening set by Zarove. Fair warning: come prepared to dance because Rattlemouth is considered an exceptional purveyor of eminently danceable original art rock flavored with world tonality and rhythm. To make things even groovier, look for projections by Marc Langelier. Ticket price includes a champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Street. Tickets

Vinyl lovers and fans of post punk, synth-pop and Italo disco need look no further than Laura Lee’s NYE dance party with DJ Benny Honda of Hot Shot Records spinning platters after dinner service. It’s not every night that the public is invited to dance the night away in a restaurant as beloved as Laura Lee’s. Wise celebrants might even plan on a reservation for dinner first so as not to miss a moment of tripping the light fantastic. Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Laura Lee’s, 3410 Semmes Ave.

For a futuristic evening complete with Indian food and a Bollywood DJ, consider IAVA’s NYE Bash at the Hippodrome in Jackson Ward. Billed as an evening where music meets machines and lights dance with intelligence, it looks to be a night of futuristic beats, immersive visuals and AI-inspired style. The dress code is futuristic glam, but the really good news is that kids’ entertainment and childcare are available. Dec. 31, 7 p.m., The Hippodrome, 528 N. 2nd St. Tickets

There’s a different kind of dancing available at RVA Bachata NYE at The Veil Brewing Company. You can expect two rooms of music: one with DJ Ruddy playing salsa, bachata and merengue and another with DJ Sing playing EDM, International and Top 40. Note, the suggested attire means wearing scarlet and onyx. To fuel all that dancing is Remedy Burger, and beverages of all kinds, including New Year’s Eve drink specials. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Veil Brewing Company, 1301 Roseneath Road. Tickets

For those looking for more than a party, how about an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and start the new year with purpose alongside the Richmond community? Reservoir Distillery’s New Year’s Eve at the Hazmat Club pairs fun with giving because a portion of the bar proceeds will go to Guardian of the Gloves, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering local youth through boxing, mentorship, and opportunity. Ticket prices include catered food, your first drink, a midnight champagne toast, and entertainment. December 31, 9:30 p.m., Reservoir Distillery, 1800-A Summit Avenue. Tickets

Havana ’59 is turning up the heat with a green and gold glamour theme, so think vibrant, tropical elegance meets old-Havana sparkle. Havana ‘59’s NYE Fiesta promises a festive vibe with dazzling decorations, lively tunes, and great company. The dress-up affair features live entertainment, cocktails, dancing and a midnight countdown complete with champagne toast. Dec. 31, 8 p.m. 804.780.2822

Just keep on truckin’ with Hardywood’s NYE shindig with Grateful Dead tribute band Suggesting Rhythm. If you’re still walkin’, you can still dance your way into 2026 surrounded by craft beer, pizza and enough friends to put the series of unfortunate events known as 2025 in the rearview mirror. Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Hardywood, 2410 Ownby Road. Tickets

Okay, so maybe you don’t like parties, dancing, midnight toasting or even acknowledging the end of the year. How about ringing in the new year with an actual ring? In case you’ve been itching to get married all year but haven’t found the time, the Lucky in Love Chapel has you covered. The chapel is offering Last Chance Elopements up until midnight on NYE, with late night ceremonies available. Pick your package and you can start 2026 with a new ball and chain. Dec. 31, 5 p.m. to midnight, Lucky in Love Chapel, 402 East Grace St. Information