There's something special about the night of New Year's Eve. For the most part, everyone is in celebration mode. Friends and family gather around to reminisce the past year and make promises for the year to come.
Drinks are flowing, the hors d'oeuvres are delicious and, if you're lucky, there's a special (or perhaps not-so-special) someone waiting around for you to smooch at midnight.
For Richmonders, this special night is taking to the streets for the second year in a row during Carytown New Year's Eve 2008, hosted by The Carytown Merchants Association and RVA Magazine.
With a pool of bands, street vendors and big surprises lined up for the evening, the last night of 2007 is sure to be a fun one.
What started out as a dream, grew into New York Deli owner Demetrios Tsiptsis' master plan of how to give Richmonders a taste of a Times Square-style celebration, without the hassle of getting to New York City.
More than 3,000 people crowded the streets of Carytown last year to ring in 2007 and organizers expect many more to join for 2008. Unique to Richmond's already enticing and eclectic Carytown area is the rising, not falling, of the New Year's Eve ball above the Byrd Theatre.
Last year's 30 foot rigging will be expanded upward to reach 100 feet and the ball itself, 4 feet in diameter last year, has also been tweaked and enlarged for an even bigger and better final countdown.
To help get you to all the New Year's hoopla, parking will be available at the University of Richmond Stadium and shuttles will carry party-goers to Ellwood Avenue and back from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Go here for a list of street closures.)
The celebration begins at 7 p.m. with No BS Brass Band taking the Virginia Lottery main stage around 8 p.m. Other musical acts will include Black Cash and the Bad Trips, Boneanchor, and Prabir and The Substitues.
New to the event are four large video projection screens, making sure everyone has a chance to get in and see all the action.
Adding to the glitz and glam, a new (and more importantly heated) 90 by 60 foot Cary Court VIP Area will be a'rockin' all night long for 500 lucky party-people.
Included with purchase of a VIP ticket at $50 per person is a fully-loaded cash bar and catered buffet, a 12-foot video screen broadcasting all the action, live entertainment by DJ Rudy Lopez and DJ J5K, your very own dance floor and a plush lounge furnished by the Carytown store, EQ3.
Multiple alcohol "gardens" have also been added to the mix and promise to be fully stocked with beer, wine and champagne for purchasing.
Speaking of lucky party-goers, what better way to celebrate 2008 than with $1 million? At 11:15 p.m. the Virginia Lottery will announce four new millionaires and with only 440,000 tickets sold, one of those winners could be you.
Tickets for the raffle are $20 and can be purchased at any Virginia Lottery retailer that sells games through the Lottery terminal.
With bellies fuller, drinks in hand and the pockets of four people much more plentiful, the ball will rise to the top of the Byrd as local artist Jaci Camden serenades the crowd with her rendition of the traditional New Year's ballad, "Auld Lang Syne."
Celebrate the New Year with Carytown New Year's Eve 2008 on Monday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Families are welcome to attend but parents are reminded this is an event designed for those ages 21 and older and alcohol will be available for purchase to responsible adults. Parking is available at the UR Stadium with shuttles running from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission to the street festival is free. VIP tickets are $50 and can be purchased from Plan 9 in Carytown or online at carytownnye.com.
Looking for something else to ring in the New Year? Richmond.com also has your guide to alternative choices to help you celebrate 2008.
More Events
Toad's Place - 804-648-TOAD (8623)
Celebrate the New Year with live music from headliner Carbon Leaf and opener, Me and Her. With prizes, party favors, a countdown and champagne toast at midnight, you're sure to start 2008 off on the right foot. For ages 18 and older. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
The Funny Bone - 804-521-8900
Laugh off the rest of 2007 with comedian Ian Bagg. The Funny Bone will be offering two shows, each packaged with specials on food, champagne and party favors. The early show at 6:30 p.m. is non-smoking and includes a plated dinner with your choice of three entrees. The late show at 9:30 p.m. includes party favors, a cheese, fruit and cracker platter per couple and a champagne toast at midnight. Packaged tickets for either show are $50 per person. Tickets for the early show, not including dinner, are $25 person.
The Tobacco Company Restaurant - 804-782-9555
The Tobacco Company offers something for everyone, with three different ways to ring in the New Year. If you're looking for a party, try the New Year's Eve celebration in The Club, located on basement level. An all inclusive package features party favors, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, a DJ and champagne toast at midnight. Black tie is requested and coat and tie are required. Doors open at 8 p.m. Reservations are required. Tickets are $95 per person or $175 per couple.
For a more relaxing evening, try the Tobacco Company Bar located in the First Floor Atrium. Enjoy the music of Spectrum, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Cocktail attire requested and no reservations will be accepted. A $20 admission at the door is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Tobacco Company will also serve New Year's Eve dinner on the second and third floors from 5 p.m. to midnight. At midnight, enjoy party favors and a complimentary champagne toast. Diners will also receive free entrance into the bar on the first floor. Reservations are required and only parties of 10 and under will be accepted.
Richbrau Brewing Co. and Restaurant - 804-644-3018.
Celebrate the New Year Vegas style at Richbrau and Taphouse Grill with New Year's Eve menu specials starting at 5 p.m. The Russ Hanchen and Joe Sarver Duo will fill the Taphouse with jazz starting at 8 p.m. while Black Jack, Texas Hold'em, roulette will be available on the second floor from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. DJ Tree mixes it up in the Club at 9 p.m. while DJ Williams starts the party in the pool room. Appetizers, party favors and a cash and balloon drop at midnight are what make this a Vegas New Year's Eve to remember. Cocktail attire requested. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 at the door.
Art 6 - 804-343-1406
Looking to dance to some world music beats? Art 6 will kick off its New Year's Eve party with music from DJ David Noyes followed by Balkanize and Rattlemouth. Art 6 will also offer a cash bar, light snacks and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 8 and the music starts at 9 p.m. $20 cover charge.
The Canal Club - 804-643-2582
Jam into the New Year with reggae and rock beats from SOJA and Fear Nuttin Band. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Cary Street Café - 804-353-7445
King Solomon's Marbles livens up Cary St. Café with Grateful Dead covers from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The show includes a champagne toast and party favors. $12 cover.
Sine Irish Pub and Restaurant - 804-649-7767
Ring in the New Year twice – once when it begins in Ireland at 7 p.m. and again at midnight. The outdoor patio pub will be heated as DJ James rocks the dance floor. Inside, Jubeus delivers plenty of pop rock tunes. A special New Year's Eve Menu will be available. There is no cover before 9 p.m., so get there early.
Tiki Bob's Cantina - 804-644-9094
Bring some magic to your New Year's Eve at Tiki's Le Ciirque Masquerade Ball complete with masks, mystical acts throughout the night, premiere hors d'oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. A top-shelf cash bar will be open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and at midnight is your chance to grab some cash with a $2,008 cash and prize balloon drop. Doors open at 6 p.m. $50 per person, $80 per couple.
Holiday Inn Select Koger South Center - 804-379-3800
Once again the Holiday Inn Select is offering an amazing night of entertainment and lodging. Check below under the "Hotels" section for more information.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - 804-262-9887
A great family-friendly way to celebrate New Year's Eve. Buy your ticket in the afternoon and you can stay on through the evening for GardenFest of Lights! From 2 to 4 p.m., enjoy a live concert by the Ululating Mummies, face painting, balloon art and make your own noisemaker to take home.
The Garden Cafe is open for dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Then, stay for GardenFest which runs from 5 to 10 p.m. and enjoy more than half a million lights, botanical displays, model trains, a bonfire (weather permitting) and more. The first 1,000 people through the door into the Garden receive "blinking" rings to "Ring in the New Year."
Children's Museum of Richmond - 804-474-CMoR (2667)
A festive celebration the whole family can participate in. Special guests, Radio Disney, will host the “Countdown to Noon” and a toast to 2008. Other activities include story time, art activities and Seymour leading the New Year’s Eve parade. Included with $7 museum admission.
Dining
Want to make the New Year's special with a romantic dinner for two? Looking for the perfect restaurant to accommodate your celebration party of 15? Richmond.com has you covered with our guide to dining out on New Year's Eve 2008. Click here for our New Year's Eve version of our dining column, 'Eat Beat.'
Hotels
Want to celebrate the night away and have a place to crash once 2008 finally arrives? Check out Richmond.com's New Year's Eve hotel packages guide for places to wine, dine and sleep in on New Year's Day.
The Berkeley Hotel - 804-780-1300
Why not Kick off 2008 in style with The Berkeley's "Celebration" package, which includes an Executive Parlor Room, champagne with truffles, European turn-down service, breakfast the next morning for two and complimentary valet parking, all for $255. Feeling like a fine dinner to go with your great room? The Dining Room downstairs is offering a five-course dinner including multiple options such as soft shell crab bisque, brandied pheasant, roasted duck Wellington and four choices for desert. $80 per person plus tax and gratuity and the seatings are from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Call (800) 780-4422 for dinner reservations.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown - 804-788-0900
If you have the Carytown New Year's Eve 2008 celebration in mind for your party plans, the Crowne Plaza has you in mind. This year they are offering a special Carytown specific package that includes a room for the night, transportation to and from the Carytown party and a big breakfast the next day, all for $139.95 per room.
The Doubletree Hotel Richmond Airport - 804-226-6400
Ring in 2008 with class as you enjoy the smooth sounds of The Legacy Jazz Band featuring Carlton Ayles. Packages include elegant king room, dinner buffet, party favors, champagne toast, and breakfast for $169.00 per couple.
Holiday Inn Select Koger South Center - 804-379-3800
Get ready to party. With the "Night Under the Stars" package, you get it all. Start off the evening by dropping off your bags in the room. Then head downstairs where you'll find dinner buffets, cash bars (though you get two drink tickets per person), live music by Casper, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Then, the following morning, you get access to a breakfast buffet. The whole shebang is $300 per couple but there options that exclude the breakfast and the room.
The Jefferson Hotel - 804-788-8000
Unfortunately, all of the Jefferson's New Year's packages are already sold out. You can still get a room for the night, however. If you are looking to spread out a little after your big night, ask for the Deluxe room, which is $344 per night. They also have standard sized rooms available for $310. Either room size offers the choice of king, queen or double beds.
Marriott Richmond - 804-643-3400
The Marriott isn't offering any special N.Y.E. deals this year but the hotel is located in the heart of downtown Richmond. Plus, it's only a short cab ride from all of the hot spots in the Bottom and on the Slip. Anyway, you'll probably have enough champagne when you are out on the town. Do you really need another bottle when you get back to the room at 3 a.m.?
Omni Richmond - 804-344-7000
Though the Omni isn't offering any "champagne and chocolates in bed" packages, the hotel has partnered with The Tobacco Company and Toad's Place to offer a unique and convenient night of fun. If you make advanced reservations at The Tobacco Company Restaurant (782-9555) or Toad's Place (648-8623) for their Dec. 31 events, the Omni is offering revelers the opportunity to reserve a room at the hotel for $129.