New Year's Eve International Gala at the Watergate Hotel

ONE ICONIC HOTEL!

MULTIPLE DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCES!

VIP DINING OPTIONS IN AN ACTUAL BANK VAULT!

…AND A LITTLE WASHINGTON HISTORY WITH SPECIAL “PRESIDENTIAL GUESTS”!

When the clock strikes midnight, where better to welcome 2027 than at one of Washington, D.C.’s most recognizable and talked-about hotels?

For the first time, Things To Do DC invites you to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the legendary Watergate Hotel! Join us for an extraordinary evening featuring international music, live bands, outstanding DJs, all-night dancing, karaoke, exclusive VIP dining, and an unforgettable midnight celebration.

And because this is the Watergate, we’re adding experiences you won’t find at an ordinary New Year’s Eve party!

Where else can you ring in the New Year at a legendary luxury hotel, enjoy an exclusive dinner inside an actual bank vault, and celebrate at a location forever connected with American political history?

Meet Washington’s greatest “Richard Nixon” impersonator, enjoy an exclusive VIP dinner in The Vault, dance the night away, and watch the giant midnight balloon drop in the Grand Ballroom! Sing your heart out in our dedicated Karaoke Lounge, or join an optional tour of the famous Scandal Suite, where the Watergate story became part of American history. (And who knows? You might even get “Nixon” himself as your tour guide!)

And the presidential fun doesn’t stop there! Meet Teddy and Abe, two of the Washington Nationals’ most beloved Racing Presidents, along with some of their friends, as they join the festivities to help welcome the New Year!

Whether you’re looking for a glamorous night out, an international adventure, a memorable evening with friends, or simply an extraordinary way to welcome the New Year, this is your invitation to celebrate in style.

THE WORLD COMES TO WASHINGTON. HISTORY COMES ALIVE. AND 2027 STARTS HERE!

FOUR TICKET OPTIONS

1. VIP Royal White Glove Admission — 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM
2. VIP Presidential Admission — 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
3. General Admission — 10:30 PM to 2:00 AM
4. Late-Night Reduced Admission — 11:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Group rates are available, as are special rates for active-duty military personnel. Email [email protected] for details.

This New Year’s Eve, we’ll take you on a journey around the globe, celebrating cultures and traditions from countries around the world in a truly WORLDWIDE WELCOME TO 2027!

ONE OF D.C.’S MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATIONS • MULTIPLE BALLROOMS • NUMEROUS INTERNATIONAL-THEMED CELEBRATIONS • LIVE BAND FEATURING CRUSH FUNK • SALUTE TO COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD • FULLY STOCKED OPEN BAR • MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST • HUGE MIDNIGHT BALLOON DROP • D.C.’S BEST DJs • KARAOKE • PARTY FAVORS • AFRICAN DANCE SHOW • MEXICAN FIESTA • LIVE IRISH DANCE SHOW • INCREDIBLE HOTEL ROOM RATES • WHITE GLOVE SERVICE • VIP OPTIONS • MULTIPLE BARS AND SERVICE STATIONS TO HELP PREVENT LONG LINES • AND MUCH MORE!

Plus, meet the Washington Nationals’ beloved Racing Presidents, Teddy and Abe, along with their friends. And don’t miss our very own “Richard Nixon,” who brings a little presidential mischief to the evening and may even lead you on an optional tour of the famous Scandal Suite!

THE PARTY

(1) THE GRAND BALLROOM: AN INTERNATIONAL NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECTACULAR!

Get ready for a night of incredible music, international entertainment, nonstop dancing, and a spectacular welcome to 2027!

The magnificent Grand Ballroom at the legendary Watergate Hotel will be the heart of our New Year’s Eve celebration, bringing together an exciting mix of live music, top DJs, international cultural performances, and partygoers ready to celebrate in style.

ONE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.’S LEADING DJs — THEN CRUSH FUNK LIVE!

We’ll kick off the excitement with one of Washington, D.C.’s leading DJs, delivering an energetic mix of music and dance-floor favorites to get the party started and keep the crowd moving.

Then, get ready for CRUSH FUNK! Bringing the excitement of a live band to the Grand Ballroom, Crush Funk will turn up the energy and give partygoers even more reasons to hit the dance floor.

With a leading D.C. DJ setting the pace and Crush Funk bringing the excitement of live music, the Grand Ballroom is the place to dance the night away!

A WORLD OF MUSIC, CULTURE, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Our celebration brings the world to Washington with a festive lineup of international entertainment and cultural experiences, including:

• Live music featuring Crush Funk.
• A leading Washington, D.C. DJ, followed by outstanding DJ music throughout the celebration.
• An African dance show showcasing the energy and excitement of African dance.
• A Mexican fiesta celebrating the color, music, and spirit of Mexican culture.
• A live Irish dance show featuring the tradition and excitement of Irish dance.
• International music and cultural tributes celebrating countries and traditions from around the globe.
• A special meet-and-greet with our very own Richard Nixon impersonator.
• A fully stocked open bar to keep the celebration flowing.
• Multiple bars and service stations designed to help minimize long lines.
• Party favors to add to the festive atmosphere.

THE COUNTDOWN TO 2027!

As midnight approaches, join the crowd for a champagne toast and an unforgettable giant balloon drop in the Grand Ballroom! Watch the ballroom fill with balloons as we count down to midnight and welcome 2027 in spectacular fashion.

And keep an eye out for Teddy and Abe, the Washington Nationals’ beloved Racing Presidents, along with some of their friends, joining the festivities for even more presidential fun!

From the first DJ beats to Crush Funk’s live performance, from international entertainment to the excitement of the midnight countdown, the Grand Ballroom promises an extraordinary New Year’s Eve celebration.

(2) NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AN ACTUAL BANK VAULT!

For the first time, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve inside an actual old bank vault, located beneath the former Democratic National Committee headquarters associated with the Watergate scandal!

With its intimate atmosphere, elegant surroundings, and striking safe-deposit-box features, The Vault offers a setting unlike an ordinary hotel ballroom. Its bank-vault-inspired design creates an atmosphere of secrecy, mystery, and intrigue — the perfect setting for a glamorous evening inspired by the Roaring Twenties.

PROGRAM FOR THE VAULT

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | THE WATERGATE SPEAKEASY VIP DINNER

Behind the headlines. Beneath the Watergate. Inside the Vault.

Few places in Washington have a story quite like the Watergate. And beneath the former Democratic National Committee headquarters—at the very address forever linked to one of America’s most infamous political scandals—lies an extraordinary setting for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

Welcome to The Vault: an actual former bank vault transformed into an exclusive, underground speakeasy. Step away from the grand celebration upstairs and enter a world of secrecy, history, sophistication, and entertainment. With its distinctive setting and intimate atmosphere, The Vault offers a celebration unlike any other.

8 PM to 10 PM VIP DINNER

Perhaps you’ve dined in palaces, on cruise ships, or even on a yacht. But what about a bank vault? For an additional fee, begin your New Year’s Eve celebration with an exclusive VIP dinner inside The Vault, one of the Watergate Hotel’s most distinctive and intriguing event spaces.

For the opening two hours, The Vault will be transformed into a Speakeasy, recalling the elegant underground nightclubs of the Prohibition era.

Guests will enjoy a special VIP dinner accompanied by an exciting program of live entertainment, including:

• A Romantic Opera Presentation: Enjoy a beautiful live vocal performance featuring the romance and elegance of opera.
• A Special Dance Show: An entertaining dance performance celebrating the glamour and excitement of the evening.
• A Live New Orleans Band: Experience the lively sounds and infectious rhythms of New Orleans as a live band makes a special appearance to kick off the New Year’s Eve festivities.
• An Exclusive Richard Nixon Meet-and-Greet: VIP guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photographs with a Richard Nixon impersonator during a private presidential reception.
• Additional Surprises: More entertainment and special touches throughout the evening!

With live music, performances, fine dining, and presidential entertainment, the Speakeasy VIP Dinner promises an extraordinary beginning to your New Year’s Eve celebration.

(VIP dinner menus are listed below.)

10:00 PM – MIDNIGHT | THE 20TH CENTURY (OPEN TO EVERYONE)

Following dinner, The Vault transforms from an elegant speakeasy into a lively nightclub celebrating the greatest dance music of the late 20th century!

Travel through the decades with 1970s disco favorites, 1980s dance classics, and 1990s party hits.

Keeping with its 1970s history, guests can also participate in a special Hustle Dance Lesson, learning the signature moves of the disco era before taking to the dance floor!

MIDNIGHT – 1:00 AM | LATIN DANCE PARTY

Welcome 2027 with the infectious rhythms of Latin America as The Vault becomes a lively Latin nightclub!

Enjoy salsa, merengue, bachata, and other Latin dance favorites as the New Year’s celebration continues.

1:00 AM – 2:00 AM | INTERNATIONAL DANCE PARTY

The final hour takes guests on a musical journey around the world, featuring Afrobeats, Caribbean rhythms, European dance hits, and international party favorites.

PLEASE NOTE: The Watergate Speakeasy VIP Dinner and private presidential meet-and-greet require a separate VIP dinner ticket. The subsequent themed dance parties are included with gala admission.

(3) THE WATERGATE KARAOKE LOUNGE — ALL NIGHT LONG!

TAKE THE STAGE THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE!

Grab the microphone and become the star of the show! Sing your favorite hits from yesterday and today, challenge your friends to a duet, or enjoy a group sing-along.

From classic rock and Motown to today’s biggest hits, the Watergate Karaoke Lounge promises an evening of music, laughter, and unforgettable New Year’s Eve fun!

(4) OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE: THE WATERGATE SCANDAL SUITE

AN EXCLUSIVE NEW YEAR’S EVE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE

Step inside the actual hotel room used as the command post during one of America’s most infamous political scandals!

On the night of June 16–17, 1972, E. Howard Hunt, a former CIA officer, and G. Gordon Liddy, a former FBI agent and Nixon campaign operative, used Room 214 of the Watergate Hotel as their command post while five burglars broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the adjoining Watergate office building.

From this room, Hunt and Liddy coordinated the operation and maintained radio communications with a lookout across the street. The burglary and subsequent cover-up eventually led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

Today, the room — renumbered 205 — has been transformed into the legendary Scandal Suite, featuring 1970s-inspired furnishings, vintage surveillance equipment, and memorabilia recalling these historic events.

This New Year’s Eve, visit the very room used during the Watergate scandal!

Optional historical tour available for an additional $30 fee. Limited availability; advance reservations recommended.

WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH YOUR ADMISSION?

FOR THE PRICE OF ADMISSION, ENJOY AN EXTRAORDINARY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION — ALL IN ONE ICONIC WASHINGTON, D.C. HOTEL!

In a single unforgettable evening, you can experience:

• The Legendary Watergate Hotel — one of Washington’s most iconic and historic luxury hotels.
• A Fully Stocked Open Bar.
• Multiple Bars and Service Stations designed to help minimize long lines.
• A Spectacular Midnight Champagne Toast.
• Elaborate International Dining Options available with applicable admission packages.
• One of Washington, D.C.’s Leading DJs, setting the tone for an incredible night of music and dancing.
• Crush Funk LIVE! — bringing the excitement of live-band entertainment to the Grand Ballroom.
• International Music and Cultural Celebrations representing countries and traditions from around the world.
• A Live African Dance Show.
• A Festive Mexican Fiesta.
• A Live Irish Dance Show.
• Salsa and Latin Music.
• International Dance Music, with rhythms and hits from around the globe.
• The Watergate Karaoke Lounge — take the microphone and sing your favorite songs.
• Richard Nixon Impersonator — meet a uniquely Washington presidential character.
• Teddy and Abe, the Washington Nationals’ beloved Racing Presidents, along with some of their friends.
• A Giant Midnight Balloon Drop in the Grand Ballroom.
• Party Favors to help make the celebration memorable.
• VIP Admission Options, including White Glove and Presidential experiences.
• Four Ticket Options with different arrival times and prices.
• Special Group Rates.
• Special Rates for Active-Duty Military.
• Special Hotel Room Rates for those who want to make a night of it.
• And Much More!

A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT. ONE ICONIC HOTEL. ONE SPECTACULAR NIGHT!

FULLY STOCKED OPEN BAR & INTERNATIONAL DINING

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the legendary Watergate Hotel with a festive atmosphere, international entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to raise a glass to the year ahead.

With multiple bars and service stations planned to help minimize lines, you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying the celebration.

Whether you’re dancing to Crush Funk, enjoying the international performances, meeting our presidential guests, or counting down to midnight beneath the giant balloon drop, the Watergate offers a memorable setting for welcoming 2027 in style.

Choose your ticket, gather your friends, and join Things To Do DC for a worldwide welcome to the New Year!

TICKET OPTIONS

1. VIP DINNERS

ELEVATE YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE: TWO EXCLUSIVE VIP DINING EXPERIENCES

Limited availability

Choose the VIP experience that suits your style!

Make your New Year’s Eve celebration even more extraordinary with one of our two exclusive VIP options. Enjoy the excitement of the Watergate New Year’s Eve Gala, complemented by an exceptional dining experience prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, renowned for serving U.S. presidents, world leaders, and distinguished guests.

Whether you prefer an elegant plated dinner in a remarkable historic setting or an extravagant buffet before the festivities, these exclusive options offer a delicious way to begin your evening.

OPTION ONE: WHITE GLOVE ROYAL VIP DINNER IN THE VAULT (8 PM – 2 AM)

An elegant, seated dinner in a truly extraordinary setting.

Begin your evening with an exquisite plated dinner inside The Vault, a distinctive former bank vault beneath the historic Watergate complex.

This intimate dining experience combines sophisticated cuisine, attentive service, and an unforgettable setting for a memorable start to New Year’s Eve.

THE MENU

First Course — Butter Lettuce Salad

Tender Bibb lettuce, crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and blue cheese, finished with white balsamic vinaigrette.

Main Course — A Plated Duet of Land and Sea

Petit filet mignon with classic Bordelaise sauce and miso-cured cod with citrus beurre blanc, accompanied by sautéed French green beans and potatoes Dauphinoise.

Vegetarian/Vegan Entrée Alternative

Wild mushroom risotto with foraged mushrooms, black garlic, leeks, and vegan Parmesan.

Assorted dinner rolls served with butter.

Dessert — Belgian Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

A decadent chocolate and raspberry creation adorned with fresh raspberries and rich chocolate ganache.

An exceptional dinner, an extraordinary setting, and a memorable beginning to your New Year’s Eve!

OPTION TWO: PRESIDENTIAL VIP DINNER (9 PM to 2 AM)

An extravagant buffet dinner as the gala festivities begin!

Prefer a lavish buffet with a variety of delicious choices? The Presidential VIP option features an extensive dinner in the Grand Ballroom, giving you the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional meal before joining the evening’s entertainment.

THE MENU

Pasta Station

Rigatoni and ricotta-spinach tortellini, accompanied by Alfredo, Bolognese, and roasted garlic forest mushroom sauces. Served with warm garlic bread.

Chef’s Carving Station

Skirt steak and roasted turkey, accompanied by chimichurri and spiced orange sauce, creamed spinach, potato gratin, and assorted rolls with butter.

An Assortment of Miniature Desserts

Enjoy a tempting selection of Dublin chocolate cake, cannoli, lemon cheesecake, Opéra cake, macarons, and tiramisu bites.

Coffee and Tea Service

Freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and assorted teas.

Your Presidential VIP experience also includes access to the New Year’s Eve celebration, with its entertainment, dancing, and midnight festivities.

OPTION THREE & FOUR: LATE-NIGHT REDUCED ADMISSION

ARRIVE LATER. JOIN THE CELEBRATION. WELCOME 2027 IN STYLE!

Our special 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM Late-Night Reduced Admission is ideal for guests who want to join the festivities later in the evening.

Includes an open bar until 1:30 AM. (Party concludes at 2 AM)

Enjoy the gala experiences and entertainment available to general admission guests at that time, including the excitement of the midnight countdown and balloon drop.

PLEASE NOTE: This ticket does not include food — neither the VIP dinners nor the dessert offerings associated with the earlier dining experiences.

Whichever option you choose, make your New Year’s Eve at the Watergate a celebration to remember!

OPTIONAL OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAYS

1. OVERNIGHT AT THE WATERGATE HOTEL)MAKE A NIGHT OF IT! STAY AT THE LEGENDARY WATERGATE HOTEL

Why end the celebration at 2:00 AM when you can make your New Year’s Eve experience even more memorable with an overnight stay at the iconic Watergate Hotel?

Things To Do DC has arranged a special hotel rate for gala guests: ($289 PER NIGHT • URBAN RESORT FEE WAIVED)

This exclusive perk is available only through Things To Do DC and is not offered on the hotel’s direct website or other third-party booking websites.

Rates are also available for three days before and three days after the event dates, subject to availability.

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM HERE:

Watergate New Year’s Eve Hotel Room Block

To book your reservation by phone, call 1-844-617-1972 and mention the NYE Event or Group Block Code CBNY123126.

Also, are you able to add “ For any reservation inquiries, booking requests, or assistance with existing reservations, please contact The Watergate Hotel’s Group Reservations team directly at [email protected] ”

2. Option 2: Overnight at the nearby Arc Hotel
If the overnight rooms at the Watergate sell out, or if you prefer to save some money, then we recommend an overnight room at the ARC HOTEL (Marriott). This is less than a 5-minute walk from the Watergate
We have arranged a special $170 rate for our attendees. If interested, please click for full details.

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION

Hotel accommodations are booked separately from gala admission. A hotel room reservation does NOT include a ticket to the New Year’s Eve Gala. You must purchase your gala tickets separately to attend the event.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

AGE REQUIREMENT: You must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

TICKET PRICES: Ticket prices will increase as sales progress, including when the next 100 tickets sell out. The earlier you purchase, the better your chance of securing the current price.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! This popular annual celebration will sell out.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GALA?

Contact Things To Do DC directly at (301) 519-8030 or email [email protected].

The hotel may not be able to answer questions about gala tickets, admission packages, or event programming.

GROUP RATES: Special group rates may be available. Email [email protected] for details.

PLAN AHEAD. SECURE YOUR TICKETS.

AND GET READY TO WELCOME 2027 AT THE WATERGATE!