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Richmond Rings in the New Year

Events | 12.29.09 | by Matt Harrington

For the past few years, Carytown was THE place to be in RVA to ring in a new year. But this year, the Carytown Ball Drop isn’t happening due to the overall cost of the event and other factors.

Don’t worry, revelers! There are a ton of events happening around Richmond to assist you in ushering in a new decade. From bars and clubs to concerts to family events, RIO’s got you covered.

Ravenchase

The Quest for Father Time Race starts at 7:30pm on New Year’s Eve. Meet downtown at 2^nd and Byrd Streets and set out to find secret clues hidden throughout the city. Use a treasure map along with some sleuthing gadgets to find Father Time’s clues that will lead you to a secret location where partiers will be waiting with an open bar and prizes. Learn more here.

Short Pump Hilton

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Hilton Hotel & Spa in Short Pump, where Ron Moody and the Centaurs will be providing the live music for your dancing pleasure. The party kicks off at 8pm and will end with a confetti drop and a champagne toast. Tickets are $129 per couple, $69 per person.

New Year’s Eve Family Frolic

Ululating Mummies will provide the entertainment for the whole family at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden from 2pm to 5pm. Guests can make their own noisemaker as well as participate in a smattering of family activities as they await the arrival of 2010. Families can stick around for Garden Fest of lights at 5pm, where they will be treated to their famous display of lights, all for the price of regular admission - $6 per child, $10 adult.

Jim Brickman at CenterStage

Solo pianist Jim Brickman will be ringing in the New Year at the Carpenter Theatre. The concert begins at 8pm, tickets available here.

Cha Cha’s, Lucky Buddha & Europa

Shockoe Bottom’s three favorite nightspots are teaming up to bring bar hoppers a New Year’s Eve party, complete with a complimentary buffet and live DJ. $30 gives you access to all three bars. The festivities kick off at 7pm.

NYE at NYD

Just because there isn’t an “official” Carytown ball drop doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in Carytown. New York Deli will have music, food and champagne – as well as a few surprises. The owner of NYD was one of the folks responsible for starting the Carytown tradition, so it’s a good bet that he knows how to throw a party. The throwdown begins at 7pm.

And don’t forget, many Richmond area restaurants are participating in a “prix fixe” menu in honor of New Year’s Eve. Our friends over at Richmond.com put together a complete list of price-fixed dining options for your New Year’s Eve meal.

No matter how you decide to usher in the ’10, have fun and BE SAFE. Draw straws and choose a designated driver or call a cab. Also, the Big Green Bus will be providing shuttles “To The Bottom and Back” all night long. It’s a free service – so use it!