Big Night DC

–VIP is the way to go; upgraded food and booze, plenty of seating and no long lines.
–I enjoyed the braised short ribs and the chicken on the stick.
–Great music.
–an abundance of twenty something’s. Some older folks and some weirdos, but overall trendy place to be.
–party favors.
–restroom was easy to find an unoccupied

THE BEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY IN THE DMV, PERIOD! Do yourself a favor and purchase the VIP or Velvet Rope VIP ticket to fully enjoy the Gaylord experience, and purchase them early! Crab cakes were filling-​free, short-​braised ribs were fall of the bone tender and Tandoori chicken satay were well seasoned and spicy! The VIP rum punch and VIP premium open bar were worth the cost of admission by itself! And to top it off, VIP tickets give you access to Posè Ultra Lounge and Nightclub on the 18^th floor! Definitely will be attending Big Night D.C. NYE 2015!

Have been for multiple years and keep coming back. Love the variety of great bands and deejays, the many different party rooms, and the fact that there are fully-​stocked bars everywhere. My friends and I always run into other groups we know, and the party just keeps growing. These guys def know how to throw a bash, and the fact that it’s at the Gaylord on the Potomac River is a bonus!

This was my first time at Big Night DC and it did not disappoint. I went with my husband and the two of us had a fantastic time. The bands were jammin’ and the DJ’s were awesome. We purchased the VIP ticket as we wanted to be able to sit down and wanted an upgraded menu from the Main ticket. The food was good and we didn’t go hungry. We also liked the fact that there were many break out rooms with various artists and entertainment. The main lobby area did get crowded, but being able to go into the other rooms was a great change of pace! We plan on going again this year.

This is not a great idea for nye. I am a relatively laid back person. I bought 130 dollar tickets for my husband and I based on a friends recommendation. I spent at least 20 min per drink in line waiting to be served at open bar. The bartenders were super nice but there were just not enough bartenders. Then I thought the party would go on until 3 as advertised but they turned in SUPER bright lights at 2 am.
Normally if b like whatever but I am writing this while waiting to get my coat out of coat check. It was insanely terrible. I have never posted on Unilocal before but I am strongly recommending against this party.

Best New Year’s Party in DC! I went last year with a group of friend’s and had an amazing time. I typically don’t like huge New Year’s parties but this one exceeded my expectations. Even though it’s a large crowd it was filled the kind of people that were there made this a great New Year’s experience. From the atmosphere to the great music and delicous food it’s worth every penny. Going again this year and can’t wait!

I also wrote this review under the Gaylord National Hotel page since they are at least partly responsible for the crap that Big Night DC brought us on New Year’s Eve. This review is specific to Big Night DC’s non-​VIP admission.
This was not worth the money I paid. There were long lines for everything including just getting through the hallway. Waited in line 30 min to get my first drink — only got 3 drinks all night because of the lines. Waited in line for the bathroom wasting probably about an hour total for two bathroom breaks. Waited in line for over an hour to leave the event since there were zero taxis and the valet guys didn’t know what was happening at all. The food was worth maybe $ 5 at most — some noodles with sauce and rolls. Talk about rip off. Music was ok in some rooms. Mr. Greenegenes was the best band I heard all night. I think I would have paid maximum of $ 20 to hear them. They had party favors (hats/​tiaras and noise makers), which they should have given each person as they entered. But instead they left them on some of the tables and everything was gone within the first 20 min of the party. I didn’t get a tiara or a noise maker. Also those only cost about $ 1 each so some part of the $ 130 I spent including taxes and fees should have gotten me one of those (oh not counting the additional amount I had to tip to get drinks and to coat check). Also the casino game room was probably the best; however, the dealers didn’t even know how to deal for the card games. Karaōke room had an outrageously long wait so I never got to sing.
There were little to no decorations anywhere. Hanging out in a lame ass conference room with a few lights around a dj booth is not very exciting. I expected the gaylord to do better since their lobby is decorated so nicely. Instead there was basically zero ambiance. To top it all off they served warm champagne, which basically ruins a champagne toast. Worst new years eve I have ever paid money to attend. What did the money I spent go toward? I have no idea because I think that 3 drinks, some mediocre music, one round of poker, and a plate of noodles would cost about $ 10 at my house, maybe $ 50 to 75 if I was going out. Not the $ 100+ they charge for this crap. I will never attend this party again, not even if it was free.