As the unique year of 2020 comes to an end, people worldwide look forward to ringing in 2021.  Though COVID-19 has placed limitations on the execution of New Year’s Eve celebrations, cities nationwide look for new ways to safely execute New Year’s Eve events. New York City, Richmond and other popular cities will hold events and attempt to ensure that all attendees are kept safe.

One of the most popular New Year’s Eve events takes place in New York City, better known as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. This year it will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will take place mainly virtually on December 31, beginning at 6pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person attendance is limited, meaning only small groups will be featured at the event. The musical performances usually aired during the program will still appear, but performers have not yet been announced.  The traditional countdown to the ball drop, which signifies the start of the New Year, will be a crucial part of the night, as it has been for the last 114 years.  This year, the event will pay tribute to the heroes of the year. These essential personnel include scientists, doctors, nurses and first responders. To livestream the event on December 31, visit TimesSquareNYC.org, TimesSquareBall.net or livestream.com/2021.

Locally throughout Richmond, events will be taking place on days leading up to New Year’s Eve as well as the day of.  At the Richmond Science Museum, beginning at 10 a.m., activities such as building your own countdown machine will be offered to all. Admission is available only to the first 2,500 guests, and tickets sales begin at 9 a.m. Located in Doswell, Virginia, Kings Dominion will host a New Year’s event beginning at 4 p.m. and running until 1 a.m. As a part of it’s WinterFest the amusement park will host night-long “dance parties” as well as a grand fireworks show when the clock strikes midnight. 

For more information on Richmond events, visit Richmond New Year Eve’s Parties or Richmond New Year’s Events.