As we look forward toward closing the book on 2020 and ring in 2021, there are a few noteworthy closures around the county to be aware of.

Services and government offices throughout Fairfax County have altered their schedules in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

The full list from around the county is as follows:

Fairfax County Government:

• County government offices will be closed on Jan. 1.

Fairfax County Courts:

• The Fairfax Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District courts will be closed all day on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Reston Association:

• Reston Association offices, including the Central Services Facility and Nature House, will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year holiday.

Reston Community Centers:

• RCC Hunters Woods is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 1.
• RCC Lake Anne is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, and it is closed on Jan. 1.

 Public Schools:

• Fairfax County Public Schools remain closed through Jan. 1 for Winter Break. All students will resume classes virtually on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Monday, Jan. 4, is an independent day.

County Libraries, Recreation Centers:

• All Fairfax County library branches, community and regional, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. They will all be closed on Jan. 1.
• All Fairfax County RECenters, except George Washington RECenter (GWRC), will be open at their regular times and close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31. GWRC will be closed on Dec. 31. All RECenters will be closed on Jan. 1.

Town of Herndon government and services:

• Government offices will be closed on Jan. 1.
• The Herndon Community Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, but it will be closed on Jan. 1.
• The Town of Herndon will not provide trash collection on Jan. 1. Trash that is normally collected on Friday will be picked up Thursday, Dec. 31.

Public Transit:

• Connector buses will operate on a Sunday service plan on Jan. 1. Check here for operating routes.
• Fairfax CUE service will not be provided on Jan. 1.
• WMATA Metrorail service will open at 5 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. through Dec. 31. Service will open at 8 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. while operating on a holiday schedule with Sunday service intervals on Jan. 1.
• WMATA Metrobus will operate on a regular schedule on Dec. 31 and will go to a Sunday schedule for Jan. 1.
• Metro’s customer information call center will be closed. Automated information is available by calling 202-637-7000 or online at wmata.com
• WMATA’s regular fares and parking fees will be in effect on Dec. 31. Off-peak fares will be in effect all day, while parking will be free at all Metro-operated facilities on Jan. 1.

County Trash and Recycling:

• There will be no change in the county’s trash and recycling collection on Jan. 1. To ensure all trash and recycling is collected, the county urges for all materials to be placed at the curb or street line by 6 a.m.
• County Public Works and Environmental Services administrative offices will closed on Jan. 1 and reopen on Jan. 4.
• The recycling and disposal centers at the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex will be closed at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31 and all day on Jan. 1.

Photo by Elisha Terada/Unsplash

As 2020 nears, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs around Reston and Herndon catering to people trying to spend their final hours of the year in style.

Here are some of the events in the Reston area where people can celebrate New Year’s Eve.

PassionFish Reston (11960 Democracy Drive) will host a party with no cover charge from 10:30 p.m. until 1:45 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The event will feature a DJ, a photo booth, a special bar menu and several dining options.

For those seeking an all-inclusive option, there will be an event at Clyde’s of Reston (11905 Market Street) on Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. For $125, guests can enjoy unlimited appetizers and drinks. There will be a DJ and party favors handed out at the event. This party is for guests 21 or older.

Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 N Washington Plaza) is offering guests the chance to celebrate with New Year’s Eve DECA Party, beginning at 6 p.m. The $10 charge will include party favors, live DJ, champagne toast and a specialty cocktail. Guests are asked to wear cocktail attire.

In Herndon, Anatolian Bistro (13029 Worldgate Drive) is hosting a dinner party with live entertainment including Turkish music and a belly dancer. The $85 dollar fee will include a three-course meal and a complimentary glass of wine. Times vary throughout the evening and people can make a reservation.

Ned Devine’s Irish Bar and Restaurant (2465 Centreville Road) invites people to come and enjoy New Year’s Eve with a celebration featuring live bands, a feed of New York’s Times Square celebration and free champagne at midnight. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. The event begins at 7 p.m. and goes until 1 a.m.

The roaring ’20s will return with an event at Bar Louie (13195 Parcher Ave) from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tickets are free unless attendees wish to purchase a package for $50, which includes drink tickets, a champagne toast and appetizers.  People are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire.

Photo via Jamie Street/Unsplash

From 5Ks to champagne toasts, there are plenty of events around Reston on New Year’s Eve if you’re still scrambling to put together plans for this Monday.

Monday (New Year’s Eve)

Kalypso’s New Year’s Eve Party
Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N)
Time: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Kalypso’s is hosting a cover-free New Year’s party with free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Four-course meals are available at the restaurant for $39.95, with advance reservation suggested.

New Year’s Eve at Jimmy’s
Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern (697 Spring St)
Time: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

The New Year’s celebration at Jimmy’s features a five-course meal for $39 for early seating or $49 for those who want to stay all night. DJ and dancing start at 10 p.m.

Field Shaman’s New Year’s Eve Bash
Red’s Table (11150 S Lakes Dr)
Time: 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Red’s Table will host a New Year’s celebration will feature a selection of classic and indie rock with the bands Field Shaman Trio and Good for Sunday.

New Year’s Eve Party
PassionFish (11960 Democracy Dr)
Time: 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

The lounge area of PassionFish will be transformed into a party spot with an open bar, a variety of seafood and a DJ. Tickets for all-night partiers are $125 or $50 for those who just want to stay for dinner.

Tuesday (New Year’s Day)

New Year’s Day Pajama Brunch
Mon Ami Gabi (11950 Democracy Drive)
Time: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

For the early risers, this New Year’s Day brunch will feature French cuisine classics like Crème Brûlée French Toast and Classic Quiche Lorraine.

PR Series: New Year’s Day 5k
Reston Town Center (11900 Market St)
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

If you’re looking to start 2019 a little healthier, a 5k around the Reston Town Center will be held on Tuesday morning with music and food available after the race. Tickets are $35 until Dec. 31.

Photo courtesy PR Running

Ice House Cafe will raise a glass to toast to more than 40 years in Herndon before its Jan. 1 closing.

Two celebrations are set this weekend for the cafe and bar (760 Elden Street).

Locals can make reservations for the Sunday Dinner, which will include live jazz by E & Me Contemporary Jazz, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 30.

The next day marks the restaurant’s grand finale on New Year’s Eve. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. and will last until 12:30 a.m. The Mary Shaver and the Smokin’ Polecats are set to perform.

Resverations for both events will be by phone only.

Photo via Ice House Cafe/Facebook

In case you were planning to visit these government facilities around Fairfax County during the holiday season, check to see whether or not they will be closed on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and Jan. 1.

Fairfax County 

Fairfax County’s government offices, libraries and courts will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas and Jan. 1.

The county’s public schools will be on winter break from Monday, Dec. 24, until Friday, Jan. 4.

The Fairfax Connector will be running on a holiday weekday schedule for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. A full list of routes running in the Reston area is available online. The next day, the bus will operate on a Sunday schedule for Christmas and Jan. 1.

Frying Pan Farm Park and Colvin Run Mill Historic Site will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

County trash and recycling collection will not happen on Christmas. The updated collection schedule for next week is:

• Tuesday customers will have collection on Wednesday (Dec. 26)
• Wednesday customers will have collection on Thursday (Dec. 27)
• Thursday customers will have collection on Friday (Dec. 28)
• Friday customers will have collection on Saturday (Dec. 29)

Reston

The Reston Association offices will be closed for Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

Nature House will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Reston Community Center Lake Anne will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods will be closed on Christmas. It will have modified hours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will be closed on Christmas. It will have modified hours from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

Herndon

Town of Herndon government offices will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas and Jan. 1.

Refuse will be collected on Christmas Eve, but refuse normally collected on Tuesdays will be collected on Thursday (Dec. 27) and New Year’s Eve.

The Herndon Community Center will be closed on Christmas and Jan. 1.

The Herndon Centennial Golf Course will only be closed for Christmas.

Metro, DMV and more

All Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) customer service centers will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

The Metro and Metrobus will be running a Sunday schedule on Christmas and Jan. 1, operating from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Metro will provide special late-night rail service on New Year’s Eve with trains running until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Speaking of closed offices, Reston Now will be on breaks for Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Jan. 1.

File photo

The year that was 2016 is coming to a close, and you know what that means…

… no, celebrities will not suddenly become immortal in 2017, putting an end to the sense of shock that envelops social media whenever a famous person dies, though the loss of beloved entertainers like Prince, George Michael, Davie Bowie and Carrie Fisher did certainly sting this year.

Rather, it’s Dec. 30 and it’s time to discuss that persistent frenemy of holiday traditions: the New Year’s resolution.

A good resolution for our comments section might be a bit more civility in 2017. (Though this week the comment section seems to have taken a vacation — where did you all go?)

For us here at Reston Now, a good resolution would be to do an even better job uncovering interesting and important local stories that no one else is reporting.

The departure of our editor Karen Goff for the Washington Business Journal (where she’s killing it, as the kids would say) definitely represents a loss of institutional knowledge. But our incoming editor Dave Emke is a great journalist who will be dogged in his pursuit of local scoops. Reston Now is fortunate to have him at the helm.

Dave starts Jan. 2, but will be taking meetings all around Reston for a week before you begin to see his byline.

As for our readers, we asked on Twitter and Facebook what your New Year’s resolutions are. Here is a sampling:

• “None, because I don’t need to wait until the new year to be inspired to start a goal or change a behavior. Every day is a good day to start! Why wait until next week??”
• “Avoid RTC and frequent other non-pay-for-parking establishments”
• “To go out (happy hour, etc) once a month. I’ve definitely become a home body.”
• “Go to the gym that I pay for but don’t use.”
• “To take up Internet trolling as a hobby.”
• “The same as 2015,2014, and 2013.”

Didn’t get a chance to answer? Let us know what your goals for the new year are in the comments.

Happy new year, Reston! We’ll see you back here on Monday.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s in Reston — Where do you plan to ring in 2017? If you’d rather get out of the house than stay home and watch the ball drop on TV, there are a few places offering special celebrations and dinners. [Reston Patch]

Missing Teen Found Safe — Fairfax County police say that 17-year-old Elliot Byrum, who went missing from North Point Village Center in Reston Wednesday afternoon, was found safe Thursday afternoon, after being missing for more than 24 hours. [Reston Now]

Plan Ahead for Childcare on Snow Days — Fairfax County’s Office for Children (OFC) maintains a database of regulated child care programs in the area on its website, including many that offer the option of occasional or back-up care. OFC invites all local parents of school-aged children to browse the database and line up emergency care now for the inevitable snow days ahead. [Fairfax County OFC]

Virginia State Parks Present Free ‘First Day Hikes’ on Jan. 1 — The Commonwealth invites all to celebrate the first day of 2017 by visiting any of Virginia’s 37 state parks, with free admission. Officials are also reprising their annual photography contest — take a photo while hiking or visiting one of the state parks and post it online, and three winners will be selected. Prizes include gift certificates toward overnight stays and a year of free state park admission. [Virginia State Parks]

Save

Now that Christmas Day is behind us, we can look forward to a new year beginning this Sunday.

That means many things will close early on Saturday for countdown celebrations, and will remain closed Monday in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

Reston Now will be publishing as usual on Monday, Jan. 2.

Reston Association and Fairfax County Government:

• Reston Association offices and facilities, including the Central Services facility, will close on Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of New Year’s Day. In addition, the Nature Center will close Dec. 31 through Jan. 2, though the trails at Walker Nature Center will remain open.
• Fairfax County government offices are also closed Monday, Jan. 2.

Public Schools:

• Fairfax County Public Schools remain on Winter Break, with school resuming on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

County Libraries, Recreation Centers:

• Fairfax County public libraries are closed Sunday and Monday, Jan. 1 and 2.
• On Saturday, Dec. 31, all Fairfax County RECenters are open at their usual time and will close at 4 p.m. except George Washington, which is closed. All other sites such historic sites, nature centers, visitors centers and houses are closed.
• Historic sites, nature centers and Riverbend Visitors Center are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Frying Pan Farm Park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Visitors Center is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Green Springs Gardens Horticultural Center is open 12-4:30 p.m. but the Historic House is closed.
• On Sunday, Jan. 1, all RECenters except George Washington are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All historic sites and visitors centers are closed.
• More detailed information and hours for specific locations is available on the county government website.

Reston Community Centers:

• RCC Hunters Woods is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. and 12-5 p.m. on Jan. 1. The center is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2.
• The Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center is open 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 12-4:30 p.m. on Jan. 1. The center is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2.
• RCC Lake Anne is closed Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

Fairfax County Courts:

• Fairfax County Circuit and General District courts are open as usual on Dec. 31, and will be closed Monday, Jan. 2 in observance of New Year’s Day.

WMATA:

• On Saturday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve, Metrorail will operate on a Saturday schedule from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. In addition, fares will be waived between midnight and 3 a.m. thanks to a partnership with MillerCoors. Metrobus will operate on a Saturday schedule. MetroAccess subscription rides are canceled.
• On Sunday, Jan. 1, Metrorail will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight on a Sunday schedule. Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess subscription rides are canceled.
• On Monday, Jan. 2, Metrorail will operate from 7 a.m. to midnight on a Sunday schedule. Metrobus will operate on a Sunday schedule. MetroAccess subscription rides are canceled.
• Off-peak fares will be in effect on all three days, and parking fees are waived at all Metro-operated parking facilities.
• Track work will resume on Monday, Jan. 2 on the Red, Orange, Silver and Blue Metrorail lines.

Connector Buses and Fastran:

• Fairfax Connector buses will run on a Sunday schedule on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 1 and 2. See details of all routes online.
• All Fastran neighborhood and community service transportation programs will be closed Saturday through Monday, Dec. 31 to Jan. 2.

Trash and Recycling:

• Residents should contact their individual service providers to find out their holiday collection schedules. Information about various providers throughout the county are available on the government website.
• For residents who wish to recycle household items, hazardous waste and items such as Christmas trees, the I-66 Station in Fairfax will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1.

Save

Save

Save

Reston residents may be able to get once again take a free Metro ride on New Year’s Eve.

The transit agency is in the final stages of another partnership with MillerCoors to provide free rides between midnight and 3 a.m. on all six Metro lines this year, as it did for last year’s holiday. The agenda item was up for approval during the Dec. 15 meeting of Metro’s Board of Directors.

According to a staff report, MillerCoors paid WMATA more than $160,000 last year to subsidize all Metrorail and Metrobus rides on New Year’s Eve between midnight and 3 a.m., as part of he company’s Free Rides promotion. The amount was based on expected ridership.

This year, if approved, MillerCoors will pay just over $81,000, as ridership on New Year’s Eve was only about half of what was expected last year. However, the amount is guaranteed regardless of actual ridership, the report states.

MillerCoors has offered its Free Rides program in more than 20 major cities across the U.S. for more than a decade.

“Our partnership with Metro is part of MillerCoors’ overall commitment to help prevent drunk driving by bringing alcohol responsibility programs to more markets,” a MillerCoors spokesperson said during the inaugural promotion in 2015.

In addition to Metro, local New Year’s Eve party-goers can also call for a free taxi ride of up to $30 thanks to the local nonprofit, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program.

Photo courtesy of MillerCoors Free Rides

Save

Save

Planning on attending a big New Year’s Eve bash tonight. As always, be careful out there if you’re drinking,

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) is offering its SoberRide program on New Year’s Eve in Fairfax County.

Here is what you need to know:

The program runs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Customers receive a free cab ride (up to $30 fare). Callers are responsible for fares over $30.

To call for the ride: 800-200-8294 (TAXI). AT&T customers may dial #WRAP from their wireless phones. Important note:  All requests for SoberRide service must be called to and dispatched from 1-800-200-8294.  Do not call a taxi company directly for SoberRide service as the ride will not be covered under this program.

Callers must be 21 or over.

When waiting for a SoberRide, please watch for a cab from the participating taxi company in the area from which you are calling.

Participating Taxi Companies: 
Alexandria Yellow Cab (Alexandria)
Barwood, Inc. (Montgomery County)
Fairfax Yellow Cab (Fairfax County)
Loudoun Yellow Cab (Eastern Loudoun County)
Northern Virginia Checker (Prince William County)
Manassas Cab Company (Prince William County)
Red Top Cab Company (Arlington County)
Silver Cab of Prince George’s County (Prince George’s County)
Yellow Cab of District of Columbia (District of Columbia)
Yellow Cab of Prince William County (Prince William County)

For more than 20 years, WRAP’s SoberRide has helped to ensure greater Washington, DC residents have a safe way home on high-risk holidays. Since 1993, WRAP has provided over 61,002 safe rides home. Currently, SoberRide operates during the December/January holiday season, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day and Halloween.

Still looking for New Year’s Eve plans? Reston Now has a few ideas for you in and near Reston.

Clyde’s at Reston Town Center will host its annual New Year’s Eve Gala from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $125 and include a premium open bar with heavy hors d’oevres, a DJ, and dancing. Champagne and party favors will be provided at midnight. Black tie/cocktail attire. Reservations required.

First Night Vienna, a family friendly event, runs from 7 a.m. to midnight on Wednesday on Church Street in Vienna. Admission is free. There will be food trucks, music, kids entertainment and more.

Kalypso’s at Lake Anne is offering a three-course dinner with wine pairings beginning at 4 p.m. At 8 p.m., DJ Roman will spin dance music, and more than 30 HDTVs show the ball drop in Times Square.

Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro at the Westin Reston Heights is offering a three- or four-course meal, paired with wines by the restaurant’s sommelier. There will also be a live band and a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations required.

ArtSpace Henrdon is hosting a family friendly gala that will celebrate blues music. Events start at 7 p.m. at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center St. Among them: A bonfire and drum circle and a drum-making art project for kids.

At 10 p.m., there will be a concert and dance party (tickets: $50 per couple/$30 per person) featuring the blues music of Herbie D & the Dangermen. Refreshments will include barbeque by Herndon’s JJ’s Deli, and a complimentary tasting of Lost Rhino microbrews. A cash bar will include microbrews and sparkling wines for toasting throughout the evening. 

Reston Now is taking a break New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

We will be back on Thursday, ready to tackle all that 2014 has in store for Reston.

Have a safe holiday. Thanks for reading, and keep all the page views, feedback, news tips and comments coming in the new year.