About this Event
Big New Year’s excitement. No midnight bedtime required! 🎈
Join us at Shipgarten on Thursday, December 31, from 12–5 PM for Kids’ Early New Year’s Eve 2026! We’re celebrating the arrival of 2027 with a giant balloon drop, a special kids’ toast, two magic shows, and appearances by Elsa, Anna, and Rumi.
Bring your little party crew for an afternoon of bouncing, balloon creations, music, and character photos. Admission is FREE!
🎈 THE BIG COUNTDOWN HAPPENS AT 2 PM!
Gather the family and count down together: 3… 2… 1… Happy Early New Year!
Our giant balloon drop at 2 PM gives the kids their own New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with a kid-friendly toast to welcome the year ahead. Arrive before 2 PM so you’re ready for the countdown!
🎩 YOUR AFTERNOON LINEUP
1 PM — Magic & Balloon Show with Jake the Great
Start the celebration with magic tricks, laughs, and colorful balloon creations.
2 PM — Giant Balloon Drop & Kids’ New Year’s Toast
Join the countdown, watch the balloons fall, and raise a cup to 2027!
2:30 PM — Second Magic & Balloon Show with Jake the Great
Keep the excitement going with another round of magic and balloon fun.
3:30 PM — Live Performance & Meet-and-Greet with Elsa, Anna & Rumi
Enjoy music and entertainment, meet the characters, and have your cameras ready for those big smiles.
🎉 EVEN MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE
- Two Moon Bounces: Jump, bounce, and let that party energy out.
- Complimentary Party Favors: Add a festive touch to the celebration. Available while supplies last.
- Character Photo Opportunities: Capture a few final family memories of 2026.
- An Afternoon Together: Give your little ones their own countdown while keeping the evening open for your family’s plans.
📍 PLAN YOUR VISIT
Thursday, December 31, 2026 | 12–5 PM
Giant balloon drop: 2 PM
FREE admission
Shipgarten: 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean, VA 22102
Free parking: 1651 Old Meadow Road, McLean, VA 22102
Follow @Shipgarten on Instagram.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and get ready to cheer. We’ll see you at the countdown!
Happy Early New Year—hello, 2027!
Event venue & nearby stays
Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.