Join Inspira Dance and the International Club of DC to celebrate New Year's Eve at Washington's most magnificent New Year's Eve dance celebration featuring dancing to 5 live bands, including swing and Latin bands, along with DJs.
Experience a magnificent New Year's Eve gala as you indulge in free-flowing champagne, an open bar, a spectacular balloon drop in the Euro Discotheque Ballroom, & dance the night away to live bands & DJs. Each ballroom of the Willard will feature a different band or other entertainment.
For dinner choose from an elegant seated 3-course dinner with champagne or a dinner buffet of international cuisine. Also enjoy exquisite desserts by the pastry chef at the Willard.
Steeped in 200 years of history, the iconic Willard InterContinental Washington, DC is a wonderful venue to celebrate New Year's Eve as we welcome 2025 and make new friends!
You do not need a date to attend. Attend on your own or with friends, and join attendees from around the city and the globe for a magical New Year's Eve gala.
Please note that as we continue to refine the gala, themes, menus, entertainment, bands, and other gala details are subject to change without notice. Purchase of tickets constitutes your acceptance of ALL ticket policies, terms for participation of events, acceptable behavior at events, and the no refunds policy outlined at:
We have searched the world over to bring to you the finest selection of exquisitely delectable desserts prepared by the pastry chef at the Willard InterContinental for a memorable celebration. Dessert selections are subject to change.
Opera Cake: Layers of Almond Sponge Cake, Soaked in Coffee Syrup, Chocolate Ganache and Coffee Buttercream, Finished with a Dark Chocolate Glaze
New Year's Eve Macarons: French Almond Flour Cookies filled with Assorted Fruit and Chocolate Fillings, Decorated with Festive Logos
Classic Tiramisu with Toasted Hazelnuts: Espresso Soaked Lady Fingers layered with Mascarpone Cream and Toasted Hazelnuts
Green Tea Kasutera Roulade Filled with Wild Strawberry Mousse
Handmade Chocolate Pralines: An Assortment of the Willard's Finest Handmade Chocolate Bon Bons
Assorted Fruit and Chocolate Mousse filled Verrines: Miniature Shot Glasses to Include: Chocolate Decadence, Lemon Cream, Raspberries and Cream, and Mocha
Passion Fruit Meringue Tarts: Vanilla Tart Shells Filled with Homemade Passion Fruit Curd and Topped with Toasted Italian Meringue
Chocolate Rum Cake Morsel
Manjari Bitter Sweet Chocolate, Blood Orange Tart
Mango Mousse Fantasy Cake: Layers of Jaconde Sponge Cake and Mango Mousse
Open Bar with Fully Stocked Bars Bar selections subject to change. Bar service concludes at 1:00 AM with non alcoholic beverages served until 1:30 AM.
Spirits: Dewar's White Label Scotch, Jim Beam Bourbon, Smirnoff Vodka, Canadian Club Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Sauza Blanco Tequila, Bacardi Superior Rum
Natural Spring & Mineral Water: Fiji, San Pelligrino, Evian, Perrier, Restore
Juices: Orange and cranberry juice.
Sumptuous International Dinner Buffet for Diplomat Level Ticketholders
The award-winning chefs at the Willard InterContinental have prepared a delectable dinner buffet representing international flavors and culinary traditions. The dinner buffet will be presented in the Euro Nightclub themed ballroom from 9:00 PM to 9:40 PM. If you reserved an Ambassador Level Ticket, please arrive at the registration desk at 9:00 PM to allow time to enjoy the dinner buffets presented. Please note that as mentioned on the ticket level descriptions, the dinner buffets close at 9:40 PM. We are unable to issue refunds if you arrive after 9:40 PM and miss the dinner buffet. Menu selections are subject to change.
Executive Chef's Selection of a Seasonal Inspired Butternut Squash Soup
Braised Short Ribs, Barolo Demi Glaze, Roasted Pearl Onions and Cremini Mushrooms
Chicken Breast, Marsala Demi Glaze
Pan Seared Salmon, Heirloom Tomato, Mixed Mediterranean Olives, Shallot, White Wine and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Buttermilk Mash Potato
Green Bean Almandine
The Willard Bread Basket & Butter
Royal Benefactor, Presidential, & Ambassador Admission with VIP Seated 3-Course Dinner
Make your New Year's Eve experience an extra special indulgence with the Presidential Level ticket option featuring all of the fantastic amenities our New Year's Eve Gala complemented by a special VIP seated 3-course dinner with champagne for Presidential Ticket holders. The seated 3-course dinner is presented from 7:45 PM to 9:00 PM with the last seating at 8:25 PM. We are unable to issue refunds if you arrive after 8:25 PM and miss the 3-course seated dinner. Table seating is reserved for Presidential ticket holders until 9:00 PM. Menu selections are subject to change.
--- Salad ~~
Hydro Bib Lettuce,
Wine-Soaked Mission Figs,
Stilton Cheese and Port Wine Vinaigrette with Red Beet & Carrots Ribbons circling the plate.
with Pomme Duchesse, Jumbo Asparagus and Baby Carrot Bundle Wrapped in a thinly sliced Radish
-- or --
Chef's special vegetarian option is available upon request (kindly let us know when you make your reservation and inform the server as you are seated). The vegetarian option is is expected to be:
Butternut Squash Ravioli (V)Fried Sage, Toasted Pine Nuts, Brown Butter
~~ Dessert~~
Trilogy of Decadent Desserts
~ Green Tea Kasutera Roulade Filled with Wild Strawberry Mousse with 2025 Decoration
~ Chocolate Rum Cake Morsel
~ Eggnog Creme Brulee
-- Wines with Dinner --
Estancia, Pinot Grigio
CK Mondavi, Merlot
About Inspira, the International Club of DC, & Our NYE Gala
Inspira Dance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-quality dance programs for all students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to the arts. With a mission rooted in the belief that dance transforms lives, Inspira fosters self-confidence, emotional well-being, improved academic performance, and increased attendance rates while helping to reduce dropout rates. Through partnerships with local businesses, Inspira hosts adult dance classes that directly fund its student programs. As a community-based organization, Inspira aims to make dance a vibrant part of community life. The name "Inspira," derived from the Spanish word “Inspirar” (to inspire), honors its origins in Latin dance programs and its commitment to inspiring future generations of dancers.
The International Club of DC Inc. is Washington DC's premier organization for internationally-minded professionals with a membership of over 49,000 individuals. We collaborate with over 80 embassies to present cultural and dance events for our members. Our annual New Year's Eve Gala is our most magnificent and elaborate cultural event of the year. The New Year's Eve party is well-attended by both singles and couples alike so you are welcome to attend on your own or with friends to meet and socialize with other International Club of DC members and diverse professionals from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend on my own?
Yes! You don't need a date to attend as both singles & couples attend the gala. Attend on your own or with friends to celebrate with other internationally-minded professionals! Our members are friendly, outgoing, and a diverse group of professionals.
How do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets are only released to the credit card holder who must arrive at the Registration Desk located across from the reception desk in the lobby (together with any guests). The credit card holder is required to sign for & collect tickets with PHOTO ID matching the name on the guest list along with the CREDIT CARD used to purchase tickets. Tickets will be released ONLY to the credit card holder. If you purchased multiple tickets, please arrive for registration with your guests.
For the security of the credit card holder and our guests, we have instituted strict policies for admission to the event and there will be NO EXCEPTIONS to our admission policies:
Please ensure that the tickets are purchased by the actual credit card holder as tickets will ONLY be released to the person who purchased the tickets upon presenting the CREDIT CARD used for the transaction PLUS PHOTO ID matching the name of the ticket purchaser and credit card holder.
For the security of the credit card holder, by reserving a ticket you agree that there will be an audio and video record of each guest collecting tickets at the registration desk upon presenting photo ID with a signature collected for the acceptance of the tickets. If you purchased more than one ticket, please arrive for admission together with your guest(s).
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will tickets be released to anyone other the credit card holder who purchased the tickets. Both PHOTO ID and the physical CREDIT CARD used for the reservation are required to collect the tickets. No refunds will be provided if admission is denied due to lack of required photo ID and the physical credit card to collect your tickets.
What do I wear?
The recommended attire is either cocktail attire or Black Tie optional. Formal gowns, cocktail dresses, tuxedos, dark suits, or other appropriate attire are all welcome! Have fun dressing up as you can't overdress for this event!
Will there be a coat check?
For security considerations, coats and large bags are not allowed in the event space. The hotel will offer a coat check for guests attending the gala for a nominal fee of approximately $12 cash per coat/item. Kindly note that we are not responsible for the coat check, as the coat check arrangements will be handled directly by the hotel.
May I transfer my tickets?
In the event you wish you transfer your ticket(s) to someone else you agree to contact us at least 96 hours (4 days) prior to the event so we can send you a ticket transfer form which requires your signature as well as presenting us with photo ID to verify the identity of the ticket purchaser. For the security of the credit card holder, there will be no exceptions to this policy. Printing and presenting your ticket confirmation WILL NOT grant anyone admission to the event as PHOTO ID matching the name on the guest list is required for the release of tickets.
What is the average age of attendees?
Each ballroom of the New Year's Eve Gala is a gala within a gala. With several live bands, DJs, and other entertainment, the gala is attended by guests comprising of a large age range. Whether you like to ballroom dance to a live band or dance the night away to our DJs performing the hottest club music, there's something for everyone!
What's the parking situation?
Kindly note that parking is handled directly by the hotel and we are not responsible for any aspect of parking. Hotel parking is limited, available on a first-come basis, and not guaranteed. We recommend rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.,), a cab or the Metro. Self-parking entrance is on F Street between 14th & 15th Street. Additional parking: Metropolitan Square on F Street between 14th & 15th Street, nearby garages, or street parking. Parking rates may increase and is set by the hotel.
When should I arrive for registration?
Registration commences approximately 30 minutes prior to the time of admission on your ticket, but not earlier. Please arrive for registration 30 minutes prior to the time of admission on your ticket so that you can check-in, relax in the hotel lobby, and enter the event space at your time of admission. If you purchased more than one ticket, please arrive together with your guest(s). Allow plenty of time for traffic/parking. Kindly note that factors such as parking & traffic are beyond our control & it is your responsibility to arrive at the registration desk on time.
What's the seating situation?
Unreserved seating is available for the duration of the 3-course dinner from 7:45 PM-8:45 PM for Presidential Level guests & the buffet dinner from 9PM -10PM for Diplomat Level guests.
All seating is unreserved & available for all guests after 10PM. With many guests expected, the gala is not presented as a seated function or an event with reserved seating. Since guests visit various ballrooms throughout event, the event is structured with unreserved seating in each ballroom with seating becoming available as guests leave one ballroom for another. While, seating is not guaranteed after 10PM, if you have a special need and are unable to locate seating in any of the available ballrooms, please ask a Hotel Manager who may assist you.
I have another question...
We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please contact us and we will get right back to you.
Ticket Terms
All Ticket Sales are Final. No cancellations or refunds on tickets for any reason, including severe winter storms, government actions, or other factors beyond our control.
If the event is postponed due to any reason beyond our control including but not limited to health and safety considerations, government guideline, mandate, or action, as well as any other factor beyond our control including severe winter storms, any ticket purchased can be transferred to attend the 2026 New Year's Eve Gala or other subsequent New Year's Eve Gala by emailing us at Info@InternationalClubDC.com.
While we do not expect any factors that may require the rescheduling of the event, you agree that such possibility exists by purchasing a ticket. By purchasing a ticket, you agree that ticket reservations for the 2025 New year's Eve Gala will be transferred to the 2026 New Year's Eve Gala or other future New Year's Eve Gala in the event any factor beyond our control results in the postponement and rescheduling of the event for a future year.
Since ticket processing fees as well as payments made to vendors and performers engaged for the gala are nonrefundable, by purchasing a ticket, you agree that we are unable to offer refunds for cancellation, nonattendance for any reason, as well as rescheduling of the event at our sole discretion due to government restrictions, actions, or other conditions.
Acceptable Behavior Policy
By purchasing a ticket you agree to adhere to International Club of DC policies for ticket reservations, participation in events, and acceptable behavior:
Tickets will only be released to the person who purchased the tickets upon presenting photo ID and credit card used to reserve the tickets. If you purchased more than one ticket, please arrive for admission with your guest(s).
All attendees must be 21 & over.
No large bags or winter coats are allowed in the event space.
Security staff may screen guests and anything brought into the event space.
By participating in the event, you accept the responsibility to arrive for the event on time. Hotel parking is limited and not guaranteed due to the availability of space. All ticket sales are final.
The gala concludes at 1:30 AM with some aspects of the gala concluding at 12:00 Midnight (balloon drop) and 1:00 AM (bars and certain entertainment).
Event Details Subject to Change
Please note that as we continue to refine the gala, themes, menus, entertainment, bands and other gala details are subject to change. We may add, change, or remove any menu item, advertised band or entertainment, or other aspect of the gala.
We are Washington’s premier organization for internationally-minded professionals who enjoy international cultural experiences. In partnership with over 80 embassies, along with museums and other cultural organizations in Washington DC, we present a variety of private cultural and networking events for our membership in the DC area. Our events are presented with the goal of helping members share cultural experiences and meet likeminded individuals. We warmly invite you to join us as we venture out to discover your city and your world!
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