Monday night, downtown Charlottesville will play host to one big party for the First Night Virginia New Year's celebration.
Things started at 3 p.m. with music at CitySpace and a kids' craft creation station at the Omni Hotel. The festivities will culminate in a disco ball drop at midnight.
By Monday afternoon the downtown mall was rocking with plenty of revelers. About 7,500 people are expected there Monday night.
Fifty separate events will run the entire length of the mall. The theme is Bringing New York City to C'ville, in a nod to the classic New Year's Eve experience in Times Square.
"There's something for everyone—whether young, old, if you want to shake a leg or sit down. There's entertainment that covers a range," said Drake Van de Castle with First Night Virginia.
This is the 31st celebration of First Night Virginia. The Charlottesville event is the second oldest in the country.
Parking is free at both the Market Street and the Water Street garages in downtown Charlottesville. For a complete list of events, click here.
