Thousands of people will ring in the New Year in Old Town Winchester for the annual First Night Winchester celebration. The family-friendly, non-alcoholic event is commemorating its 30th anniversary.
Street Closures
The following streets will be closed to traffic on December 31, 2016, for First Night Winchester festivities:
- 4:00 p.m. - Boscawen Street, from Braddock Street to Kent Street
- 4:00 p.m. - East Lane, from Woodstock Lane to Cork Street
- 10:45 p.m. - Cameron Street, from Cork Street to Piccadilly Street
- 11:45 p.m. - Kent Street, from Cork Street to Piccadilly Street
Note:
- Vehicles will be allowed to travel south on Kent Street from Piccadilly Street to access the George Washington Autopark only, but will not be allowed to travel south of that location after the designated time that Kent Street is closed.
- Vehicles may also access the Court Square Autopark by traveling north on Kent Street from Cork Street, but will not be allowed past that location.
Streets will reopen at the conclusion of the fireworks once pedestrians have cleared the area, at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Parking in Old Town Winchester
Parking at all four downtown garages will be FREE during First Night Winchester on December 31, 2016 starting at 5:00 p.m. (courtesy of First Night Winchester Sponsor: The Bayliss Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors). FREE parking will be available beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2016, until 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2017. Parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first serve basis.
Due to the “Apple Drop” occurring at the intersection of Boscawen and Cameron Streets, the following garage parking restrictions will be in effect:
- Court Square Autopark - Customers must utilize Kent Street for entry and exit and will only be able to exit south bound (right) out of the garage onto Kent Street
- George Washington Autopark - Customers must utilize Kent Street for entry and exit and will only be able to exit north bound (left) out of the garage onto Kent Street
- Braddock Autopark - No restrictions
- Loudoun Autopark - No restrictions
To enter an autopark, all customers must pull a ticket and monthly parkers must scan their access card. The exit gate will remain open until 11:00 a.m. on January 1, 2017. Therefore, all vehicles must be removed before that time, or the customer will have to pay the fee to exit.
Garage Rooftops Will Be CLOSED
For safety precautions, parking on and viewing fireworks from the rooftops of downtown garages on December 31st is prohibited and will be strictly enforced.
No Tolerance for Drinking and Driving
The Winchester Police Department wants to remind everyone to ring in the New Year responsibly. If your plans include drinking alcohol, designate a sober drive before you leave home, or call a cab. The Winchester Police Department will have extra patrols Saturday night and early into Sunday morning, and officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.
We wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!