Maryland is home to an abundance of exciting cities, making it the perfect getaway spot for your end-of-the-year celebrations. Additionally, the state is situated within driving distance of some of the biggest cities on the East Coast, so day trips can be part of your itinerary. In Maryland, experience New Year’s Day ball drops, fireworks displays, and kid-friendly events. Here are a few of the best places to book vacation rentals in Maryland for the holiday, as well as a list of where to go in Baltimore, Annapolis, and other great cities for fun New Year’s Eve events.
1. Baltimore
A vacation rental in Baltimore is a no-brainer with its position on the Chesapeake Bay and its access to plenty of festive events. For instance, the city’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular is exactly that: spectacular. Congregate with others of like mind at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where you can listen – and dance – to live music, eat good food, and enjoy a fireworks display to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another. Get into the party spirit at the Radisson Hotel for the New Year’s Eve Gala. This party spreads out through several rooms with bands, DJs, a food buffet, and an open bar.
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2. Annapolis
As Maryland’s capital, Annapolis doesn’t settle for small, especially when it comes to its New Year’s Eve Celebration. This event begins early in the afternoon with family-friendly activities including face painting, obstacle courses, moon bounces, and live music. As night approaches, the festivities expand to embrace everybody from families to singles to friends out on the town. There’s live music and dancing, adult beverages, and midnight fireworks. Another option is to cruise through the night – literally – on the Catherine Marie. Watch the fireworks on board, enjoy live music, and toast your fellow passengers when the clock strikes 12.
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3. Ocean City
When wondering where to go in Ocean City for New Year’s Eve fun, head to the Winterfest celebration at Northside Park. This event combines the best of both winter and the new year with a fireworks display, over one million holiday lights, live entertainment, and hot chocolate (because hot chocolate is the perfect family-friendly beverage).
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4. Berlin
Berlin’s a small town, but it has a huge New York City-style New Year’s Eve celebration. The picturesque downtown area undergoes a serious transformation into a mini Times Square complete with food vendors, street performers, and live music. The event even has a ball drop of its own. Treat the kids, or your significant other, to a carriage ride down Main Street. It gives you one last chance to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations.
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5. Hagerstown
On the other hand, if you’re done with the regular ball drop on New Year’s Eve, opt for Krumpe’s Do-nut Drop – involving a ginormous donut in Hagerstown. Instead of champagne, you celebrate with a donut toast, something that kids can really get into. With thousands of free donuts available to holiday revelers, this celebration lets you eat your way into a new year. There’s free popcorn, soup, and hot cocoa for the youngsters as well as games, coloring, and crafts. There’s even a fireworks display earlier on for those kids that can’t quite make it to midnight. After the kids drop off to sleep thanks to a sugar coma, step out for a different party with the New Year’s Eve Dance at Ramada Plaza. Dance to throwback music, enjoy hors-d’oeuvre, and drink to new beginnings, then repent for all your indulgence with the early morning Glows 5K Fun Run.
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6. National Harbor
Book a vacation rental at National Harbor, and you’re just miles from D.C., so you can enjoy everything that both Maryland and the District of Columbia have to offer. National Harbor boasts the Big Night DC New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center. There are over 20 live music and DJ acts, good food, five dance floors, 15 themed party areas – such as Mardi Gras, Vegas, and Retro – and party favors. Toast each other at midnight, then go on partying for hours.
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7. Bethesda
North of Washington, D.C. is Bethesda, another place with some great New Year’s Eve entertainment. Try some low-key fun at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. Eat a great four-course meal, relax with a glass of wine, and listen to live music. Herald the new year with a champagne toast complete with party hats, balloons, and noise makers for your inner child to enjoy. The Bethesda North Mariott also has a New Year’s Eve Gala but with a fun Indian twist if you want something a little different from the usual. Opt for a Lebanese experience at the Lebanese Taverna with authentic Lebanese cuisine and belly dancing.
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8. Cambridge
Cambridge’s Hyatt Regency has New Year’s Eve parties for all age groups. Start at the Family Fun Party, where the kids can play in the Teen Game Room, enjoy variety acts, watch a movie, and get party favors. After the early balloon drop, pack the kids off to bed back at your vacation rental, then return for the Adult Extravaganza with a dance party, fantasy casino, jazz lounge, and party favors. Usher in the new year with a champagne toast.
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