You Might Want to See This Before New Year in MD... 😯


Happy Holidays, Maryland!

Hey guys, Nick here.

Last week of the year, huh?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably either still figuring out your New Year’s Eve plans or quietly wondering if the ones you have are actually worth it. Either way, no judgment.

Here’s the good news: New Year’s Eve in Maryland doesn’t have to mean packed crowds in Federal Hill or dropping $200 just to stand shoulder to shoulder in a loud bar. There are some really solid options if you know where to look.

I’ve broken this down into two simple sections: Baltimore proper and everywhere else in Maryland. Pick what fits you best, make a plan, and you’re set.

Let’s get into it!

—Nick


The City: Baltimore's Best Bets

Inner Harbor Fireworks

Inner Harbor • Midnight • Free

Live music leading up to a fireworks show over the water. Ice skating rink stays open until midnight. Museums have extended hours. It's the anchor event for a reason.

Best for: Classic Baltimore NYE without overthinking it

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Chelsey Green's NYE Celebration

Keystone Korner Baltimore • 6 PM • Ticketed (includes dinner)

Live music, 4-course meal, champagne toast at midnight. Billboard-charting violinist who's performed at the Grammys. Refined without being stuffy.

Best for: Sit-down experience with world-class music

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Noontime New Year at Port Discovery

35 Market Place • 10 AM–3 PM (countdown at noon) • $24.95 general admission (free for members)

Balloon drop, crafts, games, and family activities. Celebrate at noon, then do whatever you want the rest of the day.

Best for: Families with young kids or anyone avoiding the late-night chaos

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Noon Year's Eve at B&O Railroad Museum

B&O Railroad Museum • 11 AM and 1 PM train rides • $18–28 (rides extra)

Ball drop, confetti poppers, train rides, photo ops. Reindeer Railway runs with celebration necklaces and treats included.

Best for: Kids who won't make it to midnight

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Beyond The Beltway: The Rest of Maryland

Ocean City Fireworks (Two Locations)

Dorchester Street (downtown) + Northside Park • Midnight • Free

Fireworks at both ends of town, DJ at Northside Park starting at 10 PM. Free bus service runs from 6 AM Dec 31 through 3 AM Jan 1. Buses every 15 minutes after 6 PM.

Best for: Beach town energy on New Year's Eve

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17th Annual Charm City Countdown

Hilton BWI Airport, Linthicum Heights • 9 PM–2 AM • Ticketed event

Studio 54 theme, disco vibes, premium open bars, gourmet dining. Dress up, lean into the 70s aesthetic, and dance it out.

Best for: Themed party with 1,000+ people and zero downtown parking stress

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Salisbury Ball Drop

Downtown Salisbury • 9 PM–12:30 AM • Free

Live music (A.M.P. Studio, daybloom, The Boh Daddies), midnight ball drop, mechanical bull, mobile rage room. Shining Star Contest for best reflective outfit. Winner gets pulled on stage at midnight.

Best for: Downtown street party with interactive attractions

​MORE INFO→

Easton Crab Drop

Harrison Street, Easton • 9 PM and midnight • Free

Giant crab drops at 9 PM and midnight. Pair it with the Rock-N-Ramble at Avalon Theatre (7 PM) or Mid-Atlantic Symphony at Christ Church (7–9 PM).

Best for: Eastern Shore tradition with two chances to celebrate

​MORE INFO→

2026 New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball

Martin's Crosswinds, Greenbelt • 9:30 PM–3 AM • Ticketed (18+)

Red carpet, free-flowing champagne, open soft bar, lavish buffet, dancing. 5.5 hours of partying. Free parking. Dress to impress.

Best for: DMV's premier gala experience

​MORE INFO→

Big Night DC at National Harbor

Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor • 9 PM–2 AM • Varies by ticket tier

Six hours of open bar, multiple bands, DJs, and midnight toast. 250,000 sq ft of party space. Book a room if you're doing this one.

Best for: Going all-in on a traditional gala-style night

​MORE INFO→

Salisbury Zoo Early Countdown

Salisbury Zoo • 11 AM–12:30 PM (ball drop at 11:59 AM) • $10 donation per person (includes gift for first 500)

Noon countdown, crafts, games, music. All ages. Zero late-night stress.

Best for: Morning celebration, then you're free the rest of the day

​MORE INFO→

A Toast to the New Year Concert

Christ Church, Easton • 7 PM • Ticketed

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra featuring soprano Viviana Goodwin. Music specially selected for New Year's Eve. Done by 9 PM if you want to catch the Crab Drop after.

Best for: Elegant, refined evening before the midnight madness

​MORE INFO→

Princess Anne Midnight Muskrat Dive

Downtown Princess Anne • 9 PM–12:30 AM • Free (free oysters, Smith Island Cake, sparkling cider toast)

Muskrat drops from 30 feet with LED lights and confetti, live music (Uprizing), and horse-drawn carriage rides. Somerset Avenue closed 8 PM–1 AM. Free parking just past the closure.

Best for: Quirky small-town charm with solid food and entertainment

​MORE INFO→

New Year's Eve Dance at American Legion

Joseph L Davis American Legion Post 47, Havre de Grace • 8 PM–12:30 AM • $45 per person / $90 per couple

Live music by Dave Lester Band, lite fare meal, cash bar, and champagne toast. Limited tickets. Buy at Post 47 lounge. Music until 12:30 AM.

Best for: Traditional dance party in a classic venue

​MORE INFO→

Annapolis Yacht Party

Annapolis Harbor • 8–10 PM • $109 adults / $59 kids under 13

Cruise with DJ Master T, bubbly for adults, cocoa for kids, and fireworks. City of Annapolis fireworks at 9 PM. Full bar on board.

Best for: Waterfront celebration with a guaranteed view

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Berlin Ball Drop

Downtown Berlin • 6 PM • Free

Ball drops at 6 PM (midnight in Berlin, Germany). Music, restaurants, and bars all stay open after the drop.

Best for: Families who want to celebrate early and still have a night

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Krumpe's Donut Drop

Meritus Park, Hagerstown • 5–7 PM • Free (pets welcome)

Free donuts for the first 5,000 people, coffee, hot chocolate, DJ, and fireworks. Gates open at 5 PM. This wraps before dinner.

Best for: Early celebration, kid-friendly, zero crowds

​MORE INFO→

Duck Drop in Havre de Grace

Concord Point Park, 352 Commerce St • 8 PM • Free

DJ, music, duck drop, midnight fireworks. Countdown to 2026 with a classic Chesapeake twist.

Best for: 26th year running, waterfront location

​MORE INFO→

Frederick Key Drop on Carroll Creek

Carroll Creek Park, Frederick • 11:30 PM–12:30 AM • Free

Handcrafted lighted key descends at midnight. William O. Lee Memorial Bridge. Benefits Civitan Club.

Best for: Pairing with Candlelights on the Creek (starts 9 PM)

​MORE INFO→

Viva La Captain's Daughter NYE Party

Captain's Daughter, Annapolis • 9 PM • $25 (includes appetizer, toast, discounted valet parking)

Food, music, drinks, prizes, and a midnight toast. Straightforward party without the gala price tag.

Best for: Low-key Annapolis night out with good vibes

​MORE INFO→

Turf Valley Resort – Midnight Under the Big Top

Ellicott City • 8:30 PM–1 AM • $200 (standing room only, seated sold out)

Circus-themed gala with live aerialists, DJ, and champagne toasts. Shadow Cirque Performance Group. Hotel rooms sold out, call for waitlist.

Best for: All-in upscale party without going to DC

​MORE INFO→

New Year's Eve with Airport 77's & American Touristor

Hank Dietle's Tavern, Rockville • 9 PM • $25

Live music from The Airport 77's and American Touristor. Think Cheap Trick, the Cars, the Knack. Tickets on Eventbrite and at the door.

Best for: Power pop and surf guitar fans

MORE INFO→


🎥 Inside Maryland's Most Sought-After Suburb

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Discover why Fulton, MD grew 10% in one year. Explore Maple Lawn's walkable community, Howard County schools, proximity to DC and Baltimore, and why this hidden gem suburb is perfect for families and professionals in 2026.



Local Market Numbers

Baltimore’s market is holding steady with rising prices and moderate competition. The median home sits around $240,000, up 9.1% year over year, with homes getting about two offers and selling in roughly 49 days. It’s a market that rewards strategy and timing, not rushing.

For buyers: You’ve got opportunity here. Fewer sales mean less pressure, and prices are still approachable. Move fast on the homes you love, but don’t be afraid to negotiate.

For sellers: Rising prices work in your favor. Well-presented homes are still pulling in strong interest. Price smart, prep well, and you can capture the momentum in this steady but competitive market.


Tony Amrein and the Winters Team did phenomelal work in helping us find the right home and making our move from out of state seamless. Tony was attentive to the details we were looking for, helping us with showings in person and virtually, and keeping our minds calm by just being a great person. Highly recommended!

—Henry J.


» Quick Tip

Going out on NYE? Make a parking plan now.

In Baltimore, Annapolis, and surrounding towns, garages fill by 8 PM and surge pricing hits rideshares hard. Lock in a spot with an app like SpotHero or park a few blocks out and walk in early — you’ll thank yourself later.


That’s it for this one, thanks for reading!

If you liked it, send it to a friend and make sure you’re following me on Instagram and YouTube for more local tips, updates, and real estate insights.

See you next week. Happy New Year!

—Nick.

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Live Local in Maryland

I'm a real estate expert and team leader sharing insights on the Maryland market, smart home strategies, local lifestyle, and the major developments shaping our communities. Subscribe to my newsletter and stay in the know.

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