Bring in 2008 with a bang. Whether it's watching the New Year's Eve fireworks over the Inner Harbor or dancing until dawn at a Baltimore nightclub, this city has a lot to offer. Here are some of the area's best adult and kid-friendly events on Dec. 31 (unless another date is noted).
And if driving home is not in your plans, find a taxi company in Baltimore or check out these waterfront area hotels:
If you are driving, check out these resources on Inner Harbor parking and parking in Fells Point and Harbor East.
On the Waterfront
The Inner Harbor New Year's Eve fireworks are always spectactular. Brave the cold along the waterfront promenade or find a warmer spot to watch the fireworks at one of these events.- New Year's Eve Spectacular Fireworks – The party at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater starts at 9 p.m. with the music of Noche Latina followed by Tony Berry & New Money at 10 p.m., and ends with the big Zambelli Fireworks show over the harbor at midnight. The show is choreographed to music. Free, (410) 752-8632.
- Power Plant Live! - The nightclubs and restaurants of this entertainment complex, just a couple blocks from the Inner Harbor, offer a variety of New Year's Eve parties. More on these and other nightclubs and bars on New Year's Eve.
- Maryland Science Center – Bring the kids to the Inner Harbor for MDSC's Night 365. From 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., exhibits will be open and four IMAX sceenings and four planetarium shows will run throughout the night. Hamburger, hot dog, pasta salad, desert, and drink are included in ticket price. $35pp (410) 685-5225.
- Port Discovery – If midnight is too late for your little ones, countdown early at Port Discovery's noontime celebration, usually a day or two before New Year's Eve. Festivities leading up to the big moment start at 10 a.m. Age 2 and up (410) 481-7328.
- U.S.S. Constellation – Stay above the crowd on the deck of the Inner Harbor's historic tall ship. Children are welcome at this celebration which includes elegant fare served with local ale, wine and mulled cider and, of course, champagne. There will be special tours, cannon firing demonstrations and giveaways all night. $75 per adult, $25 per child; members: $60, $20, $410-539-1797.
- Harbor Cruises New Year's Eve Celebration – See the 2008 fireworks from on the water. Cruise around the Inner Harbor enjoying a lavish buffet and dancing under the stars. 8 p.m. boarding; sailing 8:30 p.m. -1 a.m.; dockside 1 a.m.-1:30 a.m., $175pp, 410-727-3113.
- Beyond Midnight - Ring in the new year on the waterfront terrace of Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and Museum in Fells Point with a Champagne toast, African American Watch Night Music, dance demonstrations and smooth jazz.
- Big Night Baltimore – Back for 2008! Open bar, appetizer buffet, multiple party rooms, champagne toasts and balloon drop are part of this all-inclusive party at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center. $99.99-159.99 pp, (877) 772-5425.
- Hard Rock Cafe - Baltimore party band BiggerBetterFasterMore plays the Hard Rock for NYE. Party favors, open bar, light fare and a champagne toast are all provided. Step outside to see the fireworks in the Inner Harbor at midnight.
- Fells Point Bars - While few of the bars in Fells Point have special New Year's Eve parties, all will be celebrating. And it only takes a few steps outside from most of them to see the Inner Harbor fireworks. Fells Point Parking
Elsewhere:
- Timonium Dinner Theatre's Ten Little Indians - Ring in the new year with classic Agatha Christie. $50pp, 410-560-1113
- Hampden Miracle on 34th Street - Times Square-style ball drop and the Baby New Year are part of Hampden's New Year's celebration. $75pp in advance, $95 at the door.
Check closer to New Year's for more information about what Baltimore restaurants and nightclubs have planned for New Year's Eve. Pricing info on this page has been updated for 2008.