New Year’s celebrations in Anne Arundel County range from family-friendly fireworks and Noon Year’s Eve events to themed parties, specialty dining and free First Day Hikes in area parks.
Annapolis traditionally puts on a fireworks display over Spa Creek, a family-friendly event that starts at 9 p.m. Another option for families is Noon Year’s Eve at the Anne Arundel County Public Library, where crafts and music will be available at the Busch Annapolis location, culminating in a countdown leading up to noon.
For those over 21, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland will host several ticketed New Year’s events at the Hanover location. Acqua al 2 in Annapolis will mark the countdown with specialty food and drinks, and adults can watch Annapolis’ fireworks display from a yacht with Watermark by purchasing a ticket to their New Year’s party. Caring Communities, a nonprofit charity, hosts a fundraiser in Linthicum Heights. This year’s theme is “Enchantment Under the Sea” and features specialty bars and themed rooms, with money going to raising disability awareness.
Several restaurants in downtown Annapolis will be open on New Year’s Eve, including the Rams Head Tavern, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Iron Rooster.
Start the new year on a healthy note with one of Maryland’s First Day Hikes — which are free and guided. Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks is hosting 11 hikes this year. While the hikes are free, registration is required and normal gate fees apply. More information can be found on aacounty.org.
New Year’s Day is also the last chance to view Lights on the Bay, a collection of holiday light displays in Sandy Point State Park, before it’s disassembled for the season.
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