Guide to New Year's Eve in Maryland: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

Annapolis at dawn

aimintang / Getty Images

If you are looking for something fun to do for New Year's Eve in the Maryland suburbs, there are plenty of parties and family-friendly celebrations. Visitors or those who live just outside Washington, D.C., can easily find ways to ring in the coming year. Advance ticket purchases are required for many events, so don't wait too long to make your plans for this year.

Note some events have been altered or canceled in 2020, so see below and event websites for details.

01 of 09

New Year's Annapolis

The Annapolis New Year's Eve Celebration is canceled in 2020.

Enjoy a family-oriented, alcohol-free New Year’s celebration on the City Dock, and be sure to stay for the 7:30 p.m. fireworks. The Annapolis celebration continues with "Dancing Under the Stars" when the Big Band sounds begin at 8 p.m. and lead to a countdown to the New Year and midnight fireworks. Some of the best places to watch the fireworks include Susan Campbell Park, Main Street, any of the parks that face Spa Creek, or aboard a boat in the harbor.

02 of 09

New Year's Eve in Baltimore

The Power Plant Live! party and The Baltimore New Year's Eve Spectacular are canceled for 2020.

Whether you prefer a lively night on the town, a romantic evening for two, or a laid-back celebration with the kids, there are lots of ways to ring in 2021 in Baltimore. Enjoy live music, dancing, family-friendly events, and more. Some favorite festivities include a cruise with fireworks, a party at Power Plant Live! nightclub complex, and the annual fireworks display at Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

03 of 09

Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland

The 2020 New Year's Eve celebration at Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland is canceled.

As one of Maryland's largest casinos, you know Live! goes all out for New Year's Eve. Dine in style on an award-winning menu, rock out at an all-inclusive '60s-themed bash at Center Stage, and celebrate the New Year in different exotic locales with themed entertainment and prize drawings. Countdown to Midnight from New York City with party favors, a champagne toast, and more.

04 of 09

The Fillmore Silver Spring

The Fillmore will not be hosting an event on December 31, 2020, but the venue will resume shows in 2021.

One fun way to spend the new year is to attend a concert at the region's 2,000 seat concert venue, which opened in 2011 and is located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland. For the new year, The Fillmore usually hosts a special live music event. Guests enjoy leading sound systems and Vertigo Lounge packages that include booth seats, the ability to enter 30 minutes early, and other perks.

Continue to 5 of 9 below.
05 of 09

Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club

Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club will not be holding a 2020 New Year's event.

Located in Bethesda, just 30 minutes northwest of Washington, D.C., this jazz club located in the historic Bethesda Theater puts on a festive New Year’s Eve bash. Typically VIP tables will receive a free bottle of champagne, party favors, and front-row seats to the midnight balloon drop. There's also a discount hotel package at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn if you'd like a crash pad for the night.

06 of 09

DC Blues Society New Year’s Party

The DC Blues Society New Year's event for 2020 is canceled.

To celebrate the last night of the year, the DC Blues Society puts on a bash with live entertainment. The evening includes a traditional Southern-style dinner, party favors, a midnight champagne toast, and a cash bar. Reserve tickets ahead of time.

07 of 09

Big Night D.C. New Year's Eve Extravaganza

For 2020, the Big Night D.C. New Year's Eve Extravaganza "Let's Glow" event will be held virtually.

For one of the area's largest New Year's Eve gatherings, more than 9,000 people head to the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Running for many hours, the party includes 15 themed party areas encompassing the ballroom complex of the resort as well as five dance floors, an extensive line-up of bands and DJs, party favors, food and beverage buffets, midnight celebrations, and more.

08 of 09

New Year's Eve Swing at Glen Echo Park

Glen Echo Park will not be holding a 2020 New Year's event.

Swing in the New Year with music, party favors, dessert, and a sparkling cider midnight toast. A live band performs American swing classics inspired by the big bands of the '40s. The event is held in the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park. If you don't know how to swing, try a beginner's lesson. Also, see the events calendar for additional cultural activities.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.
09 of 09

New Year’s Eve at Rams Head On Stage

Rams Head On Stage will not host a New Year's Eve show in 2020.

This venue in Annapolis, Maryland, usually hosts beloved artists for New Year's Eve concerts and plays national and local artists all year in an indoor/outdoor venue. At the adjacent Rams Head Tavern, guests can dine on pub food and choose from a large selection of beer.