Roundup: New Year's Eve in Annapolis

Fireworks over the harbor – free

Annapolis is shooting fireworks over the harbor at two times on December 31. The first will be a family-friendly 7 PM. The second will be the traditional midnight fireworks. If you plan to watch from your boat, arrive early. The 1,000-foot safety zone around the fireworks barge covers the entire width of Spa Creek so you won't be able to boat through between 4 PM – midnight.

Choptank’s Exclusive Gold Party – $$$

What’s better than an exclusive party? An exclusive, party on a rooftop with a water view. It’s a great place to watch the fireworks and dance the night away. The party starts at 8 PM. Your ticket is all-inclusive for signature cocktails, liquor, beer, wine and bottomless espresso martinis; the midnight champagne toast is also included.

Plus, feast on an unforgettable buffet, raw bar, and hors d’oeuvres featuring Choptank’s signature dishes. Tickets are $300 per person but we have an exclusive Scoop discount code for 10% off. Click here to get it!

New Year’s Eve Bash at Annapolis Waterfront Hotel – $$

This is the Last Dance. And no, we’re not talking about Michael Jordan’s fabulous docuseries. If you haven’t heard, Pusser’s is closing in November 2024 so this is their final New Year’s party. Tickets include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a top-notch view of the midnight fireworks. The party starts at 8:30 PM. Tickets are $140 each.

🐶 Fun fact: a portion of the proceeds benefit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. They’ll also be on-site with some adorable (and adoptable) dogs.

Late Night in Italy – $$

What does Acqua al 2’s cocktail party have in common with European dinners? They both start late. The party kicks off at 10 PM in Acqua’s sophisticated, sexy setting. Tickets include beer, wine, signature cocktails, and small plates. And of course, your midnight champagne is complimentary.

Black and white attired is encouraged, but not required. Tickets are $150 in advance and $200 at the door.

New Year’s Annapolis Style – $$

It wouldn’t be an Annapolis holiday without a boat – even if it’s the first week of winter. Make your NYE memorable with a cruise on Watermark’s luxury yacht with a DJ, desserts, complimentary champagne, and an incredible view of the fireworks. Tickets are $130 each. The boat’s off the dock at 10 PM so go ahead and make a dinner reservation.

By the way, if bad weather cancels the fireworks, Watermark’s still cruising. There’s plenty of space inside the boat for everyone to be sheltered.

Three Course Tasting Dinner at Leo – $$

If partying it up isn't your vibe, or you just need some dinner before the party, check out Leo's three-course tasting menu. Chef Matt Lego will blow you away with the menu below. Vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free options are available.

Amuse Bouche: Pavé potato, caviar, crème fraiche, chive.

Course One: Belgian endive, Maidstone Harvest sweet pea tendrils, aged goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, blood orange gastrique, champagne vinaigrette.

Course Two: Roseda Farm beef tenderloin, seared Atlantic sea scallops, truffled creme collard greens, red wine reduction, sweet corn microgreens.

Course Three: Triple chocolate devil's food cake, raspberry coulis, whipped cream.

Two seatings, 6 and 8 PM. Prix fixe is $120 per person.

The Ultimate 80s Prom – $

Grab your leg warmers, shoulder pads, and neon spandex. Rams Head On Stage is hosting an 80s prom featuring The New Romance and unlike most nights, the chairs are moving out to make way for the dance floor. Doors open at 8 PM, party starts at 9. Tickets are $40.

Vibe’s Midnight Masquerade – $

Like everything Vibe does, this will be over the top. When we call this an all-night rager, we mean it. The party starts at 9 PM and ends at 5 AM with a breakfast buffet. In that time you’ll enjoy 4 live DJs, hip hop fusion band Area-301, and a Times Square-style ball drop. Tickets are $42 and jump up to $65 if you wait too long so hurry up and get yours.