Whether your New Year’s resolutions were actually resolved, or whether you made any at all, everyone should plan to have one last fun, carefree night of the year — And there are only so many nights of 2018 left. This year, New Year’s Eve falls on a Monday, giving us the chance to set the tone for all the Mondays that 2019 will bring (there will be 53). Annapolis always proves the most picturesque place to spend NYE, with a family-friendly atmosphere early in the evening and a jovial and social air later in the night. Here are a few tips and entertainment ideas for New Year’s Eve in Annapolis, 2019.
First, let’s resolve to stop clogging up the already-narrow and airtight roads downtown…
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Know before you go: How to get around
- For drivers: Use the circulator shuttle. If you know anything about parking downtown, you know that it’s extra-intense when holiday festivities are happening, especially on New Year’s Eve.
Two free Circulator shuttles will run from 2 p.m. Sunday, December 31 until 2 a.m. on January 1. From 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. the Circulator Shuttle will provide a continuousroute between Park Place and Maryland Hall (Chase Street) to offer transportation for the children’s event at Weems Whalen Field. The other Circulator Shuttle will make a continuous loop from Park Place to Church Circle, dropping off and picking up passengers at the top of Main Street. After 6:30 p.m., both Circulator Shuttles will be dedicated to the Park Place-Church Circle loop.
Additionally, Parking will be free in Park Place Garage from 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 until Monday, January 1 at 2 a.m. Standard rates will apply at the other three City garages. - For boaters: Because of the anticipated crowded conditions, boaters are urged to select their preferred viewing-area anchorage early and are also warned to avoid the 1,000-foot safety zone around the fireworks barge. The 1,000-foot safety zone covers all of Spa Creek from Susan Campbell Park to the Chart House. You will not be able to transit that entire portion of Spa Creek from 4 p.m.-midnight.
After the fireworks, the barge will be underway to clear the harbor. All boaters are urged to heed the instructions of safety and law enforcement officials including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police, the Annapolis Police, the Annapolis Fire Department, the Annapolis Harbormaster and others.
- For drivers: Use the circulator shuttle. If you know anything about parking downtown, you know that it’s extra-intense when holiday festivities are happening, especially on New Year’s Eve.
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See the fireworks (There are two different sets)
Come out early with the family for NYE festivities, or wait ’til it’s late and watch the fireworks with the night owls. Or stick around downtown long enough to see both sets of fireworks — there are enough of restaurants and things-to-do to keep you busy, and so well-fed that you won’t have to eat again until next year (ha, ha).
The family-friendly entertainment runs from 3-6 p.m.and includes face painting, an obstacle course, moon bounces, and live music, along with the early-bird fireworks show at 5:30 p.m.
The second round, geared more toward the adult crowd, starts at 8 p.m. and includes live music and dancing in Susan Campbell Park at City Dock. The second round of fireworks starts precisely at midnight on 1/1/19. -
Sail around town
If you don’t have a boat of your own but want to spend the last day of 2018 out on the Chesapeake, embark on a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise. The Catherine Marie is complete with music, dancing, a full cash bar, light desserts, and a champagne toast at midnight. 21+ only.
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Party your way into 2019
If it happens to be freezing on 12/31 and you decide you’d rather head indoors for a drink, a dance, and a toast at midnight, the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel on Compromise Street is hosting a New Year’s Bash that starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets include a full open bar with heavy hors d’oeuvres, music and dancing in the ballroom and on the patio, and a view of the city’s midnight fireworks. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Annapolis SPCA.
If you prefer a live band to a DJ, Tusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute is playing at Rams Head on Stage at 9 p.m. -
Spend the night in Annapolis
Whatever you do this New Year’s Eve, stay safe. And make transportation a little easier by booking a hotel in Annapolis for the night. Stay on Riva Road or Outer West Street, or right in the heart of the action downtown. Cheers to 2019!
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