There is a thought (more like a superstition) that the first thing you do in the New Year will define the rest of your year. Now, we’re not too big on superstitions, so if you want to go on a hike, great, but if you’d rather sit on your couch and watch TV all day, also great. There’s no judgement here on how you decide to spend the first part of 2026, but just in case you’re feeling adventurous, we wanted to share some fun ways to ring in the New Year with New Year's Eve celebrations. Since most of us won’t be boating, getting out and exploring the Chesapeake Bay region by foot can be the next best thing. But first, fireworks.
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31
Alexandria, VA: Ring in 2026 with a spectacular twilight fireworks show over the Potomac River at 7:30 p.m. and a breathtaking finale fireworks display at midnight. Viewers are encouraged to soak up the show from one of the local waterfront restaurants or spread out among these viewing areas: Canal Center Plaza, Oronoco Bay Park, Founders Park, Waterfront Park, Windmill Hill Park, Fords Landing Boardwalk, Jones Point Park, or George Washington Masonic Temple.
Annapolis, MD: The City of Annapolis will host a fireworks display at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve (rather than at midnight as in year’s past) off the Naval Academy.
Baltimore, MD: There are tons of celebrations around Baltimore, some of which are ticketed, so we’re just going to focus on the main event. The Baltimore Office for the Promotion of the Arts is once again organizing a fireworks show over the Inner Harbor. Pre-firework entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. along the Inner Harbor, followed by fireworks at the stroke of midnight. The best views of the fireworks are along the Inner Harbor promenade and surrounding areas, including the waterfront neighborhoods of Canton, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, Harbor East, and Locust Point. If you’d like to get out on the water, there are even a few fireworks cruises around the harbor.
Havre de Grace, MD: Countdown to 2026 with Havre de Grace, MD’s, annual Duck Drop (celebrating 26 years!) located at Concord Point Park from 8 p.m. to midnight. A large, specially themed duck is lowered at the stroke of midnight, a unique tradition that perfectly captures the town’s spirit, seeing as they are the “Decoy Capital of the World.” The free, family-friendly event features a DJ, music, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display over the waterfront to celebrate the arrival of 2026.
Ocean City, MD: Celebrate the conclusion of Ocean City’s 150th year and welcome in 2026 with fireworks at midnight in two locations! Experience Ocean City’s grand fireworks show downtown on the beach near Dorchester Street or enjoy a display uptown at Northside Park: ococean.com.
At print time we did not yet have confirmation on a few events, including the Rock Hall Rockfish Drop and the Princess Anne Muskrat drop, two beloved Chesapeake celebrations. Stay tuned for updates at rockhallmd.com and mainstreetprincessanne.org. The Muskrat Drop has been heralded as one of the most unique celebrations in the nation, and in years’ past has been described as a quirky celebration of local food, culture, and traditions. The main star is of course Marshall Muskrat, a dapper taxidermied rodent bedecked in a deep green felt top hat and a pale green silk cape, colors reminiscent of the hues of the marsh habitat that surrounds the Town of Princess Anne and extends throughout Somerset County. The event often includes live music, fresh local oysters, Smith Island cake, dancing in the street, games, and more.
So, if you have the chance to ring in the New Year in a quaint Chesapeake town, make your plans now and don’t delay! If you still have some steam left in you the next day, read on.
First Day Hikes: Jan 1
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of free, guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. They are led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. People are invited to savor the beauty of the state park’s natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide, so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.
To find a hike near you, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes. At print time, several Virginia options were listed but the Maryland list had not yet been updated, so be sure to check the link above as we get closer to January 1. Last year, the Maryland hikes were broken down into three types: ranger-led, self-guided, and AllTrails guided. And while both states have several hikes to choose from, you can also simply visit a park of your choosing to create your own adventure.
Some of the adventures listed for 2026 in Virginia include a beginner’s guide to hiking, tree talks, hikes for little tykes, history strolls, photo hikes, a B.A.R.K. Ranger hike, and more.
Both Maryland and Virginia have so many great parks to choose from, many of which are along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
If you want to get out of the house but maybe don’t want to brave the cold, January 1 is also the last day of SPCA Lights on the Bay. This annual drive-through holiday lights display at Sandy Point State Park benefits the SPCA of Anne Arundel County and features a two-mile scenic drive with 70 dazzling animated and stationary light displays along the Chesapeake Bay. Tickets are $20 per car, so load up the crew! Lights on the Bay is open every night from now until January 1, including holidays. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online.