On New Year's Eve in Baltimore, locals and visitors revel in the possibilities of the months to come. From ball drops to fireworks to First Night activities, every locale rings in the new year a little differently. As part of NewYearsQuest -- a MapQuest guide to the best New Year's Eve sights and sounds in the U.S. and in major cities around the world -- here are three recommended events for New Year's Eve 2011 in Baltimore.

Baltimore New Year's Eve Events Map

Inner Harbor New Year's Eve Fireworks

Baltimore's breathtaking waterfront views spring to life under the glow of spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks along the Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor offers an entertainment-packed district of restaurants, bars and shops along a picturesque waterfront seaport that dates back to the 1700s. Before the fireworks at 9 p.m., local bands play a variety of sounds at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, located at Pratt and Light streets. A brilliant display of fireworks lights up the sky over the harbor at midnight to choreographed music. The fireworks and amphitheater show are free and the event is casual.

Inner Harbor, 200 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202

Midnight At Noon

Midnight at Noon at the Maryland Science Center allows kids to join in the New Year's Eve celebrations in Baltimore without missing bedtime. The fourth annual family-friendly event includes craft activities that encourage kids to make their own New Year's hats and noisemakers and dance to the children's band Milkshake. Craft activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while supplies last, and the Now This! improv group also offers an interactive musical activity from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All activities are free to members or included in the regular museum admission of $14.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children younger than 3 get in free.

Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230

New Year's Eve Cruise

The Black-Eyed Susan, Baltimore's one-of-a-kind paddle wheel dinner boat, hosts a New Year's Eve Cruise from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cruise offers a panoramic view of the fireworks over the harbor from the warm interior of the boat, as well as an evening of fine dining, with a dinner buffet and dessert extravaganza after midnight. A disc jockey will keep guests dancing all night, and there will be a champagne toast at midnight, as well as a cash bar throughout the evening. All guests must be 21 or older. Dress attire is required. The cost is $130 per person, including tax and gratuities and six hours of free on-site parking. Boarding begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Marine Center, and the boat leaves the pier at 9:30 p.m.

Baltimore Marine Center, 2600 Boston St., Baltimore, MD 21224

New Year's Eve In Baltimore: Video

Fireworks light up the Inner Harbor on New Year's Eve 2010.

Did we miss a Baltimore New Year's Eve event? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Related MapQuest New Year's Articles

Everything Changes On New Year's Day
by Ken Jennings
Our resident expert -- and renowned Jeopardy! champ -- scours the planet to find some of its oddest New Year's traditions.