Countdown Is On For New Year's Eve In Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The countdown is on for a fun-filled night in downtown Baltimore on New Year's Eve, from parties to fireworks show at the stroke of midnight.

Marcus Washington has more on the happenings around the city.

It's the way Charm City welcomes every new year--fireworks and fun. But before you ring in the new year, you must plan for the events--before, during and after.

"I'll talk about the guest rooms first. It's $229. It's a king bedroom. It's on our higher floors concierge level. You get a bottle of champagne from Paul Rogers--it's actually dubbed the royal champagne for the royal family in Great Britain, so we got that as a special treat--and then two glasses that actually have our crest on it, of the Lord Baltimore Hotel, that you can take home and remember us by," said Brad Daniels, Lord Baltimore Hotel.

The Lord Baltimore is just one of many hotels in downtown Baltimore that can allow you a safe retreat and hotel fun during or after the New Year's Eve celebration.

During New Year's Eve, you can always find a lot to do in downtown Baltimore, but sometimes you find that one location the you can fit in everything, like a great view, music and food.

"New Year's Eve is really a big night at the Rusty Scupper. It's a tradition. A lot of people come back year after year," said Ed Prutzer, Rusty Scupper.

Located on the Inner Harbor, Rusty Scupper's New Year's Eve night guests will experience a live DJ all night, a four-course dinner, champagne toast at midnight and a view of the fireworks from the resatuant's harbor view deck.

"From a business standpoint, it's terrific. It's very, very good. It's a nice little boost. It's in the middle of the winter. We're slower in the winter time, so this gives us a little bit extra after the holidays and then you move on to the new year," said Prutzer.

It's the start of what could be a long night.

"You know, that only just continues through New Year's... New Year's Eve, New Year's Day. It's not just about the parties the night before, it's about New Year's Day, going to brunch someplace, maybe going to a museum or seeing a movie," said Mike Evitts, Downtown Partnership.

New Year's Eve is just days away, and you don't want to miss all the excitement in Baltimore.

Thursday, it's the WJZ New Year's Special. Coverage begins at 11 p.m., and you can watch the fireworks live at midnight on WJZ.