New Year's Eve in Elkridge and Beyond

It's hard to believe, but 2012 is almost here. And people throughout Elkridge are celebrating. Here are some of the biggest parties around. What are you doing this weekend? Tell us in the comments!

• Thousands will show up at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, home to the annual fireworks display. The party starts at 9 p.m., with music from the funk/soul 8 ohms band.
• In Howard County, see sparks fly during the  event in Columbia. The party starts at 5 p.m., and includes a bonfire, music and food. The evening caps off with a fireworks presentation. Proceeds benefit Howard County General Hospital (cost is $20).
• For the bar experience, head to the  at the in Elkridge. The party gets started at 9 p.m. with a DJ livening up the dance floor and a champagne toast at midnight.
• Also in Elkridge, there's a "pool" party at . The pool hall—which offers darts, billiards, fooseball and ping pong—is hosting a with DJ Stokes handling the music at 9 p.m. and a free buffet at 10 p.m.
• During the  in Savage, the venue is not charging a cover for the night, and there will be a handful of drink specials on the menu. In addition, partygoers will be treated to a beer toast at midnight.
• Do you want to celebrate with your little ones but without staying up so late? Pump It Up in Elkridge is having a earlier in the day, with countdowns at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be party hats and an opportunity to "jump" into the New Year.
• The Maryland Science Center hosts , an early countdown with confetti, party hats and the Grammy-nominated children's band Milkshake.
• Port Discovery is doing something similar at noon on New Year's Eve. Come in costume and celebrate the new year with juice and cookies.
• If you're looking to get out on New Year's Day, consider attending a  at Patapsco State Park in Catonsville. The hike starts at 1:30 p.m.

This article has been updated at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, to include KB Billiards.