New Year's Eve In Maryland: Duck, Crab, Muskrat To Drop For 2021

MARYLAND — Many people cannot wait to turn the page on 2020. Health experts and local leaders urged people not to gather, to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further in Maryland.

For example, this year's New Year's Eve Spectacular in Baltimore's Inner Harbor was canceled due to the pandemic.

Even so, traditions are continuing, in some cases with modifications, around Maryland, where a crab, duck, muskrat and doughnut have dropped in years past.

Whether ringing in 2021 at home or elsewhere, Patch has you covered.

Here are some events happening around the state and ways to celebrate virtually.

Duck Drop In Havre de Grace

A duck dropped in Havre de Grace at the stroke of midnight. Fireworks followed. The Susquehanna Hose Company has dropped a foam duck for the past 20 years as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, and this year was no exception. People could also tune in through the State Theater's YouTube channel as the duck signaled the new year near the Concord Point Lighthouse.

Crab Drop In Easton To Be Virtual

The crab dropped in Easton at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Talbot County’s tradition is billed as a family friendly celebration that is alcohol free, and this year it will be virtual. The party runs from 6 p.m. to midnight Thursday, Dec. 31. Local and national acts will participate through a live-stream.

This was last year's Crab Drop, which was in person.

Muskrat Dive In Princess Anne Is Virtual, Possible Visits Beforehand

A muskrat dive took place in Princess Anne in Somerset County. Marshall Muskrat, a taxidermied muskrat, dropped on a zipline at midnight. Locals could visit him beforehand, wearing masks and socially distanced, at The Washington Inn and Tavern, 11784 Somerset Ave, Princess Anne, MD 21853. People could tune in virtually starting at 11:30 p.m. as the New Year's Eve Midnight Muskrat Dive took place. Main Street Princess Anne gave away prizes to those watching, such as overnight accommodations in Princess Anne (for later in 2021), local oysters, a Smith Island cake and $50 gift cards.

Ocean City Celebration Canceled, Fireworks To Go On

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ocean City canceled its annual New Year's Eve festivities. However, fireworks went off at midnight at Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, MD 21842. Northside Park was closed at 9:30 p.m., and no gatherings were permitted.

Doughnut Drop Shifts To Drive-Thru Event

Hagerstown usually drops a doughnut to ring in the new year, but for 2020 did something different. Organizers held a drive-thru giveaway on South Potomac Street, where the Maryland Theatre, Krumpe's Do-Nuts and Middletown Valley Bank dispensed free Krumpe's Do-nuts and coffee Thursday morning, with live music from Staff Infection and the opportunity to "honk goodbye to 2020." Pedestrians wearing masks were also welcome.

In-Person Events For Kids

10 a.m.–2 p.m.: Noon Year's Eve at the B&O Railroad Museum includes socially distanced games, party hats and confetti, with a ball dropping at noon.

10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Noontime New Year at Port Discovery features confetti and DIY Party Poppers to use during a noontime countdown. A stilt walker and wildlife will be in attendance.

4:30–7:30 p.m.: Zoo Lights walk-through at The Maryland Zoo features light displays shaped like wildlife.

5–10 p.m.: Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park offers the opportunity to drive through a holiday light display.

More Virtual Events

11:30 a.m.–12 p.m.: Noon Year's Eve with the Baltimore County Public Library on Zoom includes crafts, singing and story time.

4:30–5:30 p.m.: Kids will ring in the new year with their favorite My Gym teachers on Zoom at this Zoom New Year's Eve Dance Party, hosted by My Gym of Potomac.

9–10:30 p.m.: Goodbye to 2020, an interactive virtual concert featuring big band, Motown, and other favorites from Dr. Phill Butts Orchestra, with all proceeds going to benefit the children of West Baltimore through the work of St. James’ Academy. The concert is 9–10:30 p.m. on Zoom. Tickets are $25.

New Year's Day

2–4 p.m.: Bring your own candles and maybe a journal to this New Year’s Day Reflection time on Zoom, hosted by the Columbia Mindfulness Meditation Group and Kittamaqundi Community Church.

First Day Hikes are a Maryland tradition at state parks. They are self-guided this year to encourage social distancing.

See Also:

• The Safest New Year's Holiday In MD Is Celebrating At Home: CDC
• Nonprofit Offers Free Rides On New Year To Minimize Drunk Driving
• 6 MD Holiday Light Shows That Are Coronavirus-Friendly
• Easy Cocktail And Drink Recipes To Try On New Year's Eve
  
• Havre de Grace Named Top Pick for New Year's Eve
• MD Christmas Lights 2020: Where To See Best Holiday Displays