This year marks the 30th anniversary of First Night Talbot, a family-friendly celebration in Easton, Maryland, that rings in the new year not with the drop of a giant ball, but rather a giant metal crab, with ceremonial drops of the local mascot at 9 p.m. and midnight.
Four local venues—Town Hall, Avalon Theatre, Academy Art Museum and the Waterfowl Building—play host to music and dance performances, a magic show, face-painting and favorites like Carlos the Fire-Juggler and Mike Elzey’s Guitar Studio (an air-guitar contest for freestyle jamming).
Between activities, you’ll find fun shops, art galleries, restaurants and food trucks throughout town. First Night Talbot, which is free to all, begins at 6 p.m. Visit discovereaston.com/first-night-talbot for a full schedule.
No matter what time you choose to welcome the new year, get a good night’s sleep at the Tidewater Inn. This historic property completed an extensive renovation of its 86 guest rooms and suites in the fall of 2019, and added the former Inn at 202 Dover (now The Tidewater House) to its portfolio.
The Tidewater House has six luxury suites, each with air-jet tubs and steam showers. Check the inn’s website for details on its Thanksgiving buffet, New Year’s Eve dinner specials and more. Rates begin at $209.
Tidewater Inn, 101 E. Dover St., Easton, Maryland, 410-822-1300