On New Year's Eve in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina.

South Carolina New Year's Eve Events Map

Famously Hot New Year

Known for its hot summer weather, Columbia -- South Carolina's capital city -- is turning up the heat for its first Famously Hot New Year celebration downtown on Main Street. This free event kicks off at 8 p.m. with the legendary funk master George Clinton and his group, P-Funk, as well as local bands, followed by fireworks at midnight. An ESPN Zone will sate sports fans concerned about missing their favorite college bowl games, while a Resolution Row area allows others to connect with businesses who can help them keep their New Year's resolutions. The event includes free cab service and parking.

Famously Hot New Year, Main Street at Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Happy New Year Charleston

New Year's family fun begins at 4 p.m. for the Happy New Year Charleston celebration. This free, city-wide, non-alcoholic event offers a variety of musical acts, ranging from classical (The Glory of Gabrielli -- Music for Organ and Brass Quintet) to jazz (Great Horns of Charleston) and gospel (Voices of Deliverance). Guests can also enjoy performances by African dancers and drummers. Children's activities under the Kidsfest tent include face painting, balloon art and sing-a-longs. Most activities are located at Marion Square, although the classical music concerts take place in nearby St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.

Happy New Year Charleston, Calhoun Street and King Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Broadway At The Beach's New Year's Eve

Watch fireworks reflect off Lake Broadway during Broadway at the Beach's New Year's Eve celebration in Myrtle Beach. This collection of restaurants, nightclubs and attractions (including Ripley's Aquarium, an IMAX-3D Theatre, and Myrtle Waves Water Park) is throwing a music-filled end-of-the-year blowout. A $30 ticket includes entrance into eight of the development's night clubs for ages 21 and older. Fireworks start at 8 p.m. and confetti canons fire at midnight during the Times Square ball-drop broadcast. A disc jockey will be spinning tunes on the square for outdoor entertainment.

Broadway at the Beach, 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

New Year's Eve In South Carolina: Video

The New Year's 2011 countdown at Broadway at the Beach.

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

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