On New Year's Eve in Maryland, 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 Maryland.

Maryland New Year's Eve Events Map

Annapolis Lights Up The Night

Annapolis may light up the night for New Year’s Eve, but it also hosts kid’s activities during the day. That way, both early birds and night owls can celebrate the new year. The day begins at 3 p.m. with the Chesapeake Children’s Museum teaching kids about various new year traditions throughout the world. There will be face painting, the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corp, the Revolution Band and a magician. An early fireworks display at 7:30 p.m. completes the kid-focused portion of the day. Then, at 8 p.m., 8 Ohms Band plays on the city dock, followed by Higher Hands Band at 10 p.m. The show ends with a fireworks spectacular over the harbor. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Chesapeake Children's Museum, 25 Silopanna Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403

First Night Talbot

Downtown Easton in Talbot County is hosting a First Night celebration for New Year’s. First Night celebrations throughout the country provide an alternative to drinking the night away and instead present festivals that typically include a salute to the arts. First Night Talbot allows visitors to soak up the town's historic architecture and enjoy the arts in different venues and along the streets. Past events have featured dancers, jugglers, crafts, choirs, a photo booth and a ventriloquist. Make sure to look for the First Night Parade of sea-creature puppets & hats. And it won't be a ball dropping at 9 p.m. and at midnight, but rather, as this is Maryland, a crab. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Talbot County Visitors Center, 11 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD 21601

Little Feat At The Fillmore Silver Spring

People who want an earthy and organic start to the New Year won’t want to miss Little Feat at the Fillmore Silver Spring. This classic American rock band, which started in 1969 and still evokes that late-'60s, early-'70s vibe, will be at the Fillmore Silver Spring to help fans ring in the new year. The band will almost certainly play its major hits at its New Year’s Eve concert, such as "Let It Roll," "Skin It Back," "Honest Man" and "Texas Twister." The concert begins at 8 p.m., and general-admission, standing-room-only tickets cost $55.

Fillmore Silver Spring, 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

New Year's Eve In Maryland: Video

Dragon Wings Marionettes present "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" at First Night Talbot, 2007.

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

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