Looking for things to do in Baltimore as we welcome 2025? From spectacular Inner Harbor fireworks to family-friendly New Year celebrations, Baltimore is packed with Baltimore events this week that’ll make your transition into the new year unforgettable. Whether you’re exploring the Inner Harbor, celebrating at Harbor East rooftop parties, or enjoying winter activities with the family, this week’s Baltimore events calendar has something for everyone in Charm City.

Bundle up and get ready to explore the best family-friendly Baltimore activities, free events, and exciting ways to ring in 2025. Here’s your complete guide to Baltimore weekend events and happenings December 31 – January 5!

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025Time: 6:00 PM – MidnightLocation: Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD 21202Cost: FREE

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor transforms into the ultimate New Year’s Eve destination with the inaugural New Year’s Eve Spectacular! This free, family-friendly celebration features fireworks, live entertainment, local vendors, ice skating, and festive programming from 6 PM through midnight.

Fireworks barges will be positioned between Point Park and Domino Sugar and in the Inner Harbor Channel, ensuring optimal views from both the Inner Harbor waterfront and Federal Hill. Families can enjoy live local entertainment throughout the evening, making this Baltimore’s most significant free celebration to welcome 2026.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure prime viewing spots along the harbor promenade. The Light Rail and Charm City Circulator both stop near the Inner Harbor, making public transportation your best bet for avoiding traffic and parking headaches. Federal Hill Park offers elevated views of the fireworks display!

Visit the official event page

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMLocation: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202Cost: Museum admission ($19.95 adults, check for member discounts)

Ring in the new year at noon with the little ones at Port Discovery’s Noontime New Year celebration! This family-friendly alternative to late-night festivities features a special countdown to noon complete with a balloon drop, New Year-themed art projects, and interactive games that encourage teamwork and creativity.

This event caps off Port Discovery’s “12 Days of Play” celebration, which has featured unique themed activities throughout winter break. Each day has offered different hands-on activities perfect for children and caregivers looking for indoor activities in Baltimore during the winter season.

Pro Tip: Port Discovery offers sensory-friendly hours on select Sundays. Check their website for January dates if you have children who benefit from quieter museum experiences. Parking is available at nearby Inner Harbor garages.

Get tickets and info at Port Discovery

Dates: Ongoing through JanuaryLocation: Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore (rooftop terrace), 200 International Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202Cost: Varies (check website for rates)

Take the family ice skating with stunning Harbor East views at the Four Seasons Winter Village Skate. Located on the hotel’s fifth-floor terrace, this rooftop skating rink offers concession-style fare and sweeping harbor views, making it the perfect cold-weather activity for families.

The Winter Village atmosphere creates a magical winter wonderland experience right in the heart of Baltimore’s waterfront district. Whether you’re a skating pro or trying it for the first time, this is one of the most unique things to do in Baltimore this winter.

Pro Tip: Visit during weekday afternoons for smaller crowds. The rink gets busier on weekends, especially around sunset when the city lights start twinkling.

Dates: OngoingLocation: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202Cost: Museum admission

Port Discovery has officially joined the LEGO® Playful Learning Museum Network and is celebrating with a Brick City: LEGO® exhibit takeover for 2025-2026. The museum also features new exhibit expansions, including Galactic Builders (a space-themed STEAM exhibit) and SKIES (a sensory-friendly sky-themed exhibit).

These permanent additions make Port Discovery one of the best destinations for Baltimore family fun year-round, especially during cold winter days when you need engaging indoor options.

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025Time: MidnightLocation: Inner HarborCost: FREE

The centerpiece of Baltimore’s New Year celebration, the Inner Harbor fireworks display promises a spectacular show visible from multiple vantage points around the Inner Harbor. This is one of the best free events Baltimore offers all year!

Best Viewing Locations:

Pro Tip: Bundle up! Temperatures will be chilly, but the atmosphere is electric. Bring blankets, hand warmers, and thermoses of hot cocoa for a comfortable viewing experience.

Dates: Ongoing through early 2025Location: Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218Cost: FREE (BMA admission is always free!)

Start the new year with culture at the Baltimore Museum of Art, which features “Deconstructing Nature” – an exhibition of 19th-century art from the George A. Lucas Collection exploring how human relationships affect the environment.

The BMA is open until 9 PM on Thursdays, making it perfect for an after-work cultural excursion. This is hands-down one of the best free events Baltimore offers, and an ideal activity for art lovers in Mount Vernon and beyond.

Pro Tip: The BMA’s sculpture gardens are beautiful even in winter. Take a stroll through the outdoor installations before or after your visit to the galleries.

Dates: Various dates this weekLocation: Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202Cost: Varies by show (check Eventbrite or venue website)

Baltimore Soundstage in the Inner Harbor continues to host incredible live music this week. The intimate venue brings national and local acts to Baltimore, offering one of the best Baltimore concerts this week.

Check their calendar for specific shows, as the lineup changes frequently. From indie rock to electronic music, the Soundstage delivers quality entertainment in a historic downtown location.

Dates: Throughout the weekLocation: Keystone Korner, Baltimore, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, MD 21231Cost: Varies by performance

Ring in 2025 with world-class jazz at Keystone Korner Baltimore, Baltimore’s premier jazz venue. Located in Harbor East, this intimate club brings legendary and emerging jazz artists to Charm City.

Jazz lovers won’t find better things to do in Baltimore than catching a show at Keystone Korner. The venue’s commitment to preserving jazz culture while nurturing new talent makes it essential to Baltimore’s music scene.

Pro Tip: Make dinner reservations – Keystone Korner serves excellent food alongside world-class music. Arrive early to get the best seats!

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025Time: 8:30 PM start (dinner) / Cruise begins afterLocation: Facci Ristorante, 414 Light Street, Baltimore, MD (with cruise departure from Inner Harbor)Cost: Ticketed event (21+)Event Link: Waterfront Partnership Events

Make New Year’s Eve memorable with this special Dinner and Cruise Celebration. Begin festivities at 8:30 PM with dinner at Facci Ristorante, then stroll to the Inner Harbor’s Finger Piers to board Watermark’s vessel Annapolitan II for a two-hour cruise.

The cruise includes an open bar with beer, wine, and bubbly, with the city’s fireworks display providing a magical finale to 2025. This adults-only (21+) event offers one of the most romantic ways to celebrate in Baltimore.

Pro Tip: Discounted parking is available at the Harbor Court/Royal Sonesta Hotel Garage. Book early as this event typically sells out!

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025Time: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AMLocation: apropoe’s, Inner HarborCost: Ticketed (includes dinner buffet and champagne toast)

“Bmore Bout It Present Harbor Dance NYE” brings an unforgettable night with DJs Petty Penguin, Beast, and Don DC spinning the hottest tracks all night long. Your ticket includes a dinner buffet, live DJs, a midnight champagne toast, and party favors.

This is one of the most energetic Baltimore events this weekend, perfect for those who want to dance their way into 2026!

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2025Location: The Bygone, Four Seasons Hotel (rooftop), 200 International Drive, Baltimore, MDCost: Premium pricing

Celebrate New Year’s at Baltimore’s most-elevated restaurant with spectacular Inner Harbor fireworks views from the rooftop of the Four Seasons Hotel. The Bygone offers upscale dining with panoramic city views, making it the ultimate splurge for NYE.

Pro Tip: This is one of the priciest but most impressive NYE experiences in Baltimore. Reserve well in advance and prepare for a dress code.

This week, all roads lead to the Inner Harbor – Baltimore’s iconic waterfront destination and the center of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Beyond the fireworks and festivities, the Inner Harbor offers year-round attractions:

What Makes Inner Harbor Special:

Getting There:The Inner Harbor is accessible via Light Rail (stop at Camden Yards or Convention Center), Charm City Circulator (free!), and MTA buses. Street parking is limited, but several garages serve the area.

Nearby Neighborhoods:From the Inner Harbor, you’re walking distance to Federal Hill, Fells Point (via water taxi), and Harbor East. Make it a neighborhood-hopping adventure!

Through January 17, 2025 – The seasonal downtown skating rink atop the Inner Harbor Amphitheater on Pratt Street continues offering ice skating and winter fun at varying times and prices.

Through December 24, 2025 (may have extended hours) – Although winding down, the waterfront along West Shore Park continues its transformation into a winter wonderland with 65+ vendors offering unique holiday gifts.

Various programs continuing at Manor Mill, 2029 Monkton Road – Check their calendar for specific weekend activities and family programs.

As we move into January 2025, mark your calendars for upcoming Baltimore events:

Tuesday, December 31:

Wednesday-Sunday, January 1-5:

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Public Transportation:

Parking Tips for NYE:Major events will cause parking challenges around the Inner Harbor. Consider:

Weather Considerations:Winter weather can be unpredictable. Check forecasts and dress in layers. Most NYE outdoor events happen rain or shine, though fireworks could be affected by severe weather.

This week marks not just a new year, but a fresh start to explore everything Baltimore has to offer. From world-class museums and historic neighborhoods to cutting-edge restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Charm City delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re a lifelong Baltimorean or new to the area, make 2025 the year you truly discover all the amazing Baltimore activities our city offers. Start with this week’s spectacular New Year celebrations, then keep the momentum going with weekly adventures throughout the year.

Happy New Year from all of us at Bmore This Week! 🎆

Tags: #BaltimoreEvents #ThingsToDoInBaltimore #NewYearsEveBaltimore #BaltimoreWeekend #FamilyFriendlyBaltimore #InnerHarbor #CharmCity #BaltimoreMD #BMOREProud #BaltimoreCalendar

This article was published on December 31, 2024. Event details subject to change. Please verify times, dates, and pricing with official event sources before attending.

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