Editor's Note: If you have a favorite anchorage for New Year's Eve that has a great view of the fireworks and would like to share, please let us know by dropping and email to the News Editor [email protected]. We will share the results on Facebook.

There's nothing quite as spectacular as seeing New Year's Eve fireworks burst high above the waterway. While many will be aboard their own vessels, anchored at favored vantage points, here are some options for those who wish to try something new and perhaps unusual to ring in 2017.

We have narrowed the massive list of events down to some of the most heralded. The listings here recieved the highest ratings from both travel reviewers and/or are currently trending online this week as people search for the details on thier favorite locations.We also include some Bahamian Junkanoo action and close with some suggestions for those who may be in Cuba for the holiday.

The Great Lakes (Lake George, New York)

New Year's Eve Fireworks Over Lake George
When: Sunday, Jan 1, 2017 - 12:00 AM
Where: Lake George, New York
Cost: FREE ADMISSION
Start your New Year off with a bang! Enjoy fireworks over Lake George at midnight! Finish an evening of celebration with a fantastic fireworks display!
For more New Year's fun, see the Lake George New Year's Guide

New York City

With the insanity of New York Harbor traffic on NYE it might not be a bad idea to just get aboard the annual Harbor Lights Cruise.

The Harbor Lights features multiple climate-controlled decks, fully-stocked bars, dance floors, and enough room to welcome in 400 guests. 

This special black-tie optional event will feature 3.5 hours of open bar, a live DJ spinning the best in music for hours on end, and a full dinner buffet to satisfy that NYE hunger.
Not only that, but you'll have a front-row seat to the New Year's Eve fireworks display high above the city. Get your tickets while you still can, because you won't forget your experience once you hop aboard this yacht. Buffet included.
Warning: The ship departs the dock at 9 PM sharp. Please allow plenty of travel time as Ball Drop is not responsible if you miss the boat. Fireworks display provided at the discretion of New York City (with weather permitting.) Learn more about this event.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia will ring in 2017 not once but two times during the SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Delaware River Waterfront. With shows at 6 p.m. and midnight, revelers of all ages will have a chance to celebrate the New Year.

Best of all, there are plenty of great places to watch the spectacular show.
Get out your party hats and chill the champagne — it’s time to party like it’s 2017.

Join fellow revelers at one of the many New Year’s Eve celebrations taking place on December 31, including the SugarHouse New Year’s Eve Fireworks at both 6 p.m. and midnight on the Delaware River Waterfront.

Dance the night away at FringeArts, get an ice rink-side view of the fireworks at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest or watch the Square Drop during the family-centric celebration at Franklin Square.

Read more about Philly locations and events.

Maryland

Ring in 2017 with family, friends, live music and a spectacular fireworks display over Baltimore’s Inner Harbor! 

Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular takes place Saturday, December 31, 2016 from 9pm to 12:30am.  Starting at 9pm, the crowd at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater can enjoy party music by Super Bueno.  At the stroke of midnight, colorful fireworks and lights fill the sky above downtown Baltimore. Those celebrating at the Inner Harbor can also enjoy skating at the Pandora Ice Rink, open until 12:30am.  Regular rink admission prices apply.  Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular is produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.  WJZ-TV 13 is the media sponsor.

Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Metro Subway, Light Rail and Bus are the best ways to get downtown for the holiday celebration.  Metro Subway and Light Rail service is extended for one hour after the event.  For information on MTA services and schedules, please visit mta.maryland.gov.

For more information on Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular, call 410-752-8632. For more information on the Pandora Ice Rink at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, visit www.innerharboricerink.org.

Here are some popular and unique Maryland and D.C. News Year's Eve Events

New Year's Annapolis
December 31, 2016
Fireworks at 7:30 P.M. and at mid-night.
New Year’s Annapolis is a family-oriented celebration based on the “First Night” concept that provides attendees with a fun-filled and safe environment for all ages to celebrate New Year's Eve. The event includes live music and  two fireworks displays, an early show for families and early-risers and a traditional midnight spectacular to ring in 2017.
Annapolis
Anne Arundel County
More Information View On Map Learn More
Enjoy fireworks and more during the New Year's Eve Spectacular in the harbor of Baltimore

New Year's Eve in Ocean City
December 31, 2016
Fireworks at mid-night.
As part of our Winterfest celebration, join us to ring in the New Year with a firework display at Northside Park at midnight.  Winterfest will stay open extended hours for this special festive night!
Ocean City
Worcester County
More Information View On Map Learn More
Watch the CRAB drop to bring in the New Year at midnight Photo By: Talbot County tourism

First Night Talbot
December 31, 2016
6 p.m. – Midnight,
It's the biggest New Year's Eve party in the Midshore Area! Come join the fun at a family-oriented celebration of the year past and the year to come. Downtown Easton will be transformed into a huge performance center with musicians, dancers and actors taking the stage at multiple venues. One admission button will get you into all of the different sites.
Easton
Talbot County
More Information View On Map Learn More
The Ball is dropping during the New Year's Celebration in Berlin Photo By: Town of Berlin

Berlin's New Years Eve Celebration
December 31, 2016 10:00 P.M.. – 1:00 A.M.
Berlin transforms into a mini Times Square with dancing in the streets, music, fabulous food, refreshments and plenty of entertainment. Count down the New Year with a ball drop at midnight. The festivities will take place at the intersection of Main Street and Broad Street. Horse and carriage rides will be available for a romantic tour of holiday decorations and lights starting at 8 P.M.
Berlin
Fireworks display from Wisp Resort Photo By: Garrett County Tourism

New Year's Eve Celebration - Wisp Resort
December 31, 2016
8:00pm - midnight
Ring in the new year at Wisp Resort! House DJ will be mixing a smorgasbord of music to keep all members of the family bopping on the dance floor. From the oldies to hip hop -- country line dancing too!
McHenry

Krumpe's Do-nut Drop
December 31, 2016 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Times Square has nothing on Hagerstown! In addition to dropping the big doughnut, Krumpe’s gives away 6,000+ donuts to New Year's Eve revelers. Gather  on the square in downtown Hagerstown for free popcorn, coffee, cocoa and  yummy Krumpe's Donuts.
Krumpe's Donut Shop
10 Public Square
Hagerstown, MD 21740
More Information View On Map Learn More
Marshall P. Muskrat

Midnight Muskrat Drop
Dec. 31, 2016
9:00pm - 1:00am
The immortalized rodent, Marshal P. Muskrat will bring local and regional music and entertainment out to celebrate the closing of 2016 and welcome in 2017 as he is dropped during the final seconds of the year.
Town Center
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Food, Live Entertainment, Dancing, and more during the Big Night Baltimore NYE Gala. Photo By: Big Night Baltimore

Big Night Baltimore New Year's Eve Gala
December 31, 2016
9:00pm - 2:00am
Big Night Baltimore is the perfect, all-inclusive night. Leave your wallet at home, because your ticket includes everything - all drinks included all night without the long lines! Plus, a buffet and entertainment throughout the eight different party zones.

Big Night DC
December 31, 2016
9:00pm - 3:00am
The DC Area's Largest New Year's Eve Extravaganza. Ten themed party areas encompassing the ballroom complex of the resort. Mardi Gras, Vegas Casino Lounge, ShamrockFest Stage, Retro - Best of 70's, 80's & 90's dance tunes, Electronica Club, Hip Hop Club Room, Karaoke Zone, VIP Lounges, open bar and more.
Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, National Harbor
Prince George's County
Bring in the new year Swing Dancing with Lady Luck and the Suicide Kings

Black-Eyed Susan Paddle Wheeler

December 31, 2016
8:30pm - 1:00am
Enjoy an elegant dockside cocktail reception followed by a buffet dinner. The Black-Eyed Susan offers a panoramic view of Baltimore's midnight fireworks display from a heated and glass enclosed observation deck.  There will be a DJ and dancing!
Bring in the new year at the Charm City Countdown's Nevermore Masquerade Ball! Photo By: Charm City Countdown

Charm City Countdown Nevermore Masquerade Ball NYE Gala
December 31, 2016
9:00pm - 2:00am
Charm City Countdown New Year’s Eve Party is back again for it’s 9th year, moving their headquarters to the gorgeous Hilton BWI Hotel! Join over 1800 people for a party that’s too big and too sexy for the city! This year they are hosting another special themed New Years Eve event - "Once Upon a Time".
Timonium, Baltimore County

Charm City New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise on the Raven
December 31, 2016
10pm-1am
Ring in the New Year on an elegant fireworks cruise aboard the Raven, the newest yacht in the Inner Harbor!  Cocktails, dancing, festive decor and party favors.  Watch fireworks over the water.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise in Annapolis
December 31, 2016
Greet the New Year onboard the Catherine Marie, Watermark's flagship vessel.  Watch the fireworks over Annapolis and enjoy cocktails, dancing, party favors and festive decor.  Light snacks and full cash bar.
Learn more.

Virginia

New Year’s Eve Casino Masquerade Ball 2016
Presented by the James Madison Belle Grove Foundation
Saturday, December 31st
6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The James Madison Belle Grove Foundation is hosting our Annual New Year’s Eve charity event – The James Madison Belle Grove Foundation Casino Masquerade Ball. Belle Grove Plantation’s Masquerade Ball is famous for its intriguing party guests and excitement during the evening as everybody will show off their most fabulous masquerade masks and New Year’s party attire!
Food and Drink: Heavy hors d’oeuvres / Champagne and Wine Open Bar
Dress Code: The dress for the Casino Masquerade Ball is a masquerade mask and formal wear. Suit or Tux for the gentlemen and formal or cocktail dress for the ladies. We do ask the ladies not to wear spiked or pointed heal shoes during this event. Our historic floors are soft heart of pine floor and heels will damage them. If you would like to wear them, please purchase heal protectors to slide over heels to help us protect our floors.
Tickets: Advance Tickets – Purchased before December 1, 2016 – $65 per person
Tickets-Purchased on or after December 1, 2016 – $75 per person
Price at the door: $65-$75

South Carolina

Visiting the Charleston "Wonderland"

Hosted by "Sparkle" from 95sx, Charleston Wonderland features live music and performances inside and outside of the Memminger 15,000 square foot facility. Enjoy a top shelf open bar, local cuisine, Charleston's best live music, Cirque performances, live ice carvings, dance crews, interactive audio/visual, Charleston's largest balloon drop, and so much more.

For two days, an amazing team of 100+ people create the unbelievable experience simply referred to now as "Wonderland." Hosted by radio personality "Sparkle" and 95SX, Charleston Wonderland features a top shelf bar sponsored by Tito's Vodka and Red Bull, Cirque Du Soleil affiliate performers, incredible live bands and DJs, local dance crews, variety acts, state-of-the-art A/V, and amazing cuisine served all night in our meticulously styled space. Wonderland's non-stop line up of music and entertainment will overwhelm your senses as we bring in the coming year unlike anywhere in Charleston, South Carolina.  Everything from a champagne toast and Charleston's largest balloon drop at midnight, to special photo booths, speciality cigar lounges and so many more surprises. Limited tickets, no lines, and no VIP sections. . . .because everyone is a VIP. Welcome to Wonderland!
WHEN
DOORS OPEN - 8:30 p.m.
DOORS CLOSE - 1:30 a.m.
WHERE
Memminger Auditorium
56 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC 29403

Charleston Wonderland is a formal event and our dress code is simply "Dress to Impress." Wonderland is not a "black tie only" event but again, we encourage all guests to dress to impress. It's New Years Eve!

South Carolina

Myrtle Beach:Broadway at the Beach will be buzzing with all kinds of New Year's Eve Celebrations. A fireworks extravaganza is planned for 8 p.m. over Lake Broadway.

Celebrations Nitelife will host parties at Malibus Surf Bar, Broadway Louie's and Oz Experience for $35/person. The cost includes admission to all three clubs, a balloon drop, champagne toast, confetti cannons and party favors. Expect live DJs, karaoke at Broadway Louie's and plenty of fun for all.

Crocodile Rocks will celebrate with party favors, the best sing-alongs, a balloon drop and champagne. $20 gets you in the door and $30 gets you reserved seating. Call for VIP packages.

Party aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown in Charleston, S.C.

From 9:00 PM until 1:00 AM, guests of this exclusive Charleston New Year’s Eve party aboard the U.S.S Yorktown will see live bands and DJ’s from all imaginable genres including dance, funk, rock, hip hop, 80’s and Top 40 Billboard.
The USS Yorktown is one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during WWII for the US Navy and was named after the Battle of Yorktown of the American Revolutionary War. She is 890 feet in length, weighs more than 30,000 tons, and has multiple airplane hangar bays that provide over 40,000 square feet of indoor space. Commissioned in 1943, she participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning 11 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. Later, she served as a recovery ship for the Apollo 8 space mission and was used in the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! which recreated the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Finally, she was decommissioned in 1970 and became a museum ship in 1975 at Patriot’s Point (in Mt Pleasant, SC). She is now a national historic landmark and once a year is transformed into Charleston’s premier New Year’s Eve event.

From 9:00 PM until 1:00 AM, guests of this exclusive Charleston New Year’s Eve party aboard the U.S.S Yorktown will see live bands and DJ’s from all imaginable genres including dance, funk, rock, hip hop, 80’s and Top 40 Billboard.

Georgia

Savannah, Georgia

Up the Cup! This quaint coastal city offers a carefree New Year’s Eve —it ranks No. 2 for being pedestrian-friendly as well as being just plain old friendly. There’s plenty that’s free and easy here on December 31: fireworks at Tybee Pier and a free music festival at City Market. If you’re up for it on January 1, you can also do the annual Polar Bear Plunge into the chilly Atlantic.

December 31, 2016 at 8:00 pm – January 1, 2017 at 12:00 am
Where:Rousakis Riverfront Plaza
115 East River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Cost:Free
Contact: Savannah Waterfront Association
912.234.0295

Florida

Key West New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Duval Street
Admission: Free
Capitalizing on its quirky culture, Key West is famous for its own funky “drop” traditions. Whether it’s the conch-shell drop at Sloppy Joe's, the descent of Sushi the drag queen in her signature 8-foot red high-heel shoe on Duval Street, or the dropping of the pirate wench from a ship’s mast at Schooner's Wharf, a New Year’s Eve in Florida’s southernmost city is always full of wild surprises. Details.

New Year’s Eve Black & White Masquerade Ball
Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton
Admission: $200

This posh party is everything a New Year’s Eve soiree should be, complete with lavish food, live music, dancing, open bar and fireworks. The one catch: you’ve got to wear black or white. Got an awesome party mask? Now would be a good time to bust it out. If not, they can provide one for you. Details.

Miami Bayfront Park’s New Year’s Eve
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
Admission: Free

Both MSN and USA Today have declared South Florida to be “One of the Top Places in the World to Ring in the New Year,” and it’s easy to see why. This famous (and free!) event is good for families or partygoers and has live music all evening, yummy food and a fireworks show at midnight. Don’t miss the highlight of the night: watching The Big Orange make its grand descent in the final minutes of 2014. Details.

St. Augustine Beach Blast Off
St. Johns County Fishing Pier and Pavilion
Admission: Free

Usher in 2014 with a little bit of hot and little bit of cold— no, seriously. St. Augustine’s Beach Blast-Off is known for its Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff from 4-8 p.m. where spicy sauces balance intricate ice sculptures. Get that last spoonful of chili before watching the fireworks show (synchronized to music) at 8:30 p.m. Details.

25th-Annual “Rockin’ the Dock” New Year’s Eve Party
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach Pier
Admission: $20

Ring in the New Year with this oceanside bash, and surf through five different parties hosted by local restaurants and bars on the pier. Each venue will have live entertainment, champagne toasts, balloon drops and confetti cannons. Details.

Mango’s Gala New Year’s Eve Party
South Beach Miami
Mango's Tropical Cafe
Admission: $50-$350

Mango’s in South Beach is a non-stop party anyway, but on New Year’s Eve, they kick it up even higher. A South Florida favorite, The Latin Connection will be playing all night long, and the Mango’s dancers provide eye candy and inspire you to hit the floor as well. At midnight, step outside to enjoy Miami Beach’s fireworks display. Details.

New Year’s Eve Annual Harbor Rockin’ Street Party
Destin/Destin Harbor Ball Drop

Park once and party all night with thousands! Celebrate with free live concerts by Flow Tribe and Departure: the Journey Tribute band, two fireworks shows at 8:00PM and Midnight, and the 9th Annual Ball Drop over the Harbor. This will be Destin’s most exciting place to be on New Year’s Eve! For stay and play packages at Emerald Grande, please call (877) 443-4005. 

7:00 PM - Flow Tribe
8:00 PM Fireworks over the Destin Harbor 
10:00 PM - DEPARTURE: The Journey Tribute Band

12:00 AM - Fireworks over the Destin Harbor and 9th annual Ball Drop at Harborwalk Village
Admission: Free
Fireworks, concerts, and northwest Florida’s one and only ball drop— this is one New Year’s Eve party you don’t want to miss. Choose which party is more your style (the Luxe Vegas Party or the Street Party) and rock out on the docks with live music, two fireworks shows and the big countdown to midnight. Details.

Cape Coral

Two parties here. One party is at Cape Harbour and the other is at the Westin Marina Village Resort. Make reservations at one of either location's several restaurants for dinner in advance, then glam up and put on your dancing shoes! Both parties are outside, so plan on bringing a sweater, but you may not even need one since the weather is usually still pretty warm at night.

St.Petersburg and Clearwater events click here.

Miami party guide for NYE.

Chicago

Chicago's Navy Pier

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Navy Pier! From Chicago’s only lakefront midnight fireworks show to the biggest and best parties in the city in the historic Aon Grand Ballroom and Crystal Gardens as well as dining cruises featuring entertainment and champagne toasts, you want to ring in the New Year at Navy Pier!

The Navy Pier New Year’s Eve fireworks presented by Miller Lite and Jewel-Osco will take place at approximately 12:00 am.
Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest will be open on December 31 from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm and January 1 from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.

The Bahamas - Junkanoo

The Bahamas is a remarkable land of numbers of rocks, cays and islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It follows Georgia calendar of dates, and thus observes its New Year on the date of January 1st every year. The decorated feature of New Year enjoyment is a festivity, which is called as “Junkanoo."

On 31 December of the old year, i.e. on New Year celebration, most of the persons excited to spend their daytime soothing and having entertainment on the beaches. The true party starts with the arrival of the evening, when almost all pubs, discotheques, nightclubs and hotels remains jam-packed with crowds of people. People spend the full of night, and sometimes even the early hours of New Year morning celebrating and cheering. Being considered as a vital festival by Bahamians, New Year is tried to be turned into a greatest goodbye time, and thus lengthy preparations go in to make sure that.

The biggest event in Bahamas is ‘Junkanoo’. This is a street parade held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Most hotels will offer their own parties, while locals follow the Junkanoo street parades that lead to informal beach gatherings and fireworks shows around the islands. The Bahamian version of Mardi Gras, complete with music, masquerading street performers, and colorful costumes. It is an exercise for more than a century, and holds a lot of prominence among the domestic people as well as the tourists, who every year wants to be part of it.

You can check out New Year’s Day Junkanoos at:

• Nicholls Town on North Andros
• Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay
• Downtown Freeport on Grand Bahama Island
• Alice Town in North Bimini
• Along Bay Street in downtown Nassau

Cuba

If you happen to be visiting Cuba around the Christmas holidays, try to spend Nochebuena, or New Year’s Eve, with a Cuban family. There you will become acquainted with the warmth and hospitality of the inhabitants of the largest island in the Caribbean.
In Cuba,today, many people prefer to celebrate New Year’s Eve at a restaurant or a nightclub in which special dinners are prepared and enjoyed along with a show. Most Cubans, however, continue to prefer to celebrate the New Year at home with pretty much the same dinner as for Christmas, except that chicken or turkey may substitute the omnipresent pork.

Diehard Cubans, though, can’t conceive this day without a slice—or two or three—of their favorite meat. Beer, red wine and rum are the favorite drinks, while a sparkling wine is reserved for the toasts at midnight. If there isn’t a party going, then families will sit down in front of the TV to see the special shows, which are mostly musical or humorous. At 12, the official ceremony with the 12-gun salute is broadcast live from the Cabaña Fortress.
Many Cubans follow the custom of throwing a bucketful of water out into the street at midnight as a kind of exorcism, in which the bad things from the year gone by are expelled letting in the good things that the New Year may bring. Another custom that has become increasingly popular is walking around the block with a suitcase waving goodbye to their neighbors, in the hope that this farce will actually come true and ensure them a trip abroad.
On January 1, the streets are deserted and silent. This day is also the Anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution. Almost everyone rests on this day after all the partying the day before, but it is not unusual to hold a party that night because January 2 is also a holiday.