For many, the stars of the show on New Year's Eve are the fireworks that explode over the Inner Harbor as Baltimore hosts its annual extravaganza from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 31.
Those looking to celebrate earlier than that should check out some area restaurants that hope to bring in the New Year by offering specials and entertainment.
While some will focus on this evening's celebration, other eateries are looking for New Year's Day for the crowds.
At Gianni's Italian Bistro in front of the Home Depot on Washington Boulevard, the new year will be brought in with its "famous Italian buffet" featuring pastas, lemon chicken, salads, mini cannoli and more, according to Samantha Harlee, an associate.
Beverages include draft beer and coffee, tea and soda. As the restaurant's owners also own the Fractured Prune next door, there will be doughnuts, too.
Live music will be provided by the Bobby Burger band, too. All this starts at 9 p.m. and runs through 1 a.m, Harlee said, and costs $30.
"There will be party hats, too," Harlee said. "We've had these kind of things before. We always have a packed house when we do this."
Since opening its doors eight years ago, the restaurant has many faithful customers, Harlee said, and business has been good.
Current renovations will make things even better next year, she said.
At Matthew's 1600 at 1600 Frederick Road in Catonsville, there will be a special menu offered starting at 4 p.m., according to hostess LaRue Roberge.
Seatings will be on the hour, with the last seating at 11 p.m. It will be closed on New Year's Day.
"We're pretty busy," Roberge said. "We're taking reservations."
Dimitri's International Grill, at 2205 Frederick Road, will have its bar open at midnight, according to Julia Atkinson, a waitress.
The dining room will feature a special chef's creation menu until it closes at 10 p.m. The restaurant will open at 3 p.m. on New Year's Day.
Ship's Cafe at 828 Frederick Road will offer dinner specials on New Year's Eve before closing at 8 p.m. It will be closed on New Year's Day.
While Taste of Aloha had a few customers on New Year's Eve last year, quite a few came in on New Year's Day, according to Robert Alcain, who opened his first restaurant at 1405 Sulphur Spring Road in Arbutus on Oct. 15, 2013.
"We offer really good hangover food," Alcain said, citing loco moco, a dish featuring a bed of rice with a grilled burger and fried eggs smothered in gravy, as a big seller last year.
"Last year, we were so brand new," Alcain said, of the restaurant's first year. "We did really well, breaking a lot of the projected numbers for the first year."