First Night Boston
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First Night Boston

First Night Boston is a cherished New Year's Eve tradition offering a spectacular celebration of arts and community. Attendees can enjoy live music, dazzling fireworks, intricate ice sculptures, and a vibrant parade. This free, family-friendly event transforms the city into a festive hub with diverse performances across multiple venues, welcoming the new year with joy and artistic flair.

What to Expect

Boston's historic free New Year's Eve arts celebration

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Boston

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

New year's eve celebrations, families, arts and culture enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, celebratory, artistic, community-oriented

Energy Level

High

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate (some outdoor events)

Special Events & Promotions

  • Two spectacular fireworks shows
  • Parade from City Hall Plaza to Boston Common
  • Ice sculptures throughout the city

Tags

community celebrationNew Years Evefireworkslive musicparadeice sculpturesfamily friendlyfree eventseasonal activitiesholiday tradition

Location

City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA

Event Details

Duration

All day

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Boston

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Boston Saxophone Quartet
  • Hill House
  • STL GLD
  • The Femmes

Organizer

Boston Celebrations, Inc.

Food & Drink

Tasty Treats available

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for popular indoor performances, as capacity is limited and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Check the official schedule closer to the date for specific performance times and venue locations to plan your day.
  • Utilize public transportation to navigate Boston easily, as parking can be challenging during major events.
  • Dress in warm layers and wear comfortable shoes, as many activities and performances take place outdoors and involve walking.
  • Consider making a donation to support this free event, ensuring its continuation for future New Year's Eves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is First Night Boston free to attend?

Yes, First Night Boston is entirely free and open to all. No purchase is required to attend any of the events.

What kind of performances can I expect?

You can expect a wide variety of artistic performances, including live music, theater, dance, ice sculpting, and a parade.

Are there fireworks at First Night Boston?

Yes, there are two spectacular fireworks shows planned to welcome the new year.

Is the event family-friendly?

Absolutely! First Night Boston is designed to be a family-friendly celebration with activities and performances suitable for all ages.

Where can I find the most up-to-date schedule?

The most up-to-date schedule will be released closer to the event date on their official website and may be available via a linked Sched.com page.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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