On December 31, 2024, the City of Boston hosted the First Night Celebrations in Boston Common and City Hall to ring in the New Year with parades, ice sculptures, live music and fireworks.
Artist Clara Wainwright founded this celebration in 1976, envisioning the events as a way to bring people together and provide opportunities for musicians to play in venues to celebrate the New Year. Originally an experience paid for by attendees, the events and performances have become free to attend since 2015.
The festivities commenced at 10:00 A.M. with shows ranging from music to dance to puppeteering. Notable performers include the Boston Music Project, Houston Bernard and Chu Ling Dance Academy.
Mr. Chandler Pettigrew, an organizer of the First Night Celebrations, adds, “[There were] local musicians performing in front of thousands of people this year, [and] some new bands that had never performed in front of so many people before.”
After dozens of performances, the First Night Parade began at 6:00 P.M., with groups such as the New Liberty Firetruck, Boston Windjammers and William Diamond Fife & Drum Corps gradually moving down the streets. People gathered to watch as the performers passed on their walk to Boston Common.
At Boston Common, the Mugar Family Fireworks started at 7:00 P.M. Visitors looked up in awe as brilliant fireworks lit up the sky above.
Carved into the figures of horses, sharks and a variety of other shapes, ice sculptures were scattered throughout the area. In addition, the famous “BOSTON” sign made another appearance this year, with the flags of the world arranged in a triangular form.
Boston Latin School German teacher Ms. Heidemarie Floerke, who has been periodically attending the event for over 20 years, shares, “The ice sculptures were quite disappointing. Some were small and a little bit melted. […] In past years, they were much bigger and much more creative, [but] the fireworks were more impressive and visited more by people of all ages.”
After the fireworks, shows lasted until 11:30 P.M., when the First Night Countdown began at City Hall and ushered Boston into the new year. The Countdown included live shows and a laser display above the City Hall Plaza.
Meet Boston ended the celebrations and brought the city into 2025 with a dazzling fireworks display over Boston Harbor.
Along with the First Night celebrations, Boston hosted several other public celebrations over the winter season, such as Snowport, to boost the holiday spirit and further help the transition into the new year. Snowport, which transforms Boston’s Seaport neighborhood into a winter wonderland, has several similar aspects to First Night, including outdoor activities and a tree-lighting for Christmas.
Overall, the numerous events and outdoor activities at First Night helped engage the community and incorporate visitors from all backgrounds. Additionally, the lack of alcohol at the First Night Celebrations helped encourage a family-friendly environment and atmosphere. Frankie LaMonica (IV) recalls, “It was pretty cold and I was kind of freezing, but [the event] was really cool.”
With this past year being the 49th anniversary of First Night, this coming year’s 2026 First Night celebrations will celebrate 50 years of bringing people together to usher in the New Year.