www.firstnightboston.org/

First Night is a day-long celebration that features local artists and performers showcased across many venues across Boston.  Don’t let the name fool you, however.  It takes place on the last night of the year, from noon until midnight.  There are many First Night celebrations held across the country; but it all started here, in Boston, on December 31st, 1975, when local artists and performers wanted to create a celebration that was family friendly (in other words, alcohol-free), and that provided them a chance to perform their music or dance, and showcase their art.

All it takes is to buy the First Night button (which is also designed by local artists), then you have access to all the First Night festivities!  The First Night 2015 button was only $10, which is a great deal considering everything it gives you access to. The first thing we did was go to the Mary Baker Eddy Library to check out the Mapparium. Admission was free to button-holders.  Then we went to the Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, where performances are held for the entire day.  We watched several dance groups perform, such as the Chu Ling Dance Academy, 4 Star Dance Studio, and Jo-Mé Dance.  Other things happening at the Family Festival included a performance by the professional stunt team Maximum Velocity, Storytelling by MassMouth, and puppet shows.

After the Family Festival, we went to see the ice sculptures, which were at Copley Square, as well as the Boston Common.

We missed the Boylston street parade because we wanted to stay warm inside of a local restaurant and eat dinner.  This parade is especially characterized by people on stilts, and larger than life puppets.  After refueling with hamburgers, we went to see the Skating Club of Boston figure skaters at the Frog Pond. There were performances by soloists as well as groups, some distinguished enough to have competed in regional as well as national competitions. Just as the performers were taking their bows, the first fireworks of the night were shot into the sky with a BOOM! The music from the speakers continued playing, and the skaters free-styled on the ice while the fireworks continued.

Music performances continued into the night at  venues like  Copley square and in any number of those beautiful churches in the Back Bay neighborhood.  At midnight there is a televised countdown in front of the Boston Public Library, and fireworks go off over Boston Harbor.

This was my fourth time partaking in First Night Boston, and given how enjoyable it is, certainly will not be my last.  If you are in Boston for New Years 2016, be sure to join in on the fun.  First Night 2016 promises to be a great one, as it will be the 40th year anniversary for this iconic Boston holiday tradition.

All photos are credited to the author unless otherwise stated