Guide to First Night Boston 2019

BOSTON — The following information was provided by First Night Boston:

What is First Night Boston? 

Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration in 2019 will continue to be free and open to all.

Entertainment and special attractions will be focused in Copley Square and Back Bay. Many of the beloved traditions of First Night’s past will continue, including cultural and musical performances in various indoor venues around the Back Bay, fantastic ice sculptures, light displays, the People’s Procession at 6 PM and 7 PM Family Fireworks on Boston Common.

There will also be a midnight fireworks display over Boston Harbor with viewing in the North End and the Seaport.

What are the hours for First Night? 

Monday, December 31 at noon to Tuesday, January 1 at 12:30 AM

Where are the activities being held?

The majority of the First Night's activities will be held in Boston's Copley Square and the Boston Public Library at Copley Square. Partner programming will occur during similar hours at the Boston Common, Trinity Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Old South Church. Visit the schedule for more details.

Do we need to buy tickets to First Night?

All First Night activities are free! No buttons are required to attend First Night’s programming. Due to limited capacity, the Boston Public Library programming will be ticketed at the door of each individual performance. No advance reservations or ordering is required or available. Please arrive early as all programming is first come, first served.

Is Public Transportation Available?

Public transportation is available and advised as parking will be limited. The most direct access via MBTA is the Green Line to Copley Station. There is no scheduled transportation for elderly provided by First Night.

Where are the best places to park?

First Night does not have specified event garages, however the following are close by: Clarendon Garage at 100 Clarendon Street, Copley Place, Prudential Center and Boston Common Garage.

What road closures and traffic advisories will be in effect?

Dartmouth Street will be closed from St. James to Boylston from Monday through Tuesday. Trinity Place and Blagden Street will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Boylston Street will be closed from 5:30 – 7 PM on Monday along the parade route from Dartmouth Street to the Boston Common.

What entertainment will there be?

There will be artistic and musical performances covering Boston’s diverse culture and talent, ice sculptures, light displays, fireworks, a Procession and many other entertaining activities.

The full performance schedule can be found by clicking here.

Is this a family friendly event?

Yes! There will be plenty of interactive activities that encourage participation from both adults and children. Activities for children include puppet demonstrations, dancing, the People's Procession from Copley to the Common, arts and crafts at the Boston Public Library and more! A full list of activities is available on the schedule page.

Is there a countdown to midnight?

Yes! There will be a countdown to midnight and pyrotechnic display during the Copley Countdown in Copley Square.

Will there be First Night fireworks?

Yes! The first fireworks display will take place at 7 PM on Monday on the Boston Common. Ring in the new year with the Copley Countdown where an amazing pyrotechnics and light show will take place off the roof of the Fairmount Copley Hotel. There will also be midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor.

When can I see the ice sculptures being carved?

On-site ice sculpting depends on favorable weather and will begin during the days leading up to First Night.

How do the performances at the Boston Public Library work?

All performances are free and open to the public. Due to high popularity, most events in the Boston Public Library will be ticketed. Tickets can only be received in person on Monday in the Boston Public Library. Organizers suggest getting to the performance location at least 30 minutes before showtime to increase your chances of getting a ticket. Tickets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Non-ticketed performances do not require arrival before start time. These spaces have continuous programming throughout the day.

Where can I dance?

Organizers encourage folks to join the People’s Procession to the Boston Common starting at 6 PM on Monday, dancing along both sides of Boylston Street. The main stage at Copley Square will feature a variety of live musical performers from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.

Will there be any discounts offered for shopping and dining or overnight hotel stay packages in the area?

Yes. Retail, restaurant, hotel and parking discounts will be listed on the First Night website and many will also be posted on social media.

What's the weather going to be? 

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