BOSTON — First Night, Boston’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, is just days away, and city leaders are asking the public to help make this annual family event safe and successful.
This year’s First Night will be held over two days in Copley Square and the Back Bay, and will return to full programming and indoor events since the pandemic began, officials said.
A parade from Copley to the Boston Common will lead up to the Family Fireworks over the Common starting at 7 p.m. Midnight Fireworks over Boston Harbor will once again be produced by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park. More information can be found at boston.gov/first-night.
Boston Police said they will have an increased presence on city streets during the event. Police are urging attendees not to consume alcohol or marijuana in public spaces or prohibited private spaces, not to fly drones at any First Night activities, to dress accordingly for the weather, and to report any suspicious activity.
“We will not only have a large presence around official First Night celebrations but across the City in all of our neighborhoods as well,” Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said in a statement. “We will utilize all specialized units needed to ensure public safety and we ask for the public’s assistance in making this a Happy New Year for all.”
The Boston Public Health Commission recommends wearing masks when attending events indoors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Indoor events will be held at area churches, the Boston Public Library, and Copley Place Mall. The main stage in Copley Square will have a new location for 2023, now situated in front of Boston Public Library, with Dartmouth Street closed to traffic.
“We all deserve to enjoy these celebrations and want to preserve the sense of First Night truly being welcoming to everyone from every generation,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “The majority of this year’s activities and performances will take place outside so please be sure to check the weather, layer up and dress accordingly. I hope everyone has a wonderful new year and can’t wait to see you all at the parade and all of the festivities this weekend.”
Fire officials are also urging the public not to use fireworks, which are illegal to use, possess or sell in Massachusetts and which officials say pose significant dangers to public safety and property. Boston EMS will also be deploying additional personnel at dispatch operations and in ambulances on New Year’s Eve.
“Boston Fire is ready to work with our city and state agencies to have a successful First Night Celebration,” Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke said in a statement. “BFD will have our Tactical Response Unit, Hazmat Techs, Inspectors as well as fully staffed engine companies on and around the event areas to support the public’s safety in any way we can.”
Dusty Rhodes, president of Conventures and organizer of First Night, said in a statement that First Night is a “Boston tradition.”
“We are proud to keep this Boston tradition shining bright, and entirely free for guests of all ages,” Rhodes said. “We are very appreciative of the support of our corporate sponsors, and from the City of Boston, without whom this event would not be possible. We can’t wait to welcome Boston’s visitors and residents alike on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”
First Night festivities will impact traffic and parking in the Back Bay as well as along Boston’s waterfront. People coming into the City to celebrate are strongly encouraged not to drive. Details on parking and traffic restrictions can be found here.
The MBTA will be free on all modes of travel after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Updated holiday schedules can be found here.
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