Your guide to First Night Boston 2024

First Night festivities will take place as far away as Virginia and California this year, but Boston is where it all started. It’s a night that celebrates artistry in many forms from ice-sculpting to button design. First Night has been a part of Boston for nearly half a century, but as with all traditions, there are notable changes from year to year. We’ve got your guide to help you make the most out of whatever part of 2023 we have left!

First night is on the move this year! Don’t go to Copley Square expecting last year’s celebrations. The main stage will be at the newly renovated City Hall Plaza with other events in the surrounding area: The Greenway, Columbus Park, Improv Asylum and Boston Common.

As with any large event held in a metropolitan area, event organizers discourage driving and encourage public transportation. Luckily for attendees, the events are close to several T stops and not too far off from Back Bay for those taking the commuter rail. To get to City Hall Plaza, use nearby stops Government Center (Blue Line and Green Line), Haymarket (Orange Line and Green Line), and State Street (Orange Line and Blue Line). The T is free starting at 8 p.m. and will operate on a Sunday schedule with increased service starting in the late afternoon. Visit the MBTA's website for more travel information.

Whether you’re planning to drive or still figuring out your travel plans, you may want to consider the scheduled parking restrictions and road closures. You can view a list of traffic advisories for more details, and advanced reservations for parking are available through SpotHero.

You don’t! Since 2015, First Night Boston has been entirely free to the public.

Get a full nights’ sleep going into New Year’s Eve because starting at 11 a.m., there’s a 13-hour lineup of events, attractions, entertainment and more.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Free admission to the Mapparium Globe, the three-story stained glass depiction of the Earth. This is the furthest activity from the main stage, so it’s a good place to visit on your way in or out of the city.

11:11 a.m. – Performances start at City Hall Plaza and continue for much of the day. The first act is music group Sweet Harmony. Check the schedule for a full list of acts.

Noon - 3 p.m. – Free rides at the Greenway Carousel.

1 p.m. – The Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association will provide supplies for arts and crafts on the second floor of City Hall Plaza. Activities include calligraphy, face painting, games, snowflake making.

2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. – Hourly shows at Improv Asylum for audiences of all ages.

6 p.m. – Join drummers, puppeteers, and firetrucks on a downtown parade starting at City Hall Plaza and ending at Boston Common, where more festivities will take place. Be sure to stop by Frog Pond for the annual skating spectacular.

7 p.m. – The first of two firework shows of the evening. The early show will take place over Boston Common.

7:20 p.m. - midnight – Music continues at City Hall Plaza. The official countdown to midnight begins at 11:30 p.m. with rapper Sammy Adams to help ring in the new year.

Midnight – Have your cheers, then look toward the harbor for a view of the midnight fireworks display.

Do use public transportation.

Do speak up or call 911 if you see dangerous activities.

Do be prepared for weather on the colder and perhaps wet side.

Do stay home if you're experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms.

Do be respectful of families, older citizens and people with disabilities at the events or when you're riding the T.

Don't drink alcohol or smoke marijuana at any of the events.

Don't drive if you've consumed alcohol. New Years is among the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.

Don't bring your own fireworks. (They are illegal in Massachusetts.)

Not making it to Boston for First Night? There’s plenty going on around the rest of the state. To the east, Chatham is celebrating its own First Night. To the west, Northampton will mark its own First Night as well. Both will feature their own slate of performances and celebrations.