5 dry(ish) things to do while ringing in the New Year in Greater Boston

If you're not interested in raising a glass to toast 2024, you might be wondering where to find events that don't center around alcohol on New Year's Eve.

Of course, there's First Night, Boston's own (dry) New Year's Eve event open to all ages. But across the city and into the suburbs, there are a few unconventional celebrations that also offer the same fun with none of the booze.

From a funny double feature to a relaxing evening flow, here are five dry ways to ring in the new year.

Hosted at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Zoo Lights will feature dazzling light displays illustrating the Yukon Creek, an area that’s home to cold weather creatures like Canada lynx, reindeer and arctic foxes. Visitors can enjoy the Zoo Lights from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. now through Jan. 7. Zoo Lights' musical soundtrack is surely quieter than fireworks, but for those who might be sensory sensitive, there's a toned-down night on Jan. 3. Tickets range from $12-16, with pricing depending on the date of the visit.

Reflect on the year past and make some new LGBTQ+ pals when you join Friends of the Fells for a free hike on New Year’s Eve morning. This is a moderately difficult hike — with the potential for icy trails depending on the weather — but it will end with beautiful views of the Boston skyline. Be sure to register in advance. The hike is free and meant for members LGBTQ+ community (and their pets, so long as they’re leashed).

Speaking of dogs, Park-9 Dog Bar in Everett will host a “Yappy New Year” party on New Year’s Eve for dogs and their owners. They’ll celebrate the new year twice: Once at 7 p.m. (midnight GMT in London) and once at midnight for the official ball drop in New York City. (Sorry pups, not that kind of ball drop.) This is not a dry event, but it does center around doggies instead of alcohol. Park-9 welcomes all kinds of party animals — there's no cover charge, and you don’t even need a dog to go (but like many things, it’s probably better with a dog).

What do you want to be doing when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve? Sure, you could watch fireworks or fall fast asleep a little early — or you could do some relaxing, reflective yoga. This teacher-led session will start at 10:15 p.m. at JP Centre Yoga and end a few minutes past midnight. Tickets are $40, but the studio offers scaled pricing and optional discounts, too.

Before 2024 arrives, go back to the 1980s at Cambridge's Brattle Theatre. The Brattle will host a double feature of "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" and David Byrne's "True Stories" on New Year's Eve (in 35mm format, for the film buffs out there). These two quirky comedies bring on the laughs, making for a truly happy start to the year. Double feature tickets are $16.