Your guide to First Night Boston 2025

Boston has a rich arts and culture scene, and the city utilizes that vibrant energy to ring in the New Year with First Night on Dec. 31.

The free event began in 1976 and brings live music, a parade, dance and other performances, fireworks and more to the whole community. The celebration is a little different each year, so here’s what you need to know about First Night 2025.

If this is your first First Night, it’s important to note that the event doesn’t take place in one location. Performances will happen around Downtown Boston — at the Boston Common, Boston Harbor, CanalSide Food + Drink, City Hall, Boston Public Market, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, First Church of Christ Scientist and Trinity Church. Check out the distance between your desired performances ahead of time to make a solid plan for maneuvering from place to place.

Event organizers recommend avoiding driving and taking public transportation instead. Guests can take the Blue and Green lines to Government Center, the Orange and Green lines to Haymarket, and the Orange and Blue lines to State Street to get to the event. Visitors coming in from further away can also take the commuter rail to Back Bay. MBTA service will be fare-free after 8 p.m.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. - History and art buffs can visit the First Church of Christ, Scientist’s Mapparium globe for free. It’s an inside-out stained glass globe depicting the world in 1935.

12-6 p.m. - The Greenway Carousel at Rose Kennedy Greenway will provide free rides for all.

1-5 p.m. - Those interested in creating their own art can check out The Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association’s arts and crafts in City Hall Plaza. Guests can write New Year’s blessings with calligraphy, create silk macrame dolls, make snowflakes and more.

2:30-4:30 p.m. - Parents can bring their little ones to excerpts of “Magnificent Monster Circus” by Puppet Showplace Theater and CactusHead Puppets at CanalSide Food + Drink.

3-6:30 p.m. - The Skating Club of Boston will put on a dazzling show with skaters of all skill levels, from international competitive athletes to kids.

5 p.m. - Traditional West African and Afro-pop band Koliba will take the stage at City Hall Plaza.

6 p.m. - Groups from across the city, including Boston Windjammers and the Jamaica Plain Honk Band, will march from City Hall Plaza to the Boston Common for the First Night Parade. The public can follow the procession to be ready for fireworks at 7 p.m.

7 p.m. - Visitors can enjoy a fireworks display presented by the Mugar Foundation and The City of Boston. Remember not to bring your own fireworks as they are illegal in Massachusetts.

8:50-10:30 p.m. - Women and non-binary wedding band The Femmes will play upbeat songs by female artists at City Hall Plaza. Audiences are encouraged to dance and sing along.

Grammy Recording Academy member DJ WhySham will follow with eclectic music sets. WhySham was also a member of our 2021 ARTery 25. R&B artist Nancia will return to the First Night stage for a 20-minute set. The Boston-based artist works to empower women through her music. At 10:30 p.m., hip-hop band STL GLD will get guests ready for the transition to the New Year.

11:30 p.m. - Performances and laser show display will kick off the New Year at the First Night City Hall Countdown.

Midnight - Another fireworks display will burst over the Boston Harbor courtesy of Meet Boston to usher in the New Year.

Do check the weather ahead of time and dress for the occasion. (Here's the full forecast from 1°Outside meteorologist Danielle Noyes.)

Do take public transportation.

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

Do be respectful to fellow partygoers.

Do have fun and celebrate with loved ones!

Don’t bring and/or consume alcohol or marijuana at the event.

Don’t drive if you’ve consumed alcohol.

Don’t attend if you are experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms.

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