by Lenna Gonya

Created on: December 19, 2011   Last Updated: December 22, 2011

First Night celebrations have been around for several decades. In fact, over 100 cities in the United States host these events every year. These cultural festivals of the arts, actually occur on the last day of the year rather than the first day of the New Year, continuing through the afternoon and evening hours of December 31st. Nearly every New England state hosts at least one or two First Night events, but

Boston is especially proud of its part in the New Year’s festivities. In the 1970’s, Boston led the way with the first First Night celebration, and the city has continued to enlarge and promote this event, encompassing every art form for every age group. This alcohol free New Year’s Eve celebration lasts from afternoon to evening, and, as with many other cities, the proof of admission to all the activities comes in the form of a button. These buttons have become collector’s items and are treasured reminders of each First Night event through the years.

Chatham, Massachusetts, a picturesque seaside community, has hosted a First Night celebration since 1991. This family oriented celebration, first conceived by Marie Williams, has grown in the last decade to include many activities. Dancing, as well as free dance classes, is featured, and a variety of other musical entertainment. The day’s activities include events for children and teenagers as well, to ensure that everyone takes part in this annual event. Events are scheduled for afternoon and evening, and children can look forward to every form of activity from miniature golf to a magic show, and a beach bonfire. New Bedford, Ma. also hosts a First Night celebration with street entertainment, food, and a fireworks display at midnight. Chatham and New Bedford also sell buttons for admission to the activities. Northhampton and Worchester also host festivities. 

In Connecticut, festivities take place in Danbury, Westport/Weston, and Hartford. Hartford will be celebrating its 23rd year of First Night activities in 2011, which include entertainment, multicultural events, food, and fireworks. New Jersey hosts several events in Haddonfield, Maplewood South Orange, Montclair, Morris County, Mount Holly, Ocean City, and Ocean County. And, New Hampshire celebrates First Night in Portsmouth and Wolfeboro.

All of the First Night activities in every city are geared toward the family. They are primarily alcohol free, and provide a wide variety of activities that everyone can enjoy. Stressing the arts and culture, every artistic endeavor is featured from dance, music, sculpture, theatre, art and literature. They are not only designed to be an exciting and fun way to ring out the old  year, they are educational as well.

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