Boston City Hall and presenting partner The Highland Street Foundation have released the schedule for First Night Boston 2014. The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, and continue with a full line-up of musical, visual, and performance arts events, leading up to Boston Family Fireworks on Boston Common and culminating with midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor.
First Night buttons are $10 this year (down from $18 last year) and available at CVS stores, Bank of America branches and the BostTix booths. “First Night Boston is a celebration for all ages and this year’s will be a celebration for the ages. The line-up brings together Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy Winners and nominees, outstanding family entertainment, and world class ice sculptures – there truly is something for everyone,” Mayor Menino said. “I hope residents and visitors will get out and purchase their First Night buttons and join us in this one-of-a kind celebration.”
Get the App – There is a free app for First Night Boston 2014. The app will feature listings of First Night cultural and arts events, locations of ice sculptures, and more. The First Night app is free and can be downloaded from Apple and Google. Click here for more app information.
Winter on the Waterfront is a partner of First Night Boston 2014. Check out Family Fun Sites at WinterOnTheWaterfront.org.
Here are just some of the dozens of First Night Boston 2014 events selected because they are close to the North End / Waterfront.
Midnight Fireworks over Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor – 12:00 a.m. (Also, Family Fireworks at 7:00 pm on Boston Common)
The State Street Corporation Midnight Fireworks will transform the skies above Boston Harbor into a brilliant tapestry of color, light, and sound when the clocks strike twelve. A complete sensory experience unlike anything else, this spectacular display is produced by Boston 4 Productions. Best viewing spot: Christopher Columbus Park.
Boston Harbor Hotel Magellan Gallery, 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Magellan Gallery offers free exhibit of the Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor Map Collection from 10am-noon. View original historic maps of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay while enjoying hot chocolate and Boston Harbor Hotel holiday cookies.
Winter on the Waterfront Ice Sculpture
Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes Wharf, 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Look for this sculpture in front of the ice rink on Atlantic Avenue under the Rotunda.
Winter on the Waterfront Ice Sculpture
Boston Long Wharf Marriott Hotel, 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Look for this amazing creature on the side of the Long Wharf Marriott Hotel facing Christopher Columbus Park
The Cover-Up Presents: First Night Boston
CityPlace, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
FREE New Year’s Eve show as part of First Night! No button required. Our star-studded tribute show features the New Million Box covering Prince, The Lights Out covering Tom Petty, and The Luxury capping off the evening with the Beatles. Come hang out with us at CityPlace, bring the kids, bring your friends. Dunkin’ Donuts stays open late! Show runs 8:30-11pm so you won’t miss the stroke of midnight. Happy New Year!
Ice Sculptures at Historic Faneuil Hall
Fanueil Hall Marketplace, 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Look near the Sam Adams statue to discover these four sparkling sculptures sponsored by Fanueil Hall Marketplace.
Battery Wharf’s Pocket Museum
North End Waterfront, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Winter on the Waterfront: Warm up at the US Maritime Museum and enjoy complimentary light refreshments, family activities, and musical performances, in addition to the beautiful ice sculpture located outside this unique property. This Waterfront Family Fun site is made possible by the Fairmont Battery Wharf and is free to all First Night Button holders.
Ice Sculpture
One International Place, 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Winter on the Waterfront: Find this display outside of Two International Place, at the corner of Purchase Street and High Street, along the Greenway, across from the Rowes Wharf arch.
Otis House Museum Tours & Classical Guitar by Chris Renna
Otis House Museum, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Otis House Museum offers free admission to button holders from 11am-9pm. Experience the elegant life of one of Boston’s leading families just after the Revolution as you visit the home of Harrison Gray Otis and Sally Otis illuminated for a New Year’s Eve celebration. From 6-9pm, enjoy live classical guitar by Chris Renna. Refreshments will be available for purchase. More information here
Boston By Foot
Park Street Station, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Boston By Foot offers a free 90-minute walking tour of the Boston Common and Public Garden for button holders at 2:30pm. Learn about the history of these iconic spaces and discover sculptures, ponds, and ornamental plantings in their winter beauty. Meet at the corner of Park and Tremont Streets, outside Park Street Station. More information here
First Night Skating Spectacular
The Boston Common Frog Pond, 6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.
The Skating Club of Boston celebrates the New Year at The Boston Common Frog Pond with the annual Skating Spectacular! Delight in watching spins, jumps, lifts and fancy footwork from our community of talented skaters. Students from the Skating Club of Boston Skating Academy show off their new tricks; seasoned competitors and champions from the local and national scene entertain you. More information here
Winter on the Waterfront, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
East Boston * East Boston Neighborhood Health Center
Charlestown * USS Constitution Museum
North End * Fairmont Battery Wharf
Downtown * Marriott Long Wharf
Fort Point Channel * Boston Harbor Hotel
Seaport * District Hall
Celebrate First Night on Boston’s Waterfront! Enjoy nine waterfront ice sculptures then warm up at six indoor Family Fun Sites for music, snacks, and kid-friendly activities from 10am–5pm.
…Plus 30 surrounding participating businesses Enter to win a $500 Staycation Waterfront Prize!
More information here
