We’ve got what you need to know about free activities to ring in the new year across Greater Boston, and how to get around on public transit.
But if all you really want to know is where to watch some fireworks, scroll no further! The big shows are 7 p.m. over Boston Common and midnight over Boston’s Inner Harbor.
Events
First Night Boston
10 a.m. to midnight
City Hall Plaza, Boston Common and other locations
https://www.firstnightboston.org/
Throughout the day you can enjoy family activities, a range of performances and food vendors. The fun picks up speed at 6 p.m., when the parade takes off from City Hall and marches to Boston Common, immediately followed by the family fireworks show. Then there’s plenty of live music to keep you dancing until the midnight fireworks over the inner harbor.
First Night Chatham
Noon to 10 p.m.
Various locations
https://www.firstnightchatham.com/
Celebrations include the town photo, live music and performances. Families can dress up and cause a ruckus in the Noise Parade at 6 p.m., which ends at Veterans Field for a fireworks display at 6:30 p.m.
Ice Sculpture Stroll
1 to 5 p.m.
Boston Waterfront, Seaport and other locations
https://www.bostonharbornow.org/
Dozens of carved ice sculptures will be on display along Boston’s waterfront and other locations, including the Roxbury library and Suffolk Downs. Note: Ice sculpture completion time may vary, and how long the sculptures last will depend on the weather.
Celebrate Middleborough! New Year’s Eve
5 to 8 p.m.
Peirce Playground, 26 Jackson St., Middleborough
https://www.middleboroughma.gov/
The Noise Parade begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by fireworks.
New Bedford New Year’s Eve Celebration
5 to 8:30 p.m.
New Bedford Harbor and other locations
https://explorenewbedford.org/
The city’s festival includes live music, fire spinning, family-friendly karaoke and a dance party with Spiderman, capped off with fireworks over the harbor at 8:30 p.m.
Winter Wonderland: A Sober New Year’s Eve
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The Phoenix, 54 Newmarket Square, Boston
https://thephoenix.org/
The Phoenix will have DJs, a dance floor and refreshments.
Glow Up in 2025
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Time Out Market, 401 Park Drive, Boston
https://www.timeout.com
The Fenway food hall will have a DJ and champagne toast at midnight.
First Night at Patriot Place
4 to 7 p.m.
2 Patriot Place, Foxborough
https://www.patriot-place.com
The event includes music, family activities, ice skating and games, all culminating with a fireworks show at 7 p.m.
Frozen Fire Festival
Dec. 26 through Jan. 1
Charlotte Forten Park, 289 Derby St., Salem
https://frozenfirefestival.com
This multiday festival includes live entertainment from fire performers, circus artists and musicians, as well as an artisan market, curling rinks, and food and drink vendors.
First Light Provincetown
Dec. 27 through Jan. 2
Various locations in Provincetown
https://ptown.org/
This four-day festival includes a range of events. On New Year’s Eve, you can join the free Light Bright Bike Ride down Commercial Street at 4:30 p.m. and then watch the fireworks show from MacMillan Pier at 5 p.m.
Transportation
The MBTA has special holiday schedules in place for Near Year’s Eve revelers. Subway trains will increase in frequency starting at 3 p.m. and operate one hour later than a standard weekday, with service ending around 2:30 a.m.
Starting at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, all subway, bus and The RIDE service will be fare-free.
Commuter Rail will also be free for trains that arrive or depart from North Station and South Station beginning at 8 p.m. No bicycles will be allowed on Commuter Rail trains after 8 p.m.