How Boston Started a New Year’s Tradition
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner and you’ll find plenty of places hosting a “First Night” celebration, from Burlington, Vermont to Miami Beach, from Missoula to Cancun. Did you know that the very first “First Night” took place in Boston nearly 50 years ago?
The Beginning of a Tradition
Back in 1975, as the country was getting ready to ring in the bicentennial year, Bostonian Clara Wainwright conceived and organized an event with musicians and other performing artists, on both indoor and outdoor stages, to commemorate Auld Lang Syne. One of her goals was to transform the emphasis for the holiday, from the consumption of alcohol to a celebration of the arts.
The inaugural event was a huge success, spawning movement that now has more than 250 such galas across the United States and in foreign countries. By the turn of the century, the annual First Night Boston boasted participation by more than a thousand artists. At every First Night celebration, the emphasis is on local culture. From its early emphasis on performing arts, such as music, dance and theatre, First Night has expanded, so that many cities have art fairs, ice sculpture displays, fireworks and parades. Throughout its history, First Night has been family-oriented and alcohol free.
First Night Celebrations in the Northeast
Can’t make it to Boston or don’t want to fight the crowds? There are plenty of places in the Northeast to enjoy a family-friendly celebration of the arts this New Year’s Eve:
- First Night Hartford—Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or climb aboard a carousel. There’s also fortune-telling and fireworks in Connecticut’s capital city.
- First Night Burlington—Visit Vermont for a full half day of alcohol-free events for the entire family, from cartoons on the big screen to storytelling, live musical acts and a circus. Enjoy free fireworks on Lake Champlain when you ring in the New Year.
- First Night Portsmouth—Ice skating, and fireworks are just some of the attractions in New Hampshire. Ice sculpture and carving is open to all and the fireworks will be at 7:30, so the kids can enjoy them!
This year, make New Year’s Eve a fun celebration for the whole family. Check out a First Night near you, where you’ll have an alcohol-free, family-friendly festival of the arts.
