What To Expect From Boston’s First Night 2018

Boston’s First Night celebration dates back to the 1970’s, and there was a time when its budget was in the millions. By 2013 that budget was almost nonexistant, forcing the city and private donors to take action in order to preserve the tradition.

The past several years have brought lukewarm celebrations at best, but First Night 2018 is shaping up to once again be the fabulous, two-day, city-wide event we all know and love!

To kick off the holiday season, here's our first #TuesdayTrivia: How many years has First Night been a New Year's Celebration? #FirstNightBoston #newyearseve #triviatuesday

A post shared by First Night First Day (@firstnightboston) on Nov 14, 2017 at 10:33am PST

This season – after a two year drought – the spectacular fireworks that once put Boston up there with the best New Year’s celebrations in the country are back!

Great shot! : @kwilesjrphoto: "Fireworks light up the night sky over Boston Common as the city celebrates First Night. #Boston #NYE #NewYearsEve #FirstNightBoston #Fireworks #Photography #NightPhotography #Celebration"

A post shared by First Night First Day (@firstnightboston) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:14pm PST

According to the Boston Globe, $80,000 has been raised by waterfront groups in part to cover two fireworks displays over Boston Harbor with viewing in the North End and the Seaport. They will be set off at midnight, immediately after the countdown.

Happiness

A post shared by Giselle Alejandra (@gisalhego) on Jan 1, 2017 at 11:35am PST

The fireworks represent a major difference between Boston’s First Night and the better-known celebration in New York’s Time Square. Their return is sure to raise spirits and be met with an epic response from New Year’s revelers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOvEcSfDn_N/?taken-at=539961452

Some of the other traditions you can expect to enjoy as we usher in 2018 include: the People’s Procession down Boylston Street at 6:00 PM, themed ice sculptures, various arts and musical performances across the city, 7:00 PM Family Fireworks in Boston Common, and a pyrotechnics and light show accompanying the “Copley Countdown” in Copley Square at midnight.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOfbPMfDfjc/?taken-by=firstnightboston

One custom that Bostonians are sure to enjoy is the return of free access to the festivities. There will be no more despised buttons required for this year’s celebration.

Welcome 2017! #firstnight

A post shared by Marcus Baker (@bostonomics) on Jan 1, 2017 at 12:14pm PST

The following day on January 1^st, Copley Square invites younger revelers and their families to enjoy Boston’s First Day with activities and entertainment devoted to children from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit FirstNightBoston.org.