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12 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in and around Boston

From fireworks and ice sculptures to live music and late-night celebrations, here’s how to ring in 2025

With lots of Terriers away for winter break, the campus will feel a little quiet—but the Boston streets are far from sleepy as the year draws to an end. If you’re still in town, you’re in luck: we’ve rounded up the best ways to close out 2024, from First Night festivities to spectacular light shows to unique performances and more. 

2025 First Night Boston 

A Boston tradition since 1976, First Night returns with live music, ice sculptures, and fireworks to ring in the New Year. Festivities kick off at City Hall Plaza with live performances and family-friendly activities hosted by the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association. Don’t miss the skating show at Frog Pond, fireworks over Boston Common at 7 pm, and the midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor, best viewed from Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Fan Pier, or Piers Park.

Tuesday, December 31, 10 am to midnight, various locations—and it’s all free. View the full schedule here.

First Night at Patriot Place

A ways south of town, Patriot Place offers an early evening of family fun, complete with live music, games, and appearances by Patriots mascots and cheerleaders. The night concludes with fireworks at 7 pm. Guests are encouraged to bring donations to the nonprofit Cradles to Crayons.

Tuesday, December 31, 4 to 7 pm, Patriot Place, 2 Patriot Place, Foxborough. The venue is one mile from Foxboro Station on the MBTA Commuter Rail. 

Christopher Columbus Park Trellis

A fixture on Boston’s waterfront, the 260-foot trellis at Christopher Columbus Park glows with 50,000 blue lights each winter and has since 2002, making it one of the city’s most iconic seasonal sights. Named one of the “Ten Most Romantic Places in Boston,” the illuminated trellis has hosted countless marriage proposals and wedding photos. It’s a go-to spot for photos, quiet walks, and soaking up the last of the holiday season.

100 Atlantic Ave. Boston, on display through mid-April.

12th Annual Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll

Boston’s waterfront transforms into a frozen art gallery for this spectacle, with more than 30 sculptures stretching from Revere Beach to Seaport. Along the route, visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like touch-a-truck with first responder vehicles at the Envoy Hotel on Boston’s Sleeper Street and the festive Snowport Winter Village in Seaport. After the stroll, enjoy the midnight fireworks display over Boston Harbor. 

Tuesday, December 31, 1 to 5 pm, various locations. Find more information here.

Hatchlings: A Solar-Powered Light Display

What if Boston’s beloved Make Way for Ducklings story came to life—with a twist? Inspired by the 1941 children’s book by Robert McCloskey, Hatchlings imagines the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Esplanade “hatching” baby shells that wander the city. Designed by Studio HHH, this enchanting installation features nine glowing, solar-powered sculptures scattered across the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the Charles River Esplanade. Combining art and sustainability, this is a fun way to light up Boston’s green spaces this winter.

Through February 25, 2025, Rose Kennedy Greenway and Charles River Esplanade. Learn more here.

Friends of the Boston Harborwalk Wharf District Walking Tour

Step back in time with this one-hour guided walking tour through Boston’s Wharf District. Led by Friends of the Boston Harborwalk team lead Liz Nelson Weaver, the walk offers insights into how this historic waterfront has evolved over the years.

Tuesday, December 31, 1 to 2 pm. Tour begins at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center, 191w Atlantic Ave., Boston. Purchase tickets ($8) here. 

All Aboard! Trains at Science Park

All Aboard! the Museum of Science’s beloved holiday exhibition, is back—and it’s bigger and better than ever. Watch model trains wind through stunning miniature landscapes, complete with Boston landmarks like the Zakim Bridge and Custom House, crafted by expert model makers, including The Mandalorian’s John Goodson. New highlights include floor-to-ceiling winter projections, a child-sized locomotive, virtual train driving, and a “train symphony” that lets visitors create their own music. 

All Aboard! Trains at Science Park is on view through January, with shows on Tuesday, December 31, and Wednesday, January 1. Museum of Science, One Science Park, Boston. Admission is included in the ticket price. 

Stop Making Sense

For fans of classic concert films, Stop Making Sense is back for its 40th anniversary. The restored version of Jonathan Demme’s 1984 documentary—often called the greatest concert film of all time—captures the legendary new-wave group Talking Heads at their peak. Two showings leave you time to celebrate before midnight strikes.

Tuesday, December 31, 6 and 8:30 pm, Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge. Purchase tickets here. 

D’s Keys Dueling Pianos

Ring in the New Year with a singalong showdown at D’s Keys, Seaport’s interactive rock-and-roll dueling piano bar. Four local pianists will face off, taking requests and battling it out to rock hits while the cheering crowd sings along.

Tuesday, December 31, 8 pm to 1 am, 391 D St., Boston. Tables are $50 per person (four-person minimum), and standing room tickets are $30. Reservations are encouraged. This event is 21-plus.

New Year’s Eve at F1 Arcade

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Vegas-style night of arcade racetrack games, music, and surprises. Hit the track, sip cocktails, and dance to live sets from top local DJs. The electric atmosphere will keep you on your toes with giveaways, prizes, and an unforgettable countdown to 2025.

Tuesday, December 31, 8 pm to 1 am, 87 Pier 4 Boulevard, Boston. Tickets are $49; purchase here. This event is 21-plus. 

Boston New Year’s Eve 2025: Fenway All Access

Why settle for one party when you can have 10? Fenway’s All Access New Year’s Eve event turns Lansdowne Street into yet another Vegas-inspired celebration, with each venue offering its own theme. Dance at the Casino Royale party in Game On! step into the glitz of The Great Gatsby at Lansdowne Pub, or embrace the chaos of The Hangover at Two Saints Tavern. With live DJs, themed decor, and thousands of revelers, this is the ultimate way to toast 2025 in Boston’s most iconic party district.

Tuesday, December 31, 7 pm to 2 am, Lansdowne Street. One ticket (from $23.99) grants access to all 10 venues. Each event is 21-plus.

New Year’s Day Boat Trip to Cathleen Stone Island 

Kick off 2025 with the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands annual boat trip to Cathleen Stone Island, formerly known as Thompson Island. Travel aboard the heated, three-level MV Freedom and explore the island’s meadows, forests, beaches, and 40-acre salt marsh, with panoramic views of the city skyline. No food is sold on the boat or the island, so consider packing a picnic.

Wednesday, January 1, from noon to 4 pm. The boat departs from Mass Bay Lines, 60 Rowes Wharf, Boston. Boarding begins at 11:30 am. Purchase tickets here.