For the final segment of our series on Holiday events in and around Boston, there’s no better finale than the conclusion to the holiday season that we all celebrate on New Year’s Eve. There are events for every type of gathering you could wish for and each will allow you to ring in the New Year in style!
BOSTON’S FIRST NIGHT CELEBRATION
WHAT: First Night
WHERE: Copley Square, Boston Common, and Back Bay
WHEN: Monday, Dec.31st, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Come and celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Annual Boston First Night, the largest NYE gathering in the northeast! Much of the entertainment and special attractions will be held in Copley Square and Back Bay, with the grand finale being midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor, which can be seen all around Boston, including the North End and Seaport.
A full schedule can be found here, but everyone can find something to love in this jam-packed list of entertainment. Starting at noon, there will be “cultural and musical performances in various indoor venues around the Back Bay, fantastic ice sculptures, [and] light displays.” Later in the evening, you can watch the People’s Procession at 6:00 PM and the Family Fireworks at 7:00 PM.
Even if you’re staying in for New Year’s Eve, you can take part in all the fun by tuning to NBC10 Boston, necn, or Telemundo Boston who will be broadcasting the “midnight Copley Countdown pyrotechnics and light show in Copley Square.”
Boston’s First Night has been enjoyed by New Englanders since 1975 as “a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the season and the beginning of a new year.” If this sounds up your alley, then be sure to head downtown on Monday! Full details can be found here with a list of all of the performances and locations.
BACK BAY BALL
WHAT: 30+ Back Bay Ball New Years Eve
WHERE: Westin Boston Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
WHEN: Monday, Dec.31st, 7:00 PM – Tue, Jan 1, 2019, 2:00 AM
COST: $103.47 per person for the hors-d’oeuvres only from 9pm – 2am, $181.37 for the 3-course meal plus festivities from 7pm – 2am. Group rates are also available.
Are you looking for something a little more upscale with just the adults? Then take a look at the 30+ Back Bay Ball that takes in the new year at the Westin in Copley Square. This fancier alternative features a silent auction, “a three-course meal, live music, and midnight party favors and celebrations.”
The silent auction proceeds will benefit the Ellie Fund, who provides “essential support services for breast cancer patients” in an effort to “ease the stresses of everyday life,” and therefore, “allowing the focus to be on family, recovery, and healing.”
Past silent auction items have included, “signed Boston sports memorabilia, Barbour coats, hotel packages, and more.”
Though it’s black tie optional, formal attire is required, so take this opportunity to don your best looks!
If you plan on enjoying their North End-themed three-course dinner, you must arrive by 7pm. However, if you’re fine with just nibbling on Tuscan inspired hors-d’oeuvres, then you can show up after 9pm. Drinks will be available from cash bars throughout the ballroom and “you can dance the night away” thanks to “music from [the] Oskar Wylde band” followed by “DJ Peter spinning your favorites through the decades.”
Further information and tickets can be bought here. But purchase them soon before the prices go up!
TAKE IN NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH A KISS AT KOY!
WHAT: “A Midnight Kiss” – New Year’s Eve at Koy Boston
WHO: Koy Boston [Faneuil Hall]
WHERE: 16 North Street, Boston, MA 02109
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31st, 9:00 PM – Tuesday, Jan. 1st, 2019, 1:30 AM
COST: $27.39
Is the previous party a little outside your budget after the expense of the holidays? Koy Bar and Lounge understands and purposely wanted to offer “an affordable cash bar NYE event that gives party goers the flexibility to enjoy the midnight countdown their own way.”
Located at Faneuil Hall, this self-described “unique New Year’s destination” will provide complimentary champagne for a midnight toast “to ensure we ring in the New Year properly.”
Prior to the clock striking midnight, “two of Boston’s top rated DJs” will be playing a combination of Top 40, House, Hip-Hop, & Open Format music starting at 9pm.
Whether you have someone to kiss at midnight or want to just have a blast with your friends, Koy wants to be your top pick for the evening. In their words, “celebrating New Year’s Eve shouldn’t break the bank.” So if you’re not wanting to spend too much but still have a great time, Koy gets top marks!
You can buy tickets here and find out further information.
SETH MACFARLANE JOINS THE BOSTON POPS FOR ONE NIGHT
WHAT: New Year’s Eve with Seth MacFarlane
WHO: The Boston Pops
WHERE: Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
WHEN: Monday, Dec.31st, 8:30 PM
COST: $55.00-$180.00
Do your musical tastes trend towards classical over Katy Perry? The Boston Pops are offering their own take on New Year’s Eve festivities with special guest Seth MacFarlane!
Beginning at 8:30pm, dancing and dining will be available and music will be provided by the Winiker Band.
At 10:00 pm is when Seth MacFarlane and the Boston Pops will take the stage and perform until the ball drops at midnight.
Symphony Hall will have cash bars available as well. So if this eclectic mix of artists is just your speed for New Year’s Eve, then be sure you buy your tickets ASAP!
You can purchase them and find out more information here.
CRUISE AROUND BOSTON ABOARD A YACHT
WHAT: Speakeasy 2019 New Year’s Eve Cruise
WHO: Boston Nightlife
WHERE: Music City Queen Boston Riverboat, 60 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA 02110
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31st, 8:00 PM – Tue, Jan 1, 2019, 12:30 AM EST
COST: $155.00 – $489 – Discounted couples tickets available
Last, but certainly not least, if the Boston Pops and Seth MacFarlane isn’t unique enough for you, then how about a cruise around Boston Harbor as the clock strikes 12?
Boston Nightlife has commandeered the Music City Boston Yacht to host a Speakeasy 2019 New Year’s Eve Cruise!
“This themed event will transport you back to the 20s as you’ll be surrounded by a slew of movers and shakers all dressed to the nines.”
As you take in some of the best views of Boston from the water, you’ll also get to enjoy DJ’s spinning top 40 hits and light appetizers aboard this three hour cruise.
While flapper, roaring 20s, and zoot suits are highly encouraged, you are required to “dress to impress” if you don’t feel like dressing in costume. In other words, semi-formal and/or cocktail attire is required.
Assuming the weather cooperates, the First Night Fireworks will be a fabulous sight from on board this cruise!
So long as you’re 21 and over and willing to be festive in 20’s attire, then you’re invited. Be sure to purchase tickets soon before they sell out here.
CONCLUSION
For those that don’t want to ring in 2019 from home and would rather start the year with a fun gathering, then one of these events need to make your calendar for New Year’s Eve! Between First Night fun for the entire family to a Speakeasy cruise around Boston Harbor for those 21 and up, each event has their own unique draw. Be sure to buy tickets ASAP though so you don’t miss out and we look forward to seeing you in 2019!
