New Year’s Eve in New England

Time is ticking away and the new year is almost here. Don’t have plans for the big night yet? Check out these New Year’s Eve celebrations across New England.

First Night Boston

Ring in the new year with a daylong celebration of arts and community in Boston at the First Night Celebration. This 35-year-old festival showcases over 250 exhibitors and performances, including the FedEx Family Festival, ice sculptures, the Mardi Gras style Panorama Magazine Grand Procession, and fireworks displays. First Night celebrations begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 31 and go till midnight. <br>
First Night buttons can be purchased online for $15.

First Night Worcester

This celebration stresses “the perfect melding of arts and the community.’’ A variety of events will take place throughout the day and night, including, a dangerous comdey act, a synchronized swimming show, and an ice skating rink. The community procession and fireworks show begins at 6 p.m. sharp. This year, a live music tent will be erected on City Hall Plaza. First Night is hosting a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for the new venue.

New Year’s Rockport Eve

Rock in the new year at New Year’s Rockport Eve with live music and kid-friendly events with clowns, magicians, puppets, and cowboys.

First Night Chatham

The only First Night celebration on Cape Cod, First Night Chatham will help close the Chatham 300 celebration that has been ongoing all year. The festival will feature a music, a circus, and local artists, and the Countdown Cod Drop with a fireworks finale. Be sure to show up at the Chatham Lighthouse at noon to be included in the annual town photo.

First Night Burlington

Whether you want to spend New Year’s Eve watching Circus Smirkus, listening to local music, stand-up comedy, or taking part in a traditional contra dance, First Night Burlington in downtown Burlington, Vt., has something for everyone.

First Night St. Johnsbury

Celebrate New Year’s in the heart of Vermont at the 20th family-friendly First Night St. Johnsbury inspired by Boston and Burlington, filled with arts, musical performances, kid’s activities, fireworks and more.

Stratton New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ski in the new year at Stratton Mountain Resort. Once you’re off the slopes, enjoy the festival fireworks, torchlight parade and late night music.

First Night Hartford

The First Night Hartford website says, “New Year’s Eve is a time for renewal and new beginnings. It is an opportunity for the community to look ahead collectively with hope and optimism and appreciate its common bonds.’’ <br>This celebration allows community members to do just that by enjoying a number of events together all night long. The festival will feature a number of shows by professional musicians, artists, and performance groups. There will be two fireworks shows, one at 6 p.m. and one at midnight.

First Night Westport/Weston

The towns of Westport and Weston, Conn., combine to host a community-based New Year’s celebration. Events throughout the night include horse and carriage rides, a fireworks show, live music and face painting.

First Night Danbury

At over a dozen city venues, Danbury, Conn., will be hosting a New Year’s Eve fair with ice carving, ice skating, magicians, a 5K run and a vaudville show.

First Night Wolfeboro

A variety of family-friendly events mark this year’s festivities on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H. First Night Wolfeboro will host its traditional parade, which includes puppets (pictured). The celebration also includes fireworks, ice sculpting, a scavenger hunt, and mask making.

First Night Portsmouth

First Night Portsmouth, N.H.’s signature event is the Battle of the Bands. After a short haitus and a return last year, the event is here to stay, at least for this year. First Night attendees can also enjoy street dance performances, theatrical shows, ice sculpting, and a fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. at South Mill Pond.

New Year’s Eve Dinner

If outdoor parades and fireworks sound a bit too crazy (or chilly), the Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, Vt., offers a comfortable middle ground. Come to Stowe for some skiing at one of Vermont’s most popular resorts or simply take in the village. There’s a family dinner party at the inn from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. featuring award-winning Joey the Clown and a toast to the new year in London. The adult party is from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. with a live D.J. and a four-course meal. Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve at Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

If your kids need to be in bed before the ball drops at midnight, celebrate a little early at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. Activities will be between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. with three new year countdowns, make-your-own party hats and a glitter ball drop.

Bright Night Providence

Bright Night Providence kicks off New Year’s Eve with a comedy show, a poetry slam, musical performances, and a hypnotist. The opening ceremonies will be at 5 p.m. Family-friendly events begin at noon, and evening programming begins at 6 p.m. Ticket holders also have access to the ice rink, a masquerade ball, and indoor auto racing.

Downtown Countdown

Countdown your new year in downtown Bangor, Maine, with live music, dancing, and a ball drop in West Market Square.