First Night Boston is the city’s long-running, family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. Its events are spread across downtown and the Back Bay and end with fireworks over the harbor. As of Oct. 22, 2026, the organizers had not posted their 2026-27 schedule. This guide explains what is confirmed, what happened last year, and how to plan for the night. We’ll update it when the program is announced.
What’s confirmed
The official First Night website notes that the 2026-27 schedule has not yet been posted. First Night is organized by Conventures Inc., 88 Black Falcon Ave., Boston, and the organizers can be reached at 617-439-7700 or info@firstnightboston.org.
What happened last year
For the 2025-26 celebration, First Night held two fireworks shows. The first was at 7 p.m. over Boston Common, right after the First Night Parade, and was presented by the Mugar Foundation. The second, the First Night Harbor Fireworks, went off at midnight over Boston’s Inner Harbor and was presented by Meet Boston. The parade traditionally runs from City Hall Plaza to Boston Common. Ice sculptures, like the one pictured above, are also a regular feature. Organizers have kept a similar format for several years, but treat these details as last year’s until the 2026-27 program is out.
Where to watch the midnight fireworks
Last year’s harbor show could be seen from the downtown waterfront, including the Harborwalk around Long Wharf and Christopher Columbus Park, and from parts of the Seaport and East Boston. First Night’s site lists some hotels that offer rooms with fireworks views. Ask the hotel directly about rates and whether a room actually faces the harbor.
Getting there and home
Driving downtown on New Year’s Eve is slow, and parking is limited. The MBTA usually publishes holiday service plans in December. Check mbta.com for New Year’s Eve service and any late-night or fare changes before you go. Our MBTA guide covers the basics on lines, fares and CharlieCards. Green and Red Line stops at Park Street, Boylston and Downtown Crossing serve the Common, and the Blue Line’s Aquarium stop is closest to the waterfront.
Other ways to spend the night
If you’d like to skate, the state DCR has kept at least one rink open late on New Year’s Eve in past seasons. Last season, Steriti Memorial Rink at 561 Commercial St. in the North End stayed open until 10:50 p.m. The 2026-27 rink schedule had not been posted as of Oct. 22. See our ice skating guide for current information. Many Boston restaurants take reservations for New Year’s Eve; our late-night food guide lists places open after midnight.
New Year’s Day
If you’d rather start 2027 outdoors, DCR’s “First Day Skate” last season opened three rinks on New Year’s Day: Kelly in Jamaica Plain, Steriti in the North End and Murphy in South Boston. Many state parks also hold guided First Day Hikes on Jan. 1. Check DCR’s events listings in December for 2027 plans.
About First Night
Boston held the first First Night in 1976. The idea was an arts-centered, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve that families could attend together, and cities across North America later adopted it. Over the years the Boston program has included the parade, ice sculptures, performances and the two fireworks shows. Program details change from year to year.
Cold-weather checklist
- Late-December nights in Boston are often below freezing. Wear layers, a hat and waterproof boots if you’ll be outside for the fireworks.
- Pick a meeting spot in case your group gets separated in the crowds.
- Check the forecast and our Boston Snow Day & Storm Center on Dec. 31 in case snow or wind affects outdoor events.
- Charge your phone before you go. Crowded areas can drain batteries fast.
Related guides
- Christmas lights near Boston 2026
- Holiday markets and tree lightings 2026
- Late-night food in Boston
- Hanukkah 2026 menorah lightings
Sources
- First Night Boston, official site
- First Night Boston: Fireworks
- MBTA
- Mass.gov: DCR ice skating rink schedule
- Featured image: File:First night ice sculpture.jpg, kriswho from Franklin, MA, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Featured image: An ice sculpture at First Night Boston. Photo: kriswho from Franklin, MA, United States of America via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).
Read next in Boston
Like this story? Get the newsletter
The day's Boston news, weather and local business in one short email, with links to the full stories.
Most read this week
- Iran–U.S. War Update: Trump Warns of ‘Finishing the Job’ as Hormuz Attacks Climb and Lavrov Visits Tehran
- Israeli Jets Fly to Iran Border in ‘Power Projection’ Before Election
- Keen Sword 27: U.S. and Japan Open Largest-Ever Island Defense Drills
- Keen Sword 27 Begins: U.S. and Japan Open Island Defense Drills Near Taiwan
- State of the U.S. Economy: Growth, Jobs, Prices and the Fed, Explained