In Boston you can ring in the New Year in pajamas eating pizza at a brewery or dressed to the nines and dancing to a live band. Splurge on a bougie night out or enjoy the free attractions around the city. No matter your vibe, there’s a celebration to match.
Free celebrations
First Night Boston 2025
Mayor Michelle Wu with revelers at last year’s First Night celebration. PHOTO: Jeremiah Robinson/Mayor’s Office
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Throughout Back Bay and downtown Boston
Info: First Night Boston has been a beloved free night of New Year’s festivity for nearly 50 years. Take a look at the online schedule and plan your night; you can attend live performances, go ice skating, view art installations, attend a countdown and laser show at City Hall Plaza, watch a parade or just take in the midnight fireworks.
New Year’s Eve on the Waterfront Midnight Fireworks
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Boston Harbor
Info: Welcome 2025 with an explosive (pun intended) fireworks show over the Boston Harbor. This tradition has been running for nearly 40 years and it’s a spectacular way to launch a fresh start.
Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Spectacular 2024
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Boston Common Frog Pond
Info: The Skating Club of Boston will ring in the New Year with a jaw- dropping performance on the Boston Common Frog Pond. See it during two different showings, one at 3 p.m. and one at 5:30 p.m.
PHOTO: Courtesy Boston Harbor Now
Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Boston Harborwalk
Info: Stretching from Revere Beach to the Boston Seaport and beyond, the Boston Harborwalk is dotted with more than 30 ice sculptures hand-carved by talented artists. The route takes you past other attractions like the festive trellis of lights at Christopher Columbus Park and the SNOWPORT winter pop-up in Seaport.
Free Admission to the Mapparium
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: The Mary Baker Eddy Library, 210 Massachusetts Ave.
Info: As part of the First Night festivities, you can visit the Mapparium, an immersive globe art installation inside the Mary Bakery Eddy Library, for free. While you’re on site, enjoy free live music at the Christian Science Plaza.
Ticketed parties
Grace By Nia’s NYE 2025 Black Masquerade
PHOTO: ROBIN WINCHELL
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Seaport
Cost: $125-150
Info: Accessorize your most glamorous all-black ensemble with a mask and head to Grace by Nia for a fabulous New Year’s Eve masquerade cocktail party. Your ticket includes passed hors d’oeuvres, a welcome cocktail, live music and a champagne toast at midnight.
Bully Boy Distillery New Year’s Party
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Roxbury
Cost: $40
Info: Dress up or down for this relaxed New Year’s soiree at Bully Boy Distillery in Roxbury. Tickets are limited so the party isn’t too packed. Sip creative cocktails, dance it out, and enjoy late night pizza after the midnight toast.
New Year’s Eve Party – A Decades Countdown
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: The Pearl, 20b District Avenue
Cost: $20-25
Info: All night DJ Tone will be spinning ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s hits, plus modern-day hip-hop and R&B at The Pearl. The kitchen is open late to fuel the party and your ticket includes a midnight champagne toast.
SKY – A Celestial Escape at the Liberty Hotel
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: Beacon Hill
Cost: $130
Info: This high-energy party is the space to turn up for New Year’s Eve. Dance it out to beats spun by three DJs. Enjoy aerial and cirque performances from Boston Circus Guild, sip themed cocktails and welcome 2025 with style.
Lamplighter’s New Year’s Eve Pajama Party
When: Tuesday, December 31
Where: East Cambridge
Cost: $28
Info: For a more casual affair, throw on your comfiest PJs and head to Lamplighter for a relaxed party with games, dancing and beer on tap. Alternatively, Lamplighter’s Cambridge Crossing location will feature Boston’s most fabulous drag queens slaying on stage during the Miss Lamplighter’s New Years Eve Drag Extravaganza.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.