PHOTOS: Fireworks, ice skate ADOBE STOCK, ice sculpture COURTESY BOSTON HARBOR NOW, First Night parade COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF TRAVEL & TOURISM
It’s almost 2024, but celebrating the start of the new year doesn’t have to mean expensive bottle service and crowded, up-charged restaurants. These free New Year’s Eve outings are perfect for date night, family fun or a solo celebration of a fresh start.
When: Saturday Dec. 30, 11 a.m.
Where: Boston Public Library, Brighton Branch
Info: Celebrate the New Year a smidge early with this noon countdown and craft workshop at the Brighton branch of the Boston Public Library.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: City Hall Plaza
Info: The Main Stage for the First Night Boston 2024 celebration is at City Hall Plaza, and there you can watch live music from local artists all day and night. Enjoy R&B by Nancia, Latin jazz by LIZJE, sounds of the African diaspora from Koliba and much more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: South End
Info: Get free admission to the Mapparium at the Christian Science Plaza all day. This immersive experience allows you to walk through a 360-degree glass globe.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Seaport
Info: At this special event, a selection of construction trucks and other vehicles will be onsite at the Envoy Hotel for children (and adults!) to interact with.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Downtown and Seaport
Info: Stroll the waterfront to view more than 30 ice sculptures, beautiful artworks on view for one night only. On the way, you can view the lit-up trellis at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park and the Seaport’s Snowport winter village.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown
Info: A series of celebratory groups will lead a New Year’s Eve parade from City Hall Plaza to the Boston Common. See the New Liberty Firetruck, the Jamaica Plain Honk Band, the Boston Windjammers and others.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.
Where: Boston Common
Info: Watch a vibrant ice skating show performed by The Skating Club of Boston, featuring nationally and internationally competitive figure skaters, synchronized skating and more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. and midnight
Where: Downtown
Info: Ring in the new year with a bang at two grand fireworks displays, the first at a family-friendly 7 p.m. on the Boston Common, the second over the Boston Harbor at midnight.