Crowds take in the performances at First Night Boston 2025.

Ice sculptures make great photo ops!

As we prepare to enter 2026, you may be looking for some local events to attend to ring in the new year. Here are some great celebrations for you and your loved ones.

Free Celebrations

New Year’s Eve Ice Sculpture Stroll + Holiday Trolley

The Shaw-Roxbury Branch of Boston Public Library is hosting its New Year’s Eve Sculpture Stroll and Holiday Trolley event from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

This family-friendly event will include ice sculptures, hot beverages, a holiday trolley ride, food and much more. Catch the free holiday trolley that loops between the library and the downtown waterfront (in front of the Aquarium). You can get information on amenities and things to do on the waterfront, visit historic sites (Middle Passage Marker), and see the more than 30 sculptures around Boston’s waterfront. tamcc.org/events/ice-sculpturestroll

Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll

Boston Harbor Now is hosting its signature Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. On New Year’s Eve, you and your family can look at dozens of crafted ice sculptures hosted by local businesses and cultural landmarks along Boston’s waterfront. One new addition to this family fun event this year is the free water shuttle between East Boston’s Lewis Mall Dock, Fan Pier and North Station. The ferry will depart every 40 minutes between 1 and 5 p.m. bostonharbornow.org/NYE

Frog Pond Skating Spectacular at First Night Boston

The Frog Pond Skating Spectacular is hosting their free annual figure skating show. Produced by the Skating Club of Boston, community members can enjoy two free ice show performances at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Both will feature national and international competitive figure skaters in the middle of the Boston Common. bostonfrogpond.com/events/category/calendar

First Night Boston

This free festival has been a Boston tradition since 1976 as a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances to ring in the new year. As tradition, this all-day celebration will open 2026 with live music and cultural displays starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. firstnightboston.org/about

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Meet Boston will host the New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks celebration, which will take place over the inner Boston Harbor between the North End and East Boston sections of the city. This long-standing tradition will return to Boston Harbor, with a fireworks display that starts promptly at 12 a.m., on Thursday, Jan. 1. bostonharbornow.org/NYE

Ticketed Events

Hue Year’s Eve: A Renaissance Reimagined

Join Hue Boston for their New Year’s Eve celebration, “A Renaissance Reimagined.” This Harlem Renaissance–inspired celebration “will fuse vintage soul with modern glamour for an unforgettable night” on Wednesday, Dec. 31. hueboston.com

Grace By Nia Boston’s So Into You: The Ball Drop — A Black Tie Affair

Grace By Nia Boston is hosting their New Year’s Eve celebration and invites you to celebrate with them at Boston’s historic Seaport area on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The celebration includes DJs, a photographer and videographer, party favors, and bottle service options, plus a complimentary champagne toast. gracebynia.com/home#nye