Community Corner

Boston's First Night 2014: What You Need to Know

New Year's Eve is right around the corner, and residents and visitors across the Commonwealth will be flocking to downtown Boston to ring in the new year.

First Night Boston, the annual New Year's Eve celebration, will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday and run through midnight as 2014 arrives. Those planning to attend can purchase a First Night Button for $10 online and at these retail locations

Below is a roundup of information attendees should know before heading downtown Tuesday, from the forecast to who will perform to how to stay updated through the party.

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For updates and information, attendees can also download a new "First Night Boston 2014" app and follow First Night Boston onTwitter @FirstNight and Facebook

Forecast

If you do decide to head downtown for New Year's Eve, be sure to bundle up. Temperatures will be low daytime at around 27 degrees accompanied by a chance of flurries after noon. That night, the temperature drops; expect the low to reach 16 degrees New Year's Eve night along with cloudy skies, according to the National Weather Service

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Transportation

Before heading downtown, check the MBTA schedule of service for New Year's Eve. Commuters should note that the MBTA will run free of charge starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday night.

Schedule of Performances

  • Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell -- 1 and 3 p.m. at the Hynes Convention Center's Veterans Memorial Auditorium
  • Sierra Hull -- 7 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center
  • The Blind Boys of Alabama (with Anais Mitchell) -- 7:30 p.m., Hynes Convention Center Ballroom
  • Safety Last -- 7:30 p.m. in Emerson's Cutler Majestic Theater, presented in collaboration with ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage and performed by The Berklee Silent Film Orchestra. 
  • Donald Harrison -- Seating at 8:45 p.m., show and live broadcast at 8 pm. at the Berklee Performance Center
  • Patti Smith and Her Band (with Dean Wareham) -- 8:30 p.m. at the Hynes Convention Center's Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Note: Premium seating passes have sold out as of Monday, Dec. 30. 

For other performances and highlights, visit Firstnightboston.org's Highlights page.

Ice Sculptures & Outdoor Events

Boston Common, Faneuil Hall, Copley Square and The Waterfront will all host a variety of Ice Sculpture displays on Tuesday. For full details on times and locations, in addition to other outdoor events, visit the First Night Boston schedule.

Visit Copley Square and Boylston Plaza at The Shops at Prudential Center leading up to First Night to see the ice sculpture artists at work. Follow First Night Boston on Twitter for up-to-the-minute status reports. At nightfall on Tuesday, the ice sculptures will be illuminated in a brilliant spectrum of colors.

Fireworks

The Mugar Foundation and Boston 4 Productions will present 
the Boston Family Fireworks at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The 10-minute display will take place in the intimate setting of the Boston Common Ballfield (at the corner of Boylston and Charles Streets) where revelers will be able to view of the show.

For more information, contact info@firstnightboston.org or 857-600-1590.


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