First Night

First Night is a North American artistic and cultural celebration on New Year's Eve, taking place from afternoon until midnight.

First Night celebrates a community's local culture, often featuring music, dance, comedy, art, fireworks and, in some cities, ice sculptures and parades.

First conceived by Clara Wainwright[1] for the December 31, 1975 celebration in Boston, First Night organized a small group of artists and musicians seeking to perform on stages, both indoor and outdoor.

[3] In 2006, more than a million visitors attended First Night events, including free outdoor ice sculptures on Boston Common and in Copley Square, and waterfront fireworks.

[13] As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting on New Year's Eve 2020, First Night events were scaled back or cancelled in many cities and several places enforced measures such as wearing masks and social distancing.