First Night New Year's Eve Fests

Celebrate December 31 with Family-Friendly Activities

Dec 4, 2007 Kara Williams

The original First Night celebration took place in Boston in 1976. Since then, the family-oriented, non-alcoholic events have spread to other cities in the United States.

Forget the smoky bars or crazy nightclub celebrations of your youth. If you're a parent of young kids, chances are your New Year's Eve celebrations are now tamer than those you enjoyed B.C. (before children).

But that doesn't mean you can't have a great time New Year's Eve with the kids in tow. In fact, if you don't have New Year's Eve plans yet, consider a getaway to a city that holds annual First Night New Year's Eve celebrations.

Originating in Boston, Massachusetts, 31 years ago, First Nights are generally community celebrations that feature the arts. Specific events vary, but they might include ice-sculptures, street performers and food booths outdoors. With the purchase of a First Night button you gain admittance to indoor festivities, such as dance, music and magic shows, plus art exhibits and kid-friendly activities.

The celebration usually kicks off in the afternoon when children are wide awake. Fireworks at midnight and an alcohol-free atmosphere round out typical First Night events. Detailed event schedules and maps let participants know what's happening when and where.

First Night International was created in 1993 as an umbrella organization to help support First Night celebrations in cities throughout North America (as well as New Zealand and Great Britain). Click here for the full list of 131 cities planning First Night events this year.

Boston is the mother of all First Night celebrations. Click here to learn more about the celebration in this historic East Coast city. Otherwise here's the scoop on a few other U.S. cities' First Nights.

Fort Collins, Colorado

The theme for this city's celebration is "Renew Your Curiosity," with African drumming, a Cirque-du-Soleil-like performance, Big Band music, interactive art projects for the kids and s'mores by an outdoor fire pit.

Spokane, Washington

Tango lessons, comedy shows, a bubble wrap room (!), a national jump rope team, a chalk graffiti wall and ice sculpting are just a handful of the dozens of entertaining activities at this First Night celebration, whose theme is "As If By Magic."

St. Petersburg, Florida

Children can get ultra-creative at the Arts Center, making fun glasses, hats and noisemakers to carry in the People's Procession downtown. Steel drums, puppet shows, youth violinists and storytelling are a few of the many activities planned.

Evanston, Illinois

More than 80 performers at 18 indoor venues throughout downtown Evanston mark the 15th anniversary of this First Night. Zydeco, bluegrass, country, folk and gospel are some of the musical genres represented.

The copyright of the article First Night New Year's Eve Fests in Family Travel is owned by Kara Williams. Permission to republish First Night New Year's Eve Fests in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

First Night Fireworks