Boston First Night 2023: Biggest Event Planned Since Pandemic

BOSTON, MA — Boston officials announced safety plans Wednesday ahead of First Night 2023 weekend — expected to be the city's biggest New Year's celebration since before the pandemic with a full restoration of activities.

First Night 2023 celebrations will take place across New Year's Eve and New Year's Day centered around Copley Square. In a departure from 2020 and 2021, this year's first night will include indoor celebrations.

“We all deserve to enjoy these celebrations and want to preserve the sense of First Night truly being welcoming to everyone from every generation,” Mayor Michelle Wu said during a Wednesday news conference about First Night safety preparations.

First Night 2023 will feature music at a main stage in front of the Boston Public Library at Copley Square, plus activities inside nearby buildings. The event will officially kick off around 6 p.m. Saturday with a parade from Copley to the Boston Common, followed by a family fireworks show at 7 p.m. The New Year's Eve main festivities will conclude at midnight with fireworks over Boston Harbor. Find the full schedule of events here.

Due to the addition of indoor events and three viruses circulating widely in Massachusetts, the Boston Public Health Commission is urging First Night attendees to wear masks indoors, and to stay home if ill.

Officials are also urging revelers to avoid driving into Boston. A ton of street closures and parking restrictions will be in place all weekend. Meanwhile, all MBTA trains and buses will be free after 8 p.m. on Saturday.

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