Newton New Year’s Events: 2018 Guide

NEWTON, MA – It's that time of year again. Whether you plan to ring in 2018 at your favorite restaurant, a party with your friends, or all cozied up in front of the TV, we’ve got you covered.

So pop your choice of bubbly, come up with some resolutions you can actually stick to and get ready to celebrate the New Year. Check out local listings below of New Year’s celebrations and events for 2017 in and near Arlington if you’re one to go out, plus a look at what television programming may make you want to stay in.

This is where we need your help! We’ll be adding new events to this post as they pop up, so make sure to email jenna.fisher@Patch.com with any events you hear about. Be sure to check back as the big day nears!

If you're thinking of going out..

First Night Boston: It's not Newton, but this is the longest-running New Year’s Eve arts festival not just in the US, but in the country. Hop on the T and head into Boston. From 1 p.m. to midnight on Dec. 31, some 1 million people head downtown to see artists and performances and events indoors and outdoors. Did we mention this is a big deal? There’s a Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center, a Grand Procession parade on Boylston Street, ice sculptures, and fireworks displays.
Cost: All events are free and open to the public. Visit FirstNightBoston.org for a full schedule of events and more information.

Go Fancy: Social Restaurant & Bar is hosting a New Year's Eve Supper Club featuring a four course menu and live music plus a stay and play option at the adjacent Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Cost: Dinner tickets start at $55 for reservations between 5-6:30 p.m. and are $75 from 7-10 p.m. The Alex MacDougall Trio will be providing the musical entertainment, followed by a live DJ beginning at 10 p.m. For an additional $200/couple, folks can stay over after the dinner party and join us for brunch on New Year's Day (plus a complimentary bloody mary or mimosa). Here's a link to their menu.

Go to the Movies and watch the ball drop live: Head to the Showcase Superlux and make it a movie marathon: View either “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” or “Pitch Perfect 3, ” enjoy a champagne toast and dessert reception and watch the ball drop live on the big screen. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” begins at 8:55 p.m. and “Pitch Perfect 3″ begins at 9:55 p.m. 55 Boylston St.

Cost: $20.18 Information: (800) 315-4000.

If you want to stay in...

If your idea of the perfect New Year’s Eve is curling up on the couch with a hot toddy and watching the countdown in your pajamas, you’re in luck. These are the top two live TV specials people are already talking about. Here’s a peek so you can you can plan accordingly:

“New Year’s Eve Live” With Anderson Cooper And Andy Cohen
Where to catch it: CNN
Why you should watch: For the first time ever, Anderson Cooper will host CNN’s annual New Year’s Eve Live special with none other than “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen. As these two are best friends in real life, you can expect tons witty banter and hilarious moments from the pair. The Bravo mogul will replace Cooper’s former co-host Kathy Griffin, whom CNN fired after her controversial Donald Trump photoshoot.

“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2018” Hosted by Ryan Seacrest
Where to catch it: ABC
Why you should watch: Remember last year’s infamous Mariah Carey mic incident? Yes, it happened on Seacrest’s watch. So if that’s any indication, this could be a good one to tune-in to. And even if there aren’t any crazy celebrity snafus, you can count on crazy views of Time Square packed with people, as well as awesome musical performances.

Photo by Josh Boot on Unsplash