There’s no bigger party than New Year’s Eve — and Massachusetts has endless locations for you to celebrate! While Boston never ceases to draw in the crowds, you’ll find thrilling events throughout the state, from Cape Cod to Salem. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivities or the ultimate fireworks display, you’re guaranteed one memorable New Year in Massachusetts.
At Keolis massAdventures, we know all the best destinations in Massachusetts through our Day Trips Near Boston. And thanks to the Commuter Rail system, most places are easily accessible by train!
We’ve created this guide to the best spots to celebrate New Year’s in MA, including Rockport, New Bedford, and even Wachusett Mountain. Keep reading to find your ideal location to ring in the New Year!
Watch the Classic Boston Harbor Fireworks
Of course, Boston is a prime location for the New Year. The Massachusetts capital is positively buzzing on New Year’s Eve as the city hosts Boston’s First Night! Since it was first hosted in 1976, this annual event has brought locals and visitors together to celebrate.
One of the biggest attractions is the collection of ice sculptures at City Hall Plaza, a tradition that will certainly captivate and inspire. There’ll be live music, food stalls, family activities, and the big bang at midnight with a phenomenal fireworks display over the Boston Harbor!
Party the Night Away at Hammond Castle
For a truly luxurious celebration, you can attend the New Year’s Eve Party at Hammond Castle! The museum’s Great Hall turns into a dance floor where revellers can dress to the nines and show off their moves. Between dances, you can explore the rooms of the castle and dine on delectable hors d’oeuvres. At midnight, toast to the New Year with a glass of champagne!
Celebrate Art and Festivities in Rockport
While the town of Rockport is famed for its iconic red fishing shack, it’s also renowned for its New Year’s festivities. It even earned the motto, “small town BIG celebration”! The Rockport New Year’s Eve is dedicated to celebrating the arts, with a number of live music performances happening throughout the evening, including genres ranging from blues and reggae to Irish. There’ll also be poetry and spoken word events and even some stargazing! When the clock strikes midnight, gather around to watch the ball drop!
If you’re interested in learning more about stargazing in Massachusetts, check out our blog: Best Spots for Stargazing Outside Boston.
Ring in the New Year in Provincetown, Cape Cod
Each year, Provincetown puts on a party like no other with its First Light Celebration! In the days leading up to New Year’s, there will be holiday markets featuring local vendors. On New Year’s Eve, the skies light up with a fireworks display at MacMillan Pier, which you can admire from shore or one of the numerous nearby restaurants.
The fun doesn’t stop there — on New Year’s Day, there will be a polar plunge, where brave souls will dive into the wintry waters of the harbor!
Enjoy Family-Friendly Revelry in Salem
For a family-friendly affair, the town of Salem is hosting LAUNCH! Hosted on Artist’s Row, this event will begin at 4:30 pm and end with an early countdown at 6 pm, so don’t expect the kids to be up late! With craft activities, face painting, magic shows, and a silent disco, there’ll be endless entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Better yet, the event is free, but a donation is encouraged to help support the initiatives of Salem Main Streets.
Welcome New Beginnings in New Bedford
On New Year’s, the town of New Bedford is bustling with exciting activities and entertainment. In the early hours of the evening, there are plenty of events for kids to enjoy, including a puppet band, dance party, karaoke, and even fire spinning and dancing.
Everything is open to the public and free, except for the delicious bites you can grab from vendors! Later in the night, the adults can enjoy cocktails and live jazz at the New Bedford Harbor Hotel before fireworks adorn the harbor in spectacular colors.
Toast the New Year on Wachusett Mountain
How about celebrating the New Year on the ski slopes? On Wachusett Mountain, you can join in the revelry with a rail jam, live music, and performances throughout the night! Be awed by an incredible fireworks display that illuminates the white snow and turns the mountain into an otherworldly spectacle. At midnight, enjoy a champagne toast as you welcome the New Year!
Explore Massachusetts Every Day of the Year with Keolis massAdventures
All of these spots are worth exploring outside of New Year’s, and with Keolis massAdventures and the Commuter Rail system, you can do just that! With our range of Day Trips Near Boston, you can explore everything from Cape Cod and cranberry bogs to historic attractions and museums. If you have any questions about our tours or want to book your experience, feel free to contact us.
