Boston's First Night

The annual parade is a magical introduction to the New Year. It begins at 5:00 p.m. at the corner of Gloucester and Boylston Streets (in Back Bay). Allow time after that for a bite to eat, or you'll be very hungry later! Then choose a few events, plan to get there ahead of time, and don't miss the midnight fireworks display at the Boston Waterfront. Avoid the crowds by walking to the South Station T-stop or Downtown Crossing (Washington Street), both on the redline, afterwards.

Quick Tips:

Get your First Night button () ahead of the crowds, at Bostix at Copley Square and Faneuil Hall, Boston Common Visitor Information Center, McDonald's, Museum of Fine Arts, Prudential Center Visitor Kiosk, Stop & Shop, or Store 24.
Map out the events you want to see in advance. (Maps are available with button purchase). Dress warmly and arrive ahead of time if possible. Events are very popular. Expect lines at most.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is the best and only efficient way to get around on this night of nights. The MBTA does run more frequently than usual, however, but try to avoid the mad rush immediately following the midnight fireworks display!

The Marriott Long Wharf is perfectly located at Boston Harbor for a prime view of the fireworks at midnight. Although rooms are at a premium on New Year''s Eve, some accommodations with two double beds are available with breakfast included and free parking for $375, the First Night rate. Or, if you prefer to stay on Saturday night, rooms are available for $159 and $174. The sleek and spacious lobby is perfect for planning your First Night itinerary, with concierge service to assist you and restaurants on site. Customer care is at a high level at this Marriott property, and there is a fitness club and indoor pool to keep you in shape.

Legal Sea Foods serves dinner from 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. Call ahead for preferred seating,(617) 426-4444. Sample entrees: Baked stuffed lobster ($30.00); Cioppino ($25.00), a melange of lobster, scallops, whitefish, and other seafood, served with jasmine rice; Swordfish with red onion jam, rice pilaf, and sauteed mushrooms with spinach. ($23.00).

There is never a lack of fine dining in Boston. On New Year's Eve, advance reservations are recommended. Some other choices:

Italian fare is in abundance in Boston's North End. Try Mother Anna's at 211 Hanover St. for entrees such as Chicken, ziti, and broccoli ($13.95); Veal Roberto ($15.95); Pollo Venezia ($13.95), with mushrooms, artichokes and white wine lemon sauce. Sample a fine Italian wine with your meal and for dessert, a canoli or tiramisu. Anna's has candlelight and a romantic ambiance. Call ahead: (617) 523-8496.

Stephanie's on Newbury, at 190, is located in the midst of First Night fun. Call ahead for a dinner reservations (617) 236-0900 between 6:00 and 11:00 p.m., with live jazz on New Year's Eve and a wide-ranging menu at reasonable prices ($11-$30). Entrees include Long Island Duckling; Glazed Rack of Lamb; Slow Roasted Veal Osso Bucco; Brioche, Shallot Topped Salmon, and more. This is "casual elegance at its best," as well as a prime people watching location and place to Be Seen.

Biba, at 272 Boylston St., another Boston hot spot in which to Be Seen, will undoubtedly be packed on First Night. But you might find some standing space in the cocktail lounge. Try the cuisine on a week night after the holidays. (617) 426-7878.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Boston's First Night and there will be 1,000 or more artists and performers to see. Some highlighs: The Grand Procession at 5:00 p.m. with "celestial space animals," life-sized puppets, creatures on stilts, bicycles and floats, marching musicians, clowns and assorted night people in costume; illuminated ice sculptures on the Boston Common; Israeli Folk Songs at the Boston Public Library at 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.; a Samba Fest and Workshop at the Hynes Center, Room 100, at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.; Dance Theater, with a stunt man, a martial artist, a gymnast and a puppeteer, at Boston Ballet Building, Studio 3 at 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.; a gospel choir at St. James the Greater, 125 Harrison Avenue at 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.; classical and flamenco guitar at First and Second Church, 66 Marlborough Street, at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m.; Sea Chanteys and other music with The Gloucester Hornpipe & Clog Society at the Paulist Center, 5 Park Street, 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.; two fireworks displays: the first at 7:30 p.m. on the Boston Common, the second at midnight on the Boston Harbor--to name just a few.

There is such an abundance of arts and performance events at First Night that it's difficult to know where to start. But here area few events that invite participation.

ImprovBoston. Your ideas become skits and songs at the DuBlois Auditorium, Tufts School of Medicine, 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Ring in the New Year, literally, when you cross "Millennium's Bridge" on the Parade Ground, 1:00 p.m.-midnight.

Become another creature when professional face painters transform your look, Hynes Hall A, 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Club 2001. Dance the night away with disco lights, pop rhythms, and a DJ, Hynes Exhibit Hall D, 7:30 p.m.-midnight.

Express your hopes and dreams in imaginative cylinders designed by art students, Parade Ground, 1:00 p.m.-midnight.

Try out Brazilian Carnival instruments in a "Joy of Samba and PolyRhythm Workshop," Hynes Room 100, 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

Participate in an interactive performance with Yorick's Theatre featuring Czech puppeteer Petran and his marionettes in a half-hour show, Hynes Room 207, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Take part in folk tales and fables from around the world, with Tom McCabe in "Tell Along Tales," Hynes Room 103, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:30 p.m.

Express your dreams for the New Year on Resolution walls at Hynes Exhibit Hall C, 1:00-6:00 p.m.