First Night Celebrations

It’s time to ring in the new year and a new decade. Communities around the country and world offer the opportunity to celebrate with drug- and alcohol-free First Night events on December 31, 2009. First Night was initiated in Boston in 1976 by a group of artists and civic-minded citizens as an alternative to traditional parties.

With activities ranging from ice skating, live performances and fireworks, here are a few celebrations to consider.

First Night Wilmington, Delaware
Rodney Square in Wilmington is the location of the 17th annual New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts. Special features include the return of the popular skating rink on Market Street, events in the main tent on Rodney Square, expanded food court, youth tapestry exhibit and the traditional fireworks finale at 9:45 p.m.

First Night River Bend, Godfrey, Illinois
First Night River Bend is an alcohol-free, family-oriented New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring live music, singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians and shows for people of all ages. Events begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude at 11:45 p.m. with a Finale Procession to view the final ascent of the Millennium Ball and the fireworks. First Night River Bend is a community project of Lewis and Clark Community College.

First Night Buffalo, New York
The annual holiday family tradition in Buffalo is celebrating its 21st year with activities for all ages to ring in the New Year, including rides and amusements, a storybook forest, live theater, music, dance competitions, roller skating, exotic reptiles, explosive science experiments, the grand finale balloon drop and more. Festivities take place at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

First Night Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Christmas City is the site of a First Night celebration offering venues within walking distance of each other. Families can enjoy folk, choral and instrumental music; jazz, blues and rock bands; magicians; clowns; arts and crafts; children’s performances; snowman building; ice skating and more. A 5K race begins at 1 p.m. and Bethlehem’s First Night celebrations conclude with the Just Born PEEP® drop and a spectacular fireworks display.

First Night Alexandria, Virginia
Old Town Alexandria rings in the New Year with family-friendly and budget-friendly events at 19 indoor venues with multiple stages featuring more than 100 performances from 7 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. and spectacular fireworks at midnight. Those wanting an early start can join the afternoon Fun Hunt scavenger hunt at 2:30 p.m.

First Night Winchester, Virginia
The 23rd New Year’s Eve festival of the arts in historic downtown Winchester includes more than 100 performers staging over 35 shows. Performances include country, classical, rock ’n roll, swing and jazz, gospel, big band, barbershop harmony, a Celtic harpist, and much more. With clowns, model trains, karaoke, dancing and more, this event is designed for the whole family. The children’s fireworks show begins at 8 p.m. with the traditional Apple Drop and a spectacular fireworks show to celebrate the New Year begins at 11:30 p.m.

Photos top to bottom: Alexandria, Virginia, fireworks at midnight usher in the New Year, 2008; Buffalo, New York; Alexandria, Virginia, runners during the King Street Mile.