First Night Boston is the city’s annual event that celebrates the commencement of one year while welcoming the excitement of the New Year. The event hosts a variety of local art, music, and entertainment. Keep reading for 7 tips to prepare you for First Night Boston.

1. Know the Essentials

• When: New Year’s Eve, December 31^st, 1pm to just past midnight
• Where: Copley Square in Back Bay, Downtown, and other central Boston neighborhoods
• Cost: $10.00/per person for a button (children under 4 admitted for free); buy at Boston CVS stores and Bank of America branches starting in early December.
• How it Works: Your button provides general admission to all indoor events (all outdoor events are free; no button required).

-Source: Boston Discovery Guide

2. Familiarize Yourself with Local Transportation

• Boston is a walking-friendly city. However, when temps drop below 20 degrees and your feet can’t walk another block, it is important to have a basic understanding of the subway system, the MBTA or better known as “the T”. Before December 31^st rolls around, take some time to map out all of the sights and hot spots that you want to see or visit on New Year’s Eve. Knowing that you are looking for the Green Line as opposed to the Blue Line makes all the difference when you are trying to get to Copley Square in time for the midnight fireworks show.
• Bonus Tip! There will be an extended subway and commuter rail schedule for First Night, allowing riders to travel on the T until 2am. The T will be free between 8pm-2am.

3. Confirm Travel Plans Early and Take Advantage of Great Deals

• One of the biggest perks of celebrating First Night in Boston, are all of the great deals that local hotels offer. Hotels like the Boston Harbor Hotel are offering packages that include champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, and a gourmet dinner for 2. However, hotels rooms fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible. The same advice goes for flights, busses, and trains. If you are travelling from somewhere outside of the city, make sure you have your travel plans and lodging confirmed at least a month and a half in advance.
• Bonus Tip! If you do make last minute plans to travel for Frist Night Boston, be sure to check flash sale websites such as Groupon and Living Social to find deals on Boston accommodations.

4. Create a Timeline

• There are so many fantastic sights to see at First Night Boston, we recommend mapping out your day ahead of time, in order to include all of the events that are important to you.
• Family Friendly Activities: If you are travelling with young children, make sure to stop by the Boston Children’s Museum, as well as Hynes Convention Center and Prudential Center. If you time it right, you will be able to see the Grand Procession Parade which begins at the Hynes Convention Center and marches down Boylston St. After that, be sure to catch the Boston Family Fireworks, which can be seen from the Boston Commons.
• Late Night Events: Adults of all ages will love the midnight display of fireworks that takes place over Boston Harbor. The best view is anywhere along the waterfront, which includes Downtown, South Boston Waterfront, the North End and Charlestown. After that, take advantage of the extended T schedule and visit any number of clubs that are hosting First Night parties. We recommend visiting The Estate at 1 Boylston Place and Guilt at 279 Tremont Street.
• Check out the schedule on the First Night Boston Website for full details.

5. Carve Out Time to See the Ice Sculptures

• If there is one event that you can’t afford to miss during First Night, it is the carving of the Ice Sculptures. Both kids and adults love to watch the artist’s work to create their frozen masterpieces. The artists start working as early as 9am on December 31^st, and their work is displayed in various locations throughout the city.
• Bonus Tip! Grab a hot latte from the Thinking Cup on Newbury Street to keep your hands warm as you view the ice sculptures. While you are there, check out our newly opened Robert Paul Boston marketplace, located at 140 Newbury Street.

6. Follow First Night Boston on Social media

• In the modern age of technology, it is great that we have resources such as Twitter and Facebook to keep us up to speed. If you are planning on attending First Night Boston, be sure to follow them on twitter @FirstNight and on Facebook @First Night Boston. Social media is a great way to find out last minute changes about First Night Events.
• Bonus Tip! While you are on a “following” spree, don’t forget to follow Robert Paul Properties @RPLuxuryHomes on twitter and like us on Facebook @Robert Paul Properties.

7. Save Your Admissions Button

• If you are local to the Boston area, make sure to save your First Night Admissions Button! Once the event is over, check the First Night website to see which businesses are participating in offering deals and discounts when you present your First Night Button.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy New Years from the team at Robert Paul Properties!