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All times are local to the venue · America/New York
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An early show over Boston Common follows the procession, while a separate display over the Inner Harbor marks midnight.
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
First Night Boston offers a choice of fireworks on either side of the New Year: the Mugar Family Fireworks at Boston Common at 7 p.m. on December 31, 2026, and Harbor Fireworks at midnight as January 1 begins.
The Common display follows the First Night Procession and is presented by The Mugar Foundation. The separate harbor show, presented by Meet Boston, welcomes the new year over Boston Inner Harbor.
The two locations make it possible to plan around an earlier outing or a midnight celebration. Anyone hoping to see both should allow for a change of location; First Night has not specified public viewing areas for either show.
Further reading: Fireworks | First Night® Boston ↗
Before the fireworks, First Night’s ice sculptures are scheduled for public viewing in Copley Square from noon on December 31 until 12:30 a.m. on January 1. Carvers may still be making final touches earlier on New Year’s Eve, and some sculptures may remain on view later on New Year’s Day if weather permits.
First Night has marked New Year’s Eve in Boston since 1976, with artistic performances as part of the celebration. The broader performance and activity schedule for 2027 is still to come, so check it separately when planning more stops.
Further reading: Ice Sculptures | First Night® Boston ↗ · First Night® Boston | Boston’s New Year’s Eve Celebration ↗ · Schedule | First Night® Boston ↗
The Common show is on New Year’s Eve; the harbor display takes place at the start of New Year’s Day.
The shows are at Boston Common and Boston Inner Harbor, not at a single viewing site. Check First Night for updates on viewing areas.
The 2027 performance and activity schedule has not yet been released. Indoor performances may have capacity limits and admit audiences on a first-come, first-served basis.
First Night recommends public transportation for its Copley Square and Back Bay programming. The organizer lists the MBTA Commuter Rail, Green Line, Orange Line and buses as serving Back Bay; check the MBTA holiday page for New Year’s service, including your trip home.
For drivers, the organizer lists Boston Common Garage among area options and advises observing posted street-parking restrictions. The fireworks are at Boston Common and Boston Inner Harbor; specific viewing areas are not stated. Map links can help calculate directions from your starting point once you choose where to go.
Travel | First Night® Boston ↗ · Holiday Service Schedules | MBTA ↗ · Fireworks | First Night® Boston ↗
Yes. The Mugar Family Fireworks are scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 31 at Boston Common, following the First Night Procession.
Harbor Fireworks take place over Boston Inner Harbor at midnight, as January 1 begins. A specific public viewing area is not listed.
First Night says its events are free and open to all, with no purchase required.
Yes. Public viewing in Copley Square is scheduled to begin at noon on December 31. Sculpture completion is weather-dependent.
Boston Common and Boston Inner Harbor, Boston, MA; specific viewing addresses are not provided.
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-28 against the linked sources.