Take a moment to exhale and bring in the New Year with some fun with friends or family.   We’ve curated plans for couples, friends and families so you don’t have to! This is all the information you need in a step-by-step guide to make your planning easier.

It’s a Date!

Saturday, January 1st

Do This

Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s work at the Imagine Van Gogh experience.
Photo from Imagine Van Gogh Facebook Page

Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous works have been translated from the canvas into an enormous interactive installation at the SoWa Power Station. Walking among the digital renditions of these masterworks will bring you a completely new perspective on the artist. Wander through the installation while listening to the striking orchestral melodies of Saint-Saëns, Mozart, Bach, Delibes and Satie and get an up close and personal view of the artworks in a way that’s nearly impossible in a traditional museum setting.

Sowa Power Station

10:00am- 9pm daily
Monday-Thursday $39.99 per person, Friday-Sunday, $49.99 per person
550 Harrison Avenue, Boston
365 Albany St., parking lot $2.50/hour, Washington St., at E Berkeley St., stop on the SL4 bus

Then what? 

Kava’s menu offers bold and bright Greek flavors. Photo from Kava Neo-Taverna Facebook Page

Walk five minutes to Kava Neo-Taverna on Shawmut Avenue. Utilizing traditional Greek recipes, food imported directly from the Mediterranean and a bit of culinary innovation, Kava presents a tapas style Greek food experience. Sample lavraki seabass and grilled octopus paired with hard to find Greek wines and liquors. Whether you’re looking for a multi-course dinner excursion to the Mediterranean or just to snack on a mezze plate and drink a few cocktails, Kava can make it happen.

Kava Neo-Taverna

11:00am – 11:30pm Daily
Small plates $8-$18, Entrees $28-$42
315 Shawmut Avenue, Boston
365 Albany St., parking lot $2.50/hour, Washington St., at E Berkeley St., stop on the SL4 bus

Friends Zone

Sunday, January 2

Cheer on the home team at the Celtics versus Orlando Magic game. Photo from Boston Celtics Facebook Page

Do This

There’s no experience quite like attending a Boston sports game and the Boston Celtics are ringing in the New Year with a game against Orland Magic. Maybe you’re a diehard fan and you’ll be on the edge of your seat cheering on Robert Williams, or maybe you’re mostly interested in the cheesy fries and the halftime show. Either way, don your Celtics green and head to TD Garden, it’s time to represent Boston.

TD Garden

6pm
$25+ per person
100 Legends Way, Boston
$15 parking at 4 Emerson Pl Garage, North Station T Stop

Grab a post game snack at A&B Kitchen and Bar. Photo from A&B Kitchen and Bar

Then What?

After the game walk down the street to A&B Kitchen and Bar for a post game bite. Local restaurateur Thomas Holland founded the restaurant in in 2013 and named it for his two children Alex and Ben. That local spirit carries through in the dining experience, where everyone is treated like a member of the family. Small plates include standouts like the Pork Belly Mac and Cheese or the Korean BBQ Wings, for larger appetites try the Street Tacos with chicken or beef.

A&B Kitchen and Bar

11:30am-10:00pm Daily
Small plates $6-$14, Entrees $14-$21
115 Beverly Street, Boston
$15 parking at 4 Emerson Pl Garage, North Station T Stop

Family Fun

Friday, December 31st

Kick off New Years Eve with a concert by Boston Music Project’s youth orchestra. Photo from Boston Music Project Facebook Page

Do This

Kick off the night with the Boston Music Project New Years Eve concert as part of the First Night celebrations. Boston Music Project is a youth development program that works with school-aged children to channel their creative energy into music making. At this concert the young people will belt out their best in celebration of the New Year. The event is an opportunity to experience an evening of beautiful music and introduce kids to an enriching arts activity.

Copley Square

6:30pm
Free
560 Boylston Street
$10 parking after 5pm at 126 Dartmouth Garage, Copley T stop

Nothing chimes in the New Year like fireworks over Boston! Photo by Matt Teuten, from First Night Boston Facebook Page

Then What?

After the concert walk down Boylston Street to the Boston Common to catch the family friendly fireworks display presented by The Mugar Foundation and The City of Boston. There’s nothing quite like ringing in the New Year with the bombast and bright colors of a fireworks show. Along the walk from Copley to the Common keep an eye out for innovative ice sculptures carved by local artists, they’re stationed around the city as part of the First Night celebration.

Boston Common

7:00pm
Free
139 Tremont Street, Boston
$10 parking after 5pm at 126 Dartmouth Garage, Park Street T stop