First Night Boston 2009 on New Year's Eve December 31, 2008

First Night Boston 2009 is such a big deal in Boston, Massachusetts that it takes all day and all night to celebrate it. The fun begins at 1:00 p.m. and is a family-friendly event for everyone. Highlights of First Night Boston 2009 include an astounding number of more live performances and midnight fireworks.

Highlights of First Night Boston 2009

One of the best features of First Night Boston 2009 is that there is a performance for everyone, whether you like comedy, dance or music. There are also plenty of art exhibits to feed your mind through the day and the night. The performances start in the afternoon and go into the night. There are many performances which happen more than once, giving you a chance to catch your favorites in action.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company

Bostonians love their Shakespeare, and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company pleases the crowd with their performance. You can see them at the Orpheum Theatre.

Musical highlights including Opera Boston's classical performance at Emmanuel Church, Hiromi's Sonicbloom at the Berklee Performance Center and Sxip's Sonic New York at Park Plaza Castle.

Dance highlights include Monkeyhouse at John Hancock Hall.

Specific tastes can also be satiated with the Japanese Anime films, a Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center and a side-splitting show by comedians Tony V. and Kenny Rogerson.

These First Night Boston 2008 highlights are only a small sampling of the fun that awaits you and your family in Boston on December 31, 2008.

Tips on Seeing First Night Boston 2009 Performances

Download and print a PDF file of the First Night Boston program and schedule, here Firstnight.org. For families, there is an entire schedule of family festival performances. Also find a useful map of event venues.

Mark the performances with numbers, number one being the shows you must see. Number other shows with twos and threes. Keep in mind that the shows have specific start times, and if you miss one, or it fills up before you get there, there are plenty of other options to entertain you. The best bet is to make a plan, but keep it flexible.

First Night Boston 2009 Buttons

In order to gain entry into the events, a First Night Boston 2009 is required. The First Night Boston 2009 button will be your admission ticket to any and all events. First Night Boston 2009 buttons cost $18 for anyone four and older. Children under four are admitted to the events for free.

Even if you and your family see only two performances in the day, it's still an incredible entertainment value considering the high caliber of the performances on New Year's Eve.

Tip: Save money and buy your First Night Boston 2009 buttons online, through December 26, 2008. You will pay only $15 per button instead of the $18 price.

Essential Guide: What to Know if You Go

Family Tip: Families should plan on spending the day enjoying the performances and watching the 7:00 p.m. fireworks shows on the Boston Common. The streets and walkways become crowded after dark, and it may be harder to keep track of little ones with so many people and so much activity.

Just Walk: Park in a parking garage and take the T to First Night Boston 2009 events. Driving in the city won't be any easier with road closings to accommodate the night's events.

Facilities: When you have to go, you can find restrooms at Copley Square, City Hall Plaza and Prudential Center.

Sources

First Night Boston Press Release and program, http://www.firstnight.org