New Year's Eve Celebrations All Around New England

New Bedford, Mass.
First Night New Bedford offers an exciting and inexpensive celebration that is fun and affordable. Music fills the halls and streets, clowns entertain the kids, magic wows the crowds, and horse and buggy rides rest those tired feet from standing. Perhaps the biggest draw of this night is rock opera band Ornament playing at the Zeiterion Theater at 9 p.m., one-half hour after the fireworks. Visit their website, www.firstnightnb.org, for schedule details and general information. [Photo of Rock band, Ornament; courtesy of Ornament]

Wolfboro, N.H.
Marking its 14th year is the Wolfboro "Ever Green" First Night. For many up north, the picturesque lake town of Wolfeboro, N.H., saves them a long drive into the city. More than 30 different performers, including magicians, ice sculptors, and musicians of many genres, grace the stages and street corners. A Mardi Gras-themed parade begins the evening, a first evening firework show and a second at midnight, and most notably, their WallEye Great Clue Chase game where individuals and teams follow a set of clues around Wolfboro trying to find the most correct answers to win prizes. This day focuses on family and is an alcohol-free event. Most venues are indoors and free shuttles are provided to and from each from 5 p.m. to midnight. Check out www.firstnight.wolfeboro.net/ and click on its First Night Button for more information. [Photo of Multicultural Taiko Drumming, Lion and Dragon Dancing, and Kung Fu weapons under a colorful shower of streamers; courtesy of Mia Ricardo]

Burlington, Vt.
First Night Burlington is the kick-off event to the 2009 Lake Champlain Quadricentennial, when Vermont will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's exploration of the lake that bears his name. The 26th Annual First Night Burlington includes a Lake Champlain quadricentennial-themed parade down Church Street in Burlington beginning at 6 p.m. The theme of First Night will be "400 Years Together -- The Lake, the Land and the People." Burlington offers a cultural and artistic affair for the whole family once again as hundreds of performances, acts and events are scattered about town. Visit www.firstnightburlington.com for a complete list of events. [Photo of fireworks; courtesy of Steve Pease]

Worcester, Mass.
Where the Arts make Magic is this year's theme for Worcester First Night. More than 100 of the most exciting, hottest, and hippest performers in the region gather in Worcester to entertain all ages. In its 27th year, Worcester produces the largest New Year’s Eve arts celebration in central Massachusetts, attracting tens of thousands of celebrants. First Night Worcester is an alcohol-free and substance-free celebration. For a schedule of events visit www.firstnightworcester.org. [Photo courtesy of First Night Worcester]

Chatham, Mass.
First Night Chatham's theme this year is "Celebrate the Forties!" and is the Cape's only First Night celebration. Celebrate the New Year '40s style, with themed music and acts around town. Chatham's celebration is a family friendly, alcohol-free atmosphere offering a circus, musicians, presentations by local artists, theater, opera, entertainment, a bonfire, a noise parade, the Countdown Cod Drop, and a fireworks finale! More than 7,500 annually descend on Chatham and an additional 2,500 for the fireworks. Check out their website at www.firstnightchatham.com for more details. [Photo of Scott Jameson performance art; courtesy of Scott Jameson]

Hartford, Ct.
First Night Hartford celebrates the new year with a day-long festival of arts, dance, music, puppetry, theater, storytelling, fireworks, and more. The night will feature over 40 artists and exhibits including things like Kidfest [a bounty of children's activities], Battle of the Bands stage, a '50s inspired stage, and dancing all night long to several live bands. A complete programming schedule can be found at www.firstnighthartford.org. [Photo of fireworks; courtesy of Aaron Kotowski]

Northampton, Mass.
First Night Northampton will fill the city with family-friendly festivities from noon until midnight. This year, the celebration culminates in the rising of a shiny new ball from the roof of the Hotel Northampton. An early evening fireworks display from the roof of the city's parking garage is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. so that even the smallest of kiddies will still be awake to enjoy. After the fireworks, there will be more music, dancing, and merriment until the cannons fire from the courthouse lawn 30 minutes before midnight, signaling all to gather for the arrival of 2009. Visit www.gazettenet.com/firstnight/ for a full listing of events. [Photo courtesy of Northampton First Night]

Westport/Weston Ct.
If Hartford's too big for your britches, try heading on over to Westport/Weston's 15th First Night where "Let it Shine" is this year's theme. Enjoy an eclectic array of performances in a unique community celebration of the New Year. Just about everything scheduled is an easy walk in downtown Westport. Free shuttle buses will take you to any show you care to see. The kids will love the real circus on tap and teens are catered to all night at Toquet hall where popular bands play until midnight. Enjoy music from around the world -- traditional Irish, blue grass, French jazz, salsa, gospel, rhythm & blues, cabaret, and a special New Year’s Eve treat –- Carmen Appice’s SLAMM!! – an explosive display of rock and rhythm with special effects like streamers and confetti guns. End the night gathered around the all-night bonfire for the family fireworks show at 7 p.m. and later, for the midnight fireworks spectacle. For more information visit, www.firstnightww.com. [Photo of Celtic band MacTalla Mor; courtesy of Stefan Falke Photography]

Portsmouth, N.H.
New Hampshire's premier seacoast town has it all happening this night. Ice sculpting, street dancing, fireworks, many diverse theater performances, puppeteers, and continuous live music all day long in several spots around Portsmouth for First Night! Visit www.proportsmouth.org/firstnight.cfm for more information. [Artwork by artist Tom Clark; courtesy First Night Portsmouth]

Danbury, Ct.
This year’s theme is "Heads or Tales," featuring children’s crafts, music, ice carving demonstrations, live storefront window vignettes, story tellers, magic, a drum circle, Danbury historical figures telling their tales, "Creative Creations" parade organized by the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance, and a hot cider and cookie reception to accompany the fireworks launching from the train yards. For more information visit www.firstnightdanbury.org/ [Photo of Madhatter Barbershop Chorus; courtesy of Madhatter Barbershop Chorus]

Beverly, Mass.
In addition to the grand procession and the Kids' Countdown, other returning favorites include Irish step dancers, the fire juggling/unicycle riding Chuckles the Komic, many live musical acts, the special needs dance and the horse-drawn hayrides! New this year are Wayne from Maine and his interactive kids' musical adventure, Curious Creatures, the Rebel Shakespeare Company, the Opti-mystix Barbershop Quartet, and DJ entertainment by Patrick Runne for the entire event! Schedule and map are available at www.beverlymainstreets.org. Visitors are asked to bring a nonperishable breakfast food (like cereal or breakfast bars) and drop it in one of the collection boxes at the event to support Breakfast for Beverly Bootstraps, a local food pantry. [Photo of Grand Procession; courtesy Larry Ralph]

Bar Harbor, Me.
This First Night celebration may be a bit smaller than some, but because to its family orientation, it has been quite popular in past years. A massive bonfire is held from 5-7 p.m. at the ballfield on Park St. There will be group hayrides and all the hot cocoa you can drink at the YMCA. A midnight event at the Criterion Theatre and Arts Center is scheduled for those who can stay up to ring in the new year. If more low key and personal is what you're looking for, look no further than Bar Harbor's First Night. [Photo courtesy of Sharon Malm]

Newport, R.I.
From 5-9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, visitors can join a family-friendly Celebration of the Arts. The timing of these earlier events assures families and friends that they may come downtown and celebrate together in a safe and festive environment. After a fabulous fireworks display over Newport Harbor at 9:15 p.m., several venues will provide a diverse selection of entertainment including dance, live music, theater and magic from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. For more information www.firstnightnewport.org/ [Photo of Benjamin the Clown; courtesy of Benjamin the Clown]

Montpelier, Vt.
Vermont's state capitol celebrates its 15th First Night this year. Activities for all ages run from noon-8 p.m. and a variety of performances run from 3 p.m.-midnight. Magicians, hypnotists, orchestras, hat-making workshops, dancing, poetry slam, ice skating, theater, marionettes, and fiddlers are just some of things you can expect in Montpelier. For more information visit http://www.montpelier-vt.org/attractions/1st_night_09/. [Photo of Catamount Pipe Band; courtesy of Adam Caira]