How to Ring in the New Year in and around Boston
Celebrate the start of 2026 with a puppet show, lacing up your skates, or checking out ice sculptures along Boston Harbor as you wait for the clock to strike midnight
Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST/Unsplash
How to Ring in the New Year in and around Boston
Celebrate the start of 2026 with a puppet show, lacing up your skates, or checking out ice sculptures along Boston Harbor as you wait for the clock to strike midnight
Congrats, Terriers, another semester is in the books! Whether you thought 2025 flew by or you couldn’t wait for the year to end, there’s a lot to look forward to in the new year, including the 250th anniversary of the United States, the quadrennial Winter Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup coming to Boston.
Until then, end the year on a high note with these wintry events around the city.
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto at Agganis Arena
Step aside, Terrier Hockey, Disney On Ice is taking over Agganis. The 290,000-square-foot arena will transform into the icy kingdom of Frozen’s Arendelle, as Princess Anna and loveable snowman Olaf go on an adventure to find Elsa, before she unleashes an eternal winter. After, you’ll be transported to the mountains of Colombia, as Encanto’s Mirabel journeys to save her family’s enchanted home. Superstars Minnie and Mickey will host the ice shows, which last around two hours. With two shows to choose from, you can practice your karaoke skills and experience a bit of Disney magic, right on campus.
Monday, December 29, 11 am and 3 pm, 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at LEGO Discovery Center Boston
Celebrate the new year before midnight with a noontime celebration at the LEGO Discovery Center. Get a taste of Times Square with a (LEGO) ball drop while sipping on sparkling apple cider. There will also be complimentary party favors while supplies last. The event is included with general admission tickets, which begin at $30 and include access to millions of LEGO bricks for building, rides, interactive experiences, and 4D movie screenings.
Wednesday, December 31, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, LEGO Discovery Center Boston, 598 Assembly Row, Somerville.
Boston Common Frog Pond Skating Spectacular
Each year, the Skating Club of Boston gathers competitive athletes from around the world for two free figure skating shows at the historic Frog Pond in Boston Common. You’ll have the chance to see soloists, young skaters, synchronized skating teams, and theater on ice groups perform before the pond opens for public skating. Shows run for an hour and begin at 3 pm and 5:30 pm. Public skating will be open until 9 pm and is $12. Adults can rent skates for an additional $18. Find more information about public skating here.
Wednesday, December 31, 3 to 4 pm and 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Boston Common Frog Pond, 38 Beacon St., Boston.
Prudential Center’s 31 Nights of Lights
Each night during December, the top of the Prudential Center is lit a different color in support of local nonprofits. Organizations are encouraged to apply to be a holiday light partner, and selected groups have the opportunity to host a symbolic “Flip the Switch” ceremony in the Prudential Center’s Center Court just before the tower is illuminated. Some of this year’s organizations include the New England Musicians Resources Fund, the American Lung Association, and the Red Cross of Massachusetts. On December 31, the lights will be gold, symbolizing wealth and prosperity in the new year, and the end of the 31 Nights of Lights. View Boston, a 360-degree observation deck on the top three floors of the Prudential Center, will also host a New Year’s Eve celebration, with music, drinks, and some of the best views in the city. The celebration offers general admission and a VIP experience. earn more here.
Wednesday, December 31; lights turn on at 5 pm, View Boston celebrations begin at 6 pm and 8 pm, 800 Boylston St., Boston.
Boston Harbor’s Ice Sculpture Stroll
When chainsaws and chisels meet blocks of crystal-clear ice, translucent sculptures of horses, ships, and Santa Claus pop up around Boston. A long-standing tradition, these ice sculptures capture moments in Massachusetts history and illuminate all the fun things that make Boston, Boston (like the notable CITGO sign in Kenmore Square). There will be more than 30 sculptures around the city, and depending on the weather, you may be able to see ice carvers making some last-minute touch-ups.
Wednesday, December 31, to Thursday, January 1. See the full list of locations here.
First Night Boston 2026
Boston’s biggest New Year’s Eve party will celebrate its 50th anniversary this New Year’s with a night of live performances, fireworks displays, and hands-on activities like arts and crafts. First Night Boston began in 1976 as a way to showcase local artists and musicians at family-friendly venues across the city. All events are free and open to the public, and highlights include a performance by the Boston Saxophone Quartet at City Hall, free rides at the Greenway Carousel, a laser show, and more than a dozen other musical performances, culminating in a midnight fireworks show over Boston Harbor.
Wednesday, December 31, to Thursday, January 1. See the full schedule with times and locations here.
L Street Brownies Polar Plunge
On New Year’s Day, Boston’s oldest “polar bear” club will plunge into frigid Dorchester Bay, continuing a 100-year practice believing that cold water plunges may aid health. Since 1904, hundreds of swimmers and spectators have gathered near the BCYF Curley Community Center in bathing suits, costumes, and even wedding gowns to take a morning dip near M Beach. If you’re brave enough, suit up and join the L Street Brownies for this long-standing South Boston tradition.
Thursday, January 1, 1663 Columbia Rd., Boston.
Peter Rabbit Puppet Show
Puppet shows aren’t just for kids, though you can embrace your inner child in the new year at the Puppet Showplace Theater. Masters of the craft, Pumpernickel Puppets have spent the last 50 years captivating audiences with comical retellings of folk stories and fairy tales. In this show, the adventures of the mischievous Peter Rabbit are brought to life with interactive hand puppets in a modern adaptation of an iconic classic. Watch what happens when Peter Rabbit and his sister Flopsy venture into a vegetable garden for a taste of a bunny’s favorite treat. There will be opportunities to meet the artists and see the puppets up close after the performance. Tickets are available here.
Thursday, January 1, 10:30 am to 1 pm, Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline.