Massachusetts invented the First Night celebration, and is also at the forefront of creating First Day activities for residents and visitors to enjoy on January 1st each year. From yoga to frisbee golf, and from road races to outdoor hikes, here is a selection of First Day activities in Massachusetts.
Relax with Yoga
The New Bedford Whaling Museum offers a meditation and yoga session appropriate for all levels.
Golf in January!
Check out the 8th annual New Year’s Day Disc Golf Tournament in Oaks Bluff, Martha’s Vineyard. It’s a growing sport that is played with a Frisbee, not a golf ball.
Have a Toast
White’s of Westford is offering a Champagne Brunch Buffet from 11am to 1pm to help jump start your New Year.
Cool Jazz & Ice Sculptures
Boston First Night continues through to First Day with live music, dance and magic performances starting at 11 am and continuing till 4pm in Copley Square, Boston Common as well as Berklee College of Music and the Prudential Center.
Sprint into the New Year
There are nine 5K road races in Massachusetts on January 1, in Whitinsviille, Sandwich, Norwood, Seekonk, Lowell, Westfield, Salisbury, Needham and North Falmouth.
Go Indie
The Gateway City Arts in Holyoke presents Rubblebucket, an Indie Music and Dance group from Brooklyn, to rock the house, starting at 8 pm.
First Day Hikes
The Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) has scheduled First Day Hikes in eleven state parks located in Boston, Uxbridge, Topsfield, Saugus, Milton, South Carver, Hull, Brewster, Waquoit, Lanesborough and Turners Fall.
Harbor Swim
If welcoming the New Year means diving into cold water, then check out the annual Polar Bear Plunge with the L Street Brownies in South Boston, or the hearty folks in Provincetown.
Art Exploration
Take a Gallery Tour at the Mass MoCA in North Adams, from 11 am to 5 pm. On display, Xu Bing’s monumental Phoenix, a display of birds fabricated from construction sites in urban China.
Historic Brunch
Combine the past and the future with a First Day Brunch at Old Sturbridge Village, a replica historic village from the 19th century.
Troubadour
West Brookfield
Haymakers Country Store
West Brookfield
A country store located in two rooms of our old farmhouse built around 1850. The shop is fashioned after an old... more
Haymakers Country Store ... home of Lil Country Folks
West Brookfield
A country primitive gift shop, a country store dedicated to a simpler time. Handcrafts and collectibles fill our shelves and... more
Highview Campground
West Brookfield
Historic 1705 Salem Cross Inn
West Brookfield
A New England hidden jewel.restored 1705 farmhouse on 600 pristine acres ~ destination dining ~ "homecooking" ~ fireplace roasting ~ horsedrawn rides ~ and more... more
Old Sawmill Campground
West Brookfield
Rock House Reservation
West Brookfield
Built by the glacier and blessed by indigenous tribes who hunted and worshiped here, the cave-like shelter and its surroundings... more
- A
Troubadour
6 Central Street
West Brookfield
508-735-8288 - B
Haymakers Country Store
177 East Main St
Rte. 9
West Brookfield
5084434401 - C
Haymakers Country Store ... home of Lil Country Folks
177 East Main St. ~ Rte. 9
West Brookfield
508-867-4401 - D
Highview Campground
58 John Gilbert Rd.
West Brookfield
508-867-7800 - E
Historic 1705 Salem Cross Inn
260 W. Main Street, Route 9
Po Box 553
West Brookfield
508-867-8337 - F
Old Sawmill Campground
75 Long Hill Rd.
West Brookfield
508-867-2427 - G
Rock House Reservation
Rt. 9
West Brookfield
413.532.1631