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.
African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard
West Tisbury
The Field Gallery
West Tisbury
The Polly Hill Arboretum
West Tisbury
Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
West Tisbury
Three hundred acres of headlands on north shore; trails with scenic views. more
Fishsticks Charters
West Tisbury
The Granary Gallery
West Tisbury
The Granary Gallery located at the Red Barn in West Tisbury has been showing some of the island's most respected... more
Island Girl Excursions
West Tisbury
Long Point Wildlife Refuge
West Tisbury
Whether you want to play in the ocean, splash with the kids in sheltered salt- and freshwater ponds, or explore... more
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks
West Tisbury
Martha's Vineyard Mushrooms
West Tisbury
Martha's Vineyard Mushroom was co-founded by the mother and son team of Kathryn and Tain Leonard-Peck. We offer fresh and... more
Mayhew Chapel and Indian Burial Ground
West Tisbury
Tiny chapel, burial ground, and wildflower sanctuary. more
North Tisbury Farm and Market
North Tisbury
red pony farm
West Tisbury
horseback riding, training and board facility and tack shop more
Redhead Charters MV
West Tisbury
SylvieBags
West Tisbury
- A
African American Heritage Trail of Martha's Vineyard
Old Coach Road
West Tisbury
508-693-4361 - B
The Field Gallery
1050 State Road
West Tisbury
1-508-693-5595 - C
The Polly Hill Arboretum
State Rd.
West Tisbury
508-696-9638 - D
Cedar Tree Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
Obed Daggett Rd.
West Tisbury
508-693-5207 - E
Fishsticks Charters
Po Box 1434
West Tisbury
508-951-5288 - F
The Granary Gallery
636 Old County Road
West Tisbury
1-800-GRANARY - G
Island Girl Excursions
Po Box 1391
West Tisbury
774-563-8323 - H
Long Point Wildlife Refuge
Off Edgartown-west Tisbury Rd.
West Tisbury
508-693-3678 - I
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks
683 State Road
West Tisbury
508-693-6026 - J
Martha's Vineyard Mushrooms
5 Blackwater Hollow Road
West Tisbury
508-687-0329 - K
Mayhew Chapel and Indian Burial Ground
South Indian Hill Rd.
West Tisbury - L
North Tisbury Farm and Market
632 State Rd
North Tisbury
508-696-4664 - M
red pony farm
Po Box 809
85 Red Pony Road
West Tisbury
508 6933788 - N
Redhead Charters MV
Po Box 184
West Tisbury
610-639-6510 - O
SylvieBags
Po Box 1104
West Tisbury
774-563-8882