From https://explorenewbedford.org/special-events/new-years/
City Celebrates
New Bedford is the ideal spot to celebrate the upcoming New Year for you and your family. Our festivities take place early in the night and feature family-friendly activities for all ages — along with a spectacular firework display lighting up the sky over the harbor.
Experience the fun this New Year’s Eve as we say goodbye to the past and welcome the new year ahead.
An Enchanting Night of Free Entertainment
Our New Year’s celebrations are truly unique. Each year surpasses the previous one, showcasing an array of entertainment and activities — from live music and magicians to fire spinning. Our festivities always deliver excitement.
This year’s lineup offers fun for families with children of all ages, along with programming for adults looking to unwind with live jazz in the beautiful lobby of the New Bedford Harbor Hotel. Enjoy delicious meals and quick bites from local restaurants and food trucks as you explore the various entertainment venues throughout downtown.
Event Lineup:
City Celebrates New Year’s Eve programming is family-friendly, free, and open to the public. Entertainment runs between 5:00 and 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31st. Check the schedule below for exact times at each venue.
Programming not listed here may require entrance fees or tickets and are not part of the City Celebrates New Year’s Eve lineup.
Toe Jam Puppet Band
5:45–7:30 PM, New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill. The lively Toe Jam Puppet Band will be in the Jacobs Family Gallery, bringing the family-friendly party to life with interactive, silly songs, dancing, and fun for all ages.
Dance Party w/DJ Gazelle
5:00–7:00 PM, The Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub, 791 Purchase Street. Dance the night away with LED characters to family-friendly tunes with DJ Gazelle from Fun107!
Cirque de Light Fire Spinning and Dancing
5:00–7:30 PM, Custom House Square, 21 Barkers Lane. Watch in awe as performers dance, spin, and breathe fire.
Buttonwood Brass Band
6:00–8:00 PM, 222 Union Restaurant and Bar at New Bedford Harbor Hotel. Enjoy a cozy lounge, cocktails, and a special menu while listening to an ensemble play jazz, classical, and the great American songbook.
Fireworks Display
8:00 PM, New Bedford Harbor. The City Celebrates Fireworks Display is launched from the harbor. The bottom of Union Street is closed off for prime viewing. Grab a bite from a nearby restaurant or the food trucks in the YMCA parking lot and cozy up with family and friends.
Food Trucks
In addition to our great restaurants in New Bedford, we’ll have food trucks available from 5:00 – 10:00 PM.
Carter’s Parking Lot
The Pionono #1 – Puerto Rican Cuisine
Pops Mobile Brick Oven Pizza – Wood fired brick oven pizza
YMCA Parking Lot
Berry Sweets – Chocolate covered strawberries
Adobo Republic – Modern Filipino Cuisine
GG’s Pretzels – Fresh baked soft pretzels
Restrooms
In addition to restrooms at each entertainment venue, there will be portable restrooms available at the City of New Bedford municipal parking lot at the corner of Union Street and Water Street.
Thank Our Sponsors
City Celebrates New Year’s Eve is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Bristol County Savings Bank. Thank you to our partners: New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford Whaling Museum, The Vault, New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Carter’s Clothing & Footwear, New Bedford Parks and Recreation.
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