The Annual Hartford New Year’s celebration “First Night” is back and better than ever! There will be two spectacular fireworks shows scheduled in Bushnell Park. One at 6 PM for younger attendants and one at 12 AM, midnight for adults and older children. The fireworks can be viewed throughout the city by thousands of visitors and residents. First Night also includes multi-cultural activities, events, performances, and more!

Venues such as the Public Library, City Hall, The Old State House, State House Square, Wadsworth Atheneum, Center Church and Charter Oak Cultural Center, The Bushnell Carousel and more  participate in the fun by welcoming the public on this New Year’s Eve holiday.

Ring in the new year with a day full of fun activities for everyone in the family at First Night Hartford. Festivities include tours of the city, live music, dance parties, face-painting, caricatures, fireworks and more starting on Saturday, December 31st, 2023 from 2pm – midnight, January 1, 2024.

First Night is a celebration of the New Year through the arts. This is an alcohol free, family-friendly, public celebration that marks the passage from the old year to the new with art, ritual and festivity.

First Night Hartford is Hartford’s New Year’s celebration!. The day includes two spectacular fireworks shows in Bushnell Park at 6 PM and 12 AM Midnight viewed throughout the city by thousands of visitors and residents, multi-cultural activities, events, and performances.⁠

First Night Hartford Ticket Information

First Night Hartford 2024 buttons are $12.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids! Your button purchase gives you access to all venues during First Night Hartford. You can purchase your ’24 First Night button here

Pickup Times start at December 31, 2PM-Midnight. The main pick up location will be at the First Night Hartford Headquarters located inside Hartford Union Station.

Please bring receipt of order or ID with you to simplify the pick up process.

First Night Hartford Party Kit

First Night Hartford Party Kit was created in collaboration with Hartford Prints! A fun way for the whole family to ring in the New Year! First Night Hartford’s Party Kit includes a coloring book, party masks, temporary tattoos, crayons, and an activity book with the following: word search, crossword puzzle, madlibs, connect the dots, maze, matching, and scavenger hunt.

First Night’s mission is to broaden and deepen the public’s appreciation of the visual and performing arts through an innovative, diverse and high quality New Year’s Eve program which offers the community a shared cultural experience that is inexpensive and accessible to all.