First Night (Boston, Northampton, Hancock: live, price, shops)

[puffle]

I would like to hear from those that have attended what you thought of the First Night in Boston. Worth it, really need a button, crowded?

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by puffle

I would like to hear from those that have attended what you thought of the First Night in Boston. Worth it, really need a button, crowded?

We have a First Night here in Northampton too.

[puffle]

Originally Posted by GreenMachine

We have a First Night here in Northampton too.

Great, but it's the Boston First Night that I would like information about.

[GreenMachine]

Originally Posted by puffle

Great, but it's the Boston First Night that I would like information about.

I think the Northampton one is modeled after the Boston First Night, so they are similar.

[smarty]

If you think $15 is too expensive... The other way to think about it is a small price to support the local art community.

Try this... half price...
http://www.artsboston.org/tickets/sh...ram9=&param10=

Buttons purchased online can be picked up at the Copley Square BosTix booth after DECEMBER 15! Please bring your confirmation and/or a photo ID to the booth during open hours.

Art... Different stroke for different folks... check out the program guide to see if you'll like it..
http://firstnight.org/

[scf79]

If you're really into the arts (like, dance troupes and stuff), then you'd probably get your money's worth with a First Night button. However, my husband and I have just walked around the Common before (many of the ice sculptures are there) ... you can do that for free, and we've had just as much fun doing that.

[findingmesomeday]

When it was first started (a lot of years ago), it was a lot of fun. I think it's too crowded and overblown now. As the previous poster said, you can walk around and drink in as much as you can with the button that gets you into (overcrowded) exhibits and events.

[pjscdn]

Hey puffle, Merry Chrismas!

I've been to First Night Boston for maybe the past 10 years. I've always enjoyed it, and think it's a well-run and well-organized event. It's one of those non-profit events that deserves the support of the public.

When my kids were younger, we'd head for the afternoon events at the Hynes, and maybe catch one evening program. Now that they're older, we'll stay to the last program, and perhaps only attend a later event at the Hynes. We'll mix up the comedy, music, dance events so we get a taste of everything, and we don't mind wandering around the various locales in Back Bay, so long as you can time your schedule.

The bigger venues (Hynes, The Castle, Hancock Auditorium, Berklee) I think tend to get the more high quality events. They also don't sell out as easily.

Take the commuter rail. It's free on New Years.

For food, if you go to the afternoon events at the Hynes, your best bet is the food court in the Prudential shops. If you're not near the Hynes, try the food court at the Transportation Building. They have live music on New Years.

I'm uncertain about heading in this year, as we have a conflict, but feel free to PM me with other questions.

[airedaly]

We often take the T to Boston earlier in the day and walk around, get something to eat, do a little window shopping, and stay for the parade. There is a lot going on in preparation for the the evening events, so there is plenty to see.

The crowds are generally well-behaved, with lots of families. If the weather is good, it's a great experience. If it's below freezing, you better be prepared for some cold toes.

[skytrekker]

We have first night in Hartford and New Haven

Greenmachine---how are things going in Northampton? -one of my favorite towns.