OT: New Years Eve

[TinkerPixxie]

I was hoping that some of you from the Boston or NH area may be able to give some suggestions for New Years Eve.

Originally I was hoping to go up to the ski region of NH and rent two rooms, take advantage of the NYE parties, a few of the resorts offer chaperoned teen parties, under 12 parties and adult parties. We dont ski, but I thought tubing would be fun. Anyway its waaay out of our league financialy.
My dh thinks that he and I should go someplace alone but my 5 kids keep asking with excitment "what are we doing NYE?? "
I feel bad and I know the guilt would eat me up if we went anyplace alone.

Normally we rent rooms with my sister and her kids and some friends at local hotels that have pools, then all get together in one room at midnight.

I was hoping to do something different but its starting to look like this will be the only option. We will not go into Boston for First Night, not with 5 kids, no way. We made that mistake three years ago. Too many people, too much chaos.

Is anyone aware of any hotels that offer family oriented parties with maybe buffet, dinner and dancing? Id like to stay in MA. or the southern part of NH.

Id realy apprieciate the ideas if you have any.

Thanks
Tink~

 

[kaytieeldr]

Near Boston? Are you kidding? Boston is the location of the original First Night celebration, now imitated by cities all over the country!

Look here http://firstnight.org/ and remember - while you certainly can (and maybe should) purchase buttons to support the event and to access indoor activities, the outdoor stuff - ice sculptures, parade, fireworks (usually 7 PM and midnight) are open to everyone!

Try Priceline or Hotwire for a hotel if you don't want to drive home; or park outside Boston and take the subway. It'll be FREE after a certain time, 10 PM or so, I think.

 

[TinkerPixxie]

Thank you Kaytieeldr for the suggestion. As I mentioned though we've been there and done that. Its just far too much with 5 children, the crowds are huge, the trains are packed... Im really looking for something in a more confined space like a function hall with buffet. Hoping I cna find one at a hotel that is child friendly and we can rent rooms to spend the night. Thanks again though. Boston is in fact as you mentioned the hot spot for First Night, and I would recommend it to anyone that hasnt been there. Jsut not for us this time.

Tink

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, fine, I missed that part of your post :red face:
How about First Night in another city? I don't know where you live, but there are several locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire with similar, but smaller, celebrations. Do a search for "First Night", but I'm pretty sure Newburyport has one, and either Salem or Beverly, and Manchester NH. Those are all from failing memory from previous years, so please don't take those locations as definite!

 

[TinkerPixxie]

Actually I think your right about Beverly now that you mention it, I also seem to recall hearing before that they have some nice events. I will check that out now. Thank you again for the help. Maybe I'll get lucky and find what im looking for. If not theres always chinese food and watching Times Square on the TV.

Tink

 

[~Kathie]

Another option is Bright Night Providence. Family oriented. Do as little or as much as you want. Waterfire at midnight.

http://www.brightnight.org/

 

[threeboysmom]

How about staying home and inviting friends over for a game night/buffet in the comfort of your own home? We do this every year and our boys LOVE it!! They each get to pick a family they want to join us (so we always end up with at least 3 families - I usually will invite a couple more). We set up different games in the rooms for small group playing and we congregate in the kitchen for munching and hanging out. Have each family bring an appetizer or dessert to share to make it easy on you! I love not having to go out in the cold after midnight on New Years Eve.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, I'm really not shilling for First Night but if you end up watching something on television, at least one Boston Channel will be broadcasting at least the Parade and (both sets, I think, of) fireworks.
There's also New Year's Rockin' Eve

 

[TinkerPixxie]

Thanks everyone for the help We decided on Portsmouth NH. Seems they have a first night celebration in the center of town. Ice sculptures, chiors, magicians, dancing in the streets until everyone meets up in the center and rings in the new year together. I cant imagine its as busy as Boston. {keeping fingers crossed}
We rented rooms and will have the indoor pool should the weather not cooperate, or if the little ones get to tired and cranky, they also pick up Boston television so we can infact watch some local coverage.

Ill be with my family so it cant go wrong

Tink~