First Night Williamsburg will continue in its 23rd year of providing a family-focused, alcohol-free New Years Eve celebration Thursday, Dec. 31.
“It’s been a Williamsburg tradition for a long time,” said Grover Lewis, First Night’s vice president of development. “It’s just a fun evening for everybody.”
At its heart, First Night aims to be inclusive of all ages and cultures, and to encompass the Greater Williamsburg community.
This year’s programming includes a significant change, made in hopes of including even more of the community. In past years, the main entertainment has usually begun at 6 p.m. This time, it starts at 1 p.m. at Kimball Theatre and New Town United Methodist Church.
For those who might not like staying out late, “it provides an alternative and an opportunity to participate in First Night much earlier in the day,” Lewis said.
The change also provided an opportunity to expand First Night beyond the usual downtown area and try a location in New Town, where entertainment will continue until 5 p.m.
Entertainment
From 1 p.m. through midnight, nearly 40 performances will take place in more than 30 locations throughout downtown Williamsburg, the College of William and Mary, Colonial Williamsburg’s historic area and New Town.
The performances reflect a diverse range. Genres include Celtic, rock, bluegrass, folk, storytelling, classical, gospel, blues, jazz, shag and swing (dance floor included). Mark Nizer even brings a 4-D comedy juggling act to the lineup.
There are local and regional acts, like Take 757 and Jae Sinnett Trio, but some acts are nationally known, like Ronny Cox.
Programs aimed specifically for young children will occur from 3-7:30 p.m. “Rockin’ in the New Year” is aimed at teens, with local rock bands performing from 7-11 p.m.
The grand finale begins at Zable Stadium, with music at 11:45 p.m. leading to fireworks at midnight.
“Plan your evening and lay out what you want to see,” Lewis said.
He said several venues offer multiple performances in one location, so it’s easier to make the most of First Night.
Transportation
First Night offers a free bus service, from 6 p.m. to midnight, transporting guests between venues.
Parking is available in the downtown lots and parking garages. Parking on William and Mary’s campus will be open to the public, and shuttles will run from the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center lot until 1:30 a.m.
Food
Local vendors will serve meals and snacks at four main locations.
B&G Concessions and Jay’s Grill on Wheels will serve food at the Sadler Center’s outdoor food court. At Sadler’s indoor food court, guests can order from Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Southern Pancake and Waffle House. Williamsburg Concession and Catering will be based outside Phi Beta Kappa Hall, and Five Forks Café in the Campus Center Atrium.
Food will also be available at Matthew Whaley Elementary School, the Community Building and Kimball Theatre.
Tickets
A $15 button serves as the ticket to all First Night entertainment. Children age 5 and younger are free. Buttons can be purchased online or at any of the participating merchants. Buttons will also be available during the event from a handful of button sale locations throughout the First Night locations.
For a full entertainment schedule or to purchase buttons, visit firstnightwilliamsburg.org. For more information, call 757-258-5153.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-275-4934.
Purchase buttons at:
Amory Music (Shops at Five Forks)
Baskin-Robbins (Merchants Square)
Boyer’s Diamond Source (Lightfoot)
Chesapeake Payment Systems (New Town)
Ford’s Colony Community Services
Merle Norman Cosmetics & Gifts (Monticello Marketplace)
The Mole Hole (New Town & City Center at Oyster Point)
Old Towne Pharmacy
The UPS Store (Quarterpath Crossing)
Wild Birds Unlimited (Monticello Marketplace)
Williamsburg Drug Company
Williamsburg General Store
Wythe Candy Store
Hooker Bait and Tackle Shop (Toano)
Ben and Jerry’s (Riverwalk Landing)