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First Night on Boston's Waterfront

Dec 29, 2011

The BRA is proud to announce its continued support of First Night.  Thanks to the coordinating efforts and support of Mayor Menino, The Boston Harbor Association, and First Night Boston, special events and promotions are planned along Boston's waterfront for New Year's Eve.  Events will be held across the city beginning at 1 p.m. First Night 2012 buttons can be purchased for $18 at a number of locations, including Shaw's, Au Bon Pain, Tedeschi's, Boston Children's Museum, and the New England Aquarium. First Night button holders can enjoy the activities and promotions listed below on Boston's waterfront (note that refreshments are provided on a first-come, first served basis). Schedule of Events Fort Point Channel Information: Visitors can pick up a "passport" to New Year's Eve activities on Boston's waterfront at Waterfront Square in Atlantic Wharf, 280 Congress Street, from 10-11:30 a.m. before viewing the cyber art installation, "Vast Vistas", and outdoor winter art by students from Wentworth College.  Refreshments provided by Boston Properties. Norman B. Leventhal Boston Harbor Map Collection:  View original historic maps of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay from the Norman B. Leventhal Map Collection while enjoying hot chocolate, hot mulled cider, and Boston Harbor Hotel holiday cookies in the Magellan Gallery, Boston Harbor Hotel, Rowes Wharf from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Made in Fort Point:  Fort Point artist Hilary Law will lead art activities for children and adults from 10- 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Point Artists Community Store, 12 Farnsworth Street. Boston Harbor and the Environment: The Boston Harbor Association will sponsor story-telling about the environment and family-oriented activities at Independence Wharf's interior public space next to the HarborWalk, 470 Atlantic Avenue, from 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Free coloring books provided by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and refreshments provided by Cushman and Wakefield. Boston Clam Chowder: Sample Boston clam chowder at Smith & Wollensky's newest location on the Fort Point Channel.  Complimentary samples from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 294 Congress Street, Atlantic Wharf. First Night on the Rose Kennedy Greenway: From 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., enjoy educational programs, harbor island tours, and book signings at the Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.  At 4:30 p.m., view the "Lighthouse" art installation and video displays of goodgood Studio and New American Public Art, part of the "Winter Lights" series along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Maritime Museum:  Learn about Boston's maritime past at a one-of-a-kind pocket museum on Battery Wharf along the North End waterfront.  Ultimate hot chocolate bar and cookies provided by Fairmont Battery Wharf in the museum from 1 p.m. to  3 p.m. View the fireworks on Boston Harbor (open to First Night button holders and the general public):  First 275 guests will view the midnight fireworks on Boston Harbor.  Boarding begins at 10:30 p.m. from Gate C, Rowes Wharf, with departure at 11:30 p.m.  Boat will return at 12:30 a.m.  Hot chocolate available for purchase.  Sponsored by The Boston Harbor Association and Mass Bay Lines, with support by the BRA. Arts and Culture along the Waterfront: Atlantic Wharf, 280 Congress Street.  Cyber art installation, "Vast Vistas", and outdoor winter art by Wentworth College students. Boston Children's Museum, 300 Congress Street.  Free admission to First Night button holders from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with "Happy Noon Year" celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Institute of Contemporary Art, 100 Northern Avenue.  Free admission to First Night button holders from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Made in Fort Point, The FPAC Store, 12 Farnsworth Street.  Free art activities lead by Fort Point artist Hilary Law from 10- 11:30 a.m. New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf. Two-for-one admission to First Night button holders.  Ice sculptures on the Aquarium's Plaza. Rose Kennedy Greenway.  View the "Lighthouse" art installation and video display, part of the "Winter Lights" series along the Greenway, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Getting around the Waterfront: Free MBTA service from 8 p.m. until closing, with some extended service.  Discounted parking available at Gale International Parking lots across from the Moakley Courthouse and at Atlantic Wharf parking garage. Schedule of Events courtesy of Friends of Fort Point Channel

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