Celebrate New Year's Eve outdoors and online
Dec. 22, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti
New Year's Eve fireworks viewed from the State House. File photo courtesy of Heney Realtors
Editor’s note: This post was updated on Dec. 31
Although there are no public celebrations in Waterbury for New Year’s Eve, there are several in-person and virtual events in Vermont that you might want to check out.
MONTPELIER
The New Year's Eve fireworks show returns to Montpelier after a five-year hiatus. Montpelier Alive announced that the show will launch at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31. Fireworks will be visible throughout Montpelier, including from downtown and from the State House lawn, organizers said.
“After a challenging year, we felt that our community needed a safe, family-friendly celebration,” said Montpelier Alive Executive Director Dan Groberg. “We can’t wait to send 2021 off with a bang and look toward a healthy and prosperous 2022.”
The presentation is sponsored by Heney Realtors. More information on holiday events in Montpelier is online at montpelieralive.org/holidays.
St. Johnsbury
A last-minute decision just days ago due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases prompted organizers of New Year’s Even events to shift to a free, live online First Night North with more than 30 acts scheduled to perform. Details are online at Catamount Arts.
Burlington
The New Year's Eve celebration is called Highlight these days and organizers there have pivoted to move all indoor events either outdoors or online (or even a hybrid combination).
In announcing the changes to the lineup and presentations a few days ago, event organizers cited the Omicron COVID-19 surge and a dedication to local artists, performers, etc. to move ahead with festivities with public health in mind:
“Change was always part of the plan, and we are so excited that we can still celebrate together safely by doubling down on our outdoor offerings. We’ve consolidated our in-person programming to two amazing outdoor stages—at BCA Studios and Waterfront Park—packed with a full day of music, comedy, stories, dancing, and so much more. Some indoor events are moving online to join our previously scheduled virtual happenings. A few events will just have to happen next year.
We’ll be livestreaming the big-stage goings-on all day, so those at home will still be right there with us.
Keeping our community healthy, our healthcare workers safe, and our schools and businesses open is our paramount concern, so this change is essential to welcome 2022 responsibly. We also want to keep supporting as many artists as possible in this continuously challenging time for performers.”
The two performance venues are at Burlington City Arts Studios at 405 Pine Street and at Waterfront Park. The daylong schedule starts at 11 a.m. with music, art, a circus performance, a bonfire and fireworks at 8 p.m. Coordinated by Burlington City Arts and Signal Kitchen, find the details online at highlight.community. There is a modest charge for events - $10 for online access, $15 for both online and in-person/outdoor events. Fireworks are free of course.