Boston Harbor Fireworks on New Year's Eve

by Ruby

First Night Fireworks

Will I be able to view the midnight Boston Harbor Fireworks if I'm at the Boston Common? Thanks, Ruby

Susan's reply: Hi Ruby - Although the fireworks go fairly high up the air, I'm not sure how much you'll be able to see from Boston Common because of all of the tall buildings between the Common and the Harbor. If you want to view the fireworks from this area, go to the part of the Common with the highest elevation near the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Street, or even cross Beacon Street and walk over to the sidewalk next to the State House. Because of the tall buildings of the Financial District, you'll probably be able to see just the top of the display.

However...if you're on the Common, especially near the State House, you can easily walk down to the waterfront - probably only about a 10 minute walk, if you don't dawdle along the way (which I always do). Along the waterfront, you'll find lots of great viewing spots.

From the corner of the Common across from the State House (corner of Beacon and Park Streets), walk down Beacon Street toward the waterfront (i.e., away from the Common). Beacon Street becomes School Street, which you probably won't notice as the signs aren't that visible. Continue down Beacon/School Street (you'll pass the XV Beacon Hotel on your left and the Omni Parker House Hotel on your right) until you hit Washington Street, where School Street ends in front of King's Chapel. Depending on how you count, this is about 3-4 blocks from Boston Common. At Washington Street, turn left and walk a block to State Street. Turn right on State Street, walk past Faneuil Hall Marketplace (this is where I usually begin to dawdle) straight down toward the water. It's about 6-8 blocks, but they're very short. Cross over the Rose Kennedy Greenway and you'll be at Long Wharf, next to the New England Aquarium. There's a great plaza area behind the Aquarium if it's not too crowded, plus the Greenway itself is an excellent viewing spot.

To get back to the Common after the Fireworks, just reverse your path. There will be tons of people around, and lighting in this area is generally good.

Hope this helps! Have a great New Year's Eve!

Susan
Boston Discovery Guide

Boston Sightseeing Information and Neighborhood Map

Need the "big picture" of Boston neighborhood locations, and the top attractions in each one? Here's where you'll find it!

Click here to post comments.

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to First Night.

Back to Boston Tourism and Discovery Guide Home Page

Connect with Boston Discovery Guide

Boston Tourism Blog
Get the latest updates on Boston events, attraction discounts, and hotel specials as they happen. Best place to find up-to-date tips about things to do in Boston.

Boston Tourist Tips Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe for free to Boston Tourist Tips to learn about all the top events for the coming month, plus tips about discounts, seasonal information, and attractions.

Boston Travel Questions
Do you have Boston travel questions? Ask them here, and we'll answer.

Plan Your Trip to Boston

Cheap Flights to Boston
Where to find cheap flights to Boston Logan Airport, how to find best online deals and specials, and when to consider flying into an nearby airport.

Boston Hotels | Best Deals, Luxury Hotels, Boutique Hotels
Whether you want waterfront views, cheap rates, luxury, proximity to special events, top service, or a warm welcome for your pet, you can find Boston hotels to match your preferences.

Boston Discount Cards
Want to see Boston for half-price? Find out which discount cards give you the biggest savings.

Enjoy Your Boston Visit

Top Boston Attractions
Check out about Boston's must-see attractions, how to get discounts, and how to get there.

Boston's Biggest Events
Learn about festivals, holiday celebrations, parades, concerts, shows, kids activities, free movies, sports, and other fun things to do each month in Boston - plus where to find discounts, deals, and half-price tickets.

Boston Sightseeing Information and Neighborhood Map
Need the "big picture" of Boston neighborhood locations, and the top attractions in each one? Use our sightseeing map to learn where things are.

Boston Tours
Find all the fun ways to see Boston - the Freedom Trail (with or without costumed guides), movie tours, Duck Boat tours, Boston Harbor cruises, daytrips to Concord, Salem, and Plimouth Plantation - and much more!

Boston CruisePort Visitors

Cruises from Boston and Shore Excursion Information
Whether you're departing on a cruise from Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal or spending just a day here for a Port of Call shore excursion, you'll find all the information you need here.