First Night tradition ‘illuminates’ Scranton again

It all started in 1976 when a group of Boston artists wanted to join neighboring communities of the city in a unique celebration honoring the New Year. They had no idea their vision would soon become one of the greatest New Year’s Eve traditions this country has ever known. Focused on creating a broader and deeper public appreciation for the visual and performing arts, the original First Night provided a cultural alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve parties.

An innovative, diverse, high quality and affordable New Year’s Eve program, First Night offers a fun, multicultural experience to the community that is accessible to all. The absence of public drinking, combined with creative fun, continues to be the key to its success.

Since the original 1976 celebration, more than 157 communities have joined the annual party, making it a global tradition. Cities across the United States, Canada, England and New Zealand currently hold First Night festivities. Scranton is the 16th city in Pennsylvania to join the First Night team, and is one of the largest cities participating in the celebration. The fun and events will bring neighborhoods and individuals together to ring in the New Year and enjoy a family-oriented festival of the arts!

First Night^® Scranton is part of First Night International. Our mission is to broaden and deepen our community’s appreciation of the visual and performing arts.

It is a family-oriented, alcohol free, and diverse way to ring in the New Year that is accessible and affordable to all. A project of the non-profit organization Scranton Tomorrow, First Night^® Scranton is organized and run by volunteers from our community.

Join us for music, magic, and merriment in Downtown Scranton this New Year’s Eve! This year’s celebration highlights the architecture and landscape of our community’s center and continues to build on the tradition of celebrating the arts amid the beauty of the Downtown on New Year’s Eve.

Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to be entertained by more than 100 artists and performers at more than 20 unique venues where you wouldn’t usually expect to see singers and dancers, like in a bank lobby or a firehouse. 

Stay tuned to this website for all the latest information about performers, venues and special events!