(Credit: Bill Damon/Flickr)
BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) — Boston will celebrate the New Year with First Night celebrations throughout the city, beginning at noon Monday through midnight.
Highlights of the annual celebration include musical performances, ice sculptures, and the grand people's procession at 6 p.m. from Copley Square to Boston Common.
Organizers say that event-goers can also enjoy the family fireworks at seven on Boston Common and the midnight fireworks over the harbor.
All of the family-friendly events are free of charge to the public.
Boston Police are also ramping up security with extra staff on patrol in Copley and in the Back Bay.
Boston Police Commissioner William Gross -- is asking visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals. He also said public drinking and marijuana consumption are prohibited, as are weapons and drones.
He said it’s important as always -- for people to remember the “see something, say something” motto, take public transit and to stay sober -- especially behind the wheel.