New Bedford New Year’s Eve Celebration Promises Fireworks, Food, and Fun

As 2025 approaches, it’s time to finalize your New Year’s Eve plans, and downtown New Bedford offers a celebration you won’t want to miss.

Explore New Bedford and the City of New Bedford will present a free, family-friendly event packed with live music, entertainment, delicious food and an unforgettable fireworks display to ring in the new year.

Make your way downtown for an evening filled with excitement for all ages.

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Families with young children can kick off the night with the beloved Toe Jam Puppet Band at the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s Jacobs Family Gallery. Running from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., your family can let loose and have nonstop fun with silly songs and interactive dances.

For those who love to dance, DJ Gazelle’s Dance Party at The Vault Performing Arts Center & Pub from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is the place to be. Featuring LED characters, a surprise visit from Spider-Man and a free photo booth, this dance party is a great way to end the year.

If karaoke is more your style, DJ Fuzzy Slippaz will host an open karaoke stage on Union Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for singers and karaoke fanatics of all genres.

As night falls, the excitement ramps up with dazzling performances.

Cirque de Light will mesmerize audiences at Custom House Square with fire-spinning and choreographed routines from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Their electrifying displays are sure to captivate.

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Enjoy good music? There will be soulful, folk-inspired melodies performed by Likewise, I’m Sure at the Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, those seeking a sophisticated vibe can head to 222 Union Restaurant and Bar at New Bedford Harbor Hotel, where the Buttonwood Brass Band will perform a rich mix of jazz, classical, and American classics from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Pair the music with handcrafted cocktails and a special holiday menu for a truly elegant experience.

No celebration is complete without delicious food, and downtown New Bedford doesn’t disappoint.

A lineup of food trucks will be stationed throughout the area, offering a variety of options to satisfy every craving. In the Carter’s Clothing parking lot, you’ll find BBQ y Mas serving smoky barbecue, Fancheezical dishing out gooey grilled cheese, Piononos offering Puerto Rican flavors, and Uncle Joey’s Cannoli with their decadent desserts.

Meanwhile, the YMCA parking lot will host Berry Sweets for dessert lovers, Blount Clam Shack for seafood fans, Tandoor and Curry for Indian cuisine, and Adobe Republic for a taste of Mexican-inspired dishes.

Last, but not least, check out an awesome fireworks display over New Bedford Harbor at 8:30 p.m.. Union Street provides prime viewing spots, offering the perfect way to close out 2024 and welcome 2025 with joy and excitement.