First Night Chatham is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the Arts, with entertainment and activities for children and adults all day from noon until the fireworks celebrated on New Years eve Wednesday December 31st
December 31st, 2024 will be First Night Chatham’s 35th New Year’s Eve celebration. Festivities will start with the Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse at Noon, with both indoor and outdoor performances and activities, reaching a peak of noise and awe with the Noise Parade and Veterans Field Fireworks, and more performances until finishing at 10 PM.
Book a last minute Chatham hotel for New years
Adult buttons (age 17 and up) are $30.00
Children’s buttons (ages 3-16) are $5.00
Children 2 and under: Free
✨ Signature Traditions (No Button Required)
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Town Photo (Noon): Kick off the day at the Chatham Lighthouse for the massive annual group photo.
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Carnival Caper (3:00 PM): A quirky, costumed road race starting at the Chatham Squire. Registration/judging begins at 2:00 PM.
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Noise Parade (6:00 PM): Gather at Main and Cross Streets to march through town with noisemakers.
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Veterans Field Fireworks (6:30 PM): The main display at dusk—bring a flashlight and warm layers!
🧸 Family & Kids’ Favorites
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Cirque du Jour: High-energy circus acts, including aerialists and wire walkers at the Monomoy Middle School (1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM).
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Bubble Wrap Stomp: A chaotic and fun favorite for kids (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Community Center).
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Toe Jam Puppet Band: The “Ultimate Kids Variety Show” (1:00 PM & 2:00 PM).
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Brewster Bayside Skippers: High-speed, award-winning jump rope demonstrations (1:00 PM & 2:00 PM).
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Family Fun Center: 9-hole miniature golf, giant Legos, and carnival games (12:30 PM – 5:30 PM).
🎶 Musical Performances & Entertainment
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Tony Bennett Duets: A tribute featuring American Songbook classics at the Methodist Church (5:00 PM).
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Suede: A blend of Adele and Diana Krall at the Congregational Church (Afternoon).
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The Clancy Tradition: Classic Irish music at Holy Redeemer Church (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
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All Worn Out Jug Band: Folk, blues, and gospel at the UU Meeting House (7:00 PM & 8:00 PM).
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Natalia Bonfini: Blues and rock singer-songwriter at the Orpheum Theater (8:00 PM & 9:00 PM).
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Cape Cod Sax Trio: Catch them parading and performing funk/jazz along Main Street (1:15 PM – 2:30 PM).
🎨 Cultural & Unique Activities
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Chatham Railroad Museum: Special opening with model trains and a historic button exhibit (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
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Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia: Test your local knowledge and win prizes at the Community Center (7:00 PM).
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Tanglewood Marionettes: A beautiful performance of “Cinderella” (Afternoon).
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Luminous Being: A multisensory violin and art performance at the Orpheum Theater (6:00 PM).
💡 Pro-Tips for Your Post:
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The “Button”: Remind followers that while outdoor events like the fireworks and parade are free, most indoor performances require a First Night Chatham Button.
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Shuttle Service: Mention the free shuttle from Monomoy Middle School to Main Street (Noon to 10:30 PM) to avoid parking headaches.
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Dress Code: Emphasize “rain or shine” and the importance of layers!