Say Goodbye To 2020 – Safely & In Style

The time is finally here: bidding adieu to everyone’s least favorite year. 2020 has been difficult on all levels, so we all deserve to celebrate its departure – safely, of course. While the state’s holiday guidance calls for smaller or even virtual gatherings, Connecticut has many ways to welcome 2021 in style.

From virtual parties and dancing to festive feasts and special escapes, we’ve pulled some great safety-friendly ways to spend New Year’s Eve this year. Even better, the fun doesn’t just make your night great — it helps support beloved Connecticut businesses who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

As always, all businesses are working dilligently to prioritize safety and create enjoyable experiences during this time. Be sure to check with each location before making plans as hours and details may change due to COVID-19.

This year, First Night Hartford will be turning our 32nd annual New Year’s celebration into a robust television broadcast, Facebook and Youtube livestream, and live Zoom workshops. First Night Hartford 2021 will not be hosting any in-person events but will be embarking on the creation of an innovative virtual experience to be held on December 31, 2020. With the hope of bringing our communities safely together to ring in the new year, First Night Hartford will create a broadcast and livestream experience alongside dozens of community partners, artists, and a local video production company.

The First Night Hartford 2021 button is a great way to support First Night Hartford, and get to keep a piece of this year’s remarkable button design by Hartford-based graphic designer, Lindaluz Carrillo.

New for this year, the First Night Hartford Party Kit was created in collaboration with our friends at Hartford Prints! A fun way for the whole family to ring in the New Year! First Night Hartford’s Party Kit includes a coloring book, party masks, temporary tattoos, crayons, and an activity book with the following: word search, crossword puzzle, madlibs, connect the dots, maze, matching, and scavenger hunt.

Ski ‘Til Midnight & Parade Watch

Ski in the New Year at Ski Sundown with a torchlight parade a few minutes before the clock strikes 12 midnight; food and drink specials. Night lift tickets will be extended to six hours (6 p.m.-midnight) for no extra charge.

Order In!

Hartford From Home

TheaterWorks is providing a discounted streaming of “Christmas on the Rocks” when you pair it with a winter-themed meal from our participating Downtown restaurant partners: Vaughan’s Public House, Republic at the Linden, or Artichoke Basille Pizza.

The specially curated meals will come in holiday-themed packaging and will be available for pickup at the restaurant locations, so you can take them home for a special night in with loved ones.