First Night Chatham New Year Eve 2024-2025
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 Tuesday December 31st
December 31st, 2024 will be First Night Chatham’s 34th 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 12 and up) are $30.00
Children’s buttons (ages 3-11) are $5.00
Children 2 and under: Free
The First Night Chatham button is required for admission to almost all indoor performances and activities. Most outdoor activities, and a few indoor activities, are button-free. Also see list of all Button-Free activities.
Please note that all sales are final. There are no exchanges or refunds. Admission is not guaranteed, due to capacity limits.
Family friendly Highlights include
“Toe-tapping Snappy Hot Jazz”. 440 presents a rich harmonic blend of violin and clarinet which expands the gypsy jazz tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. At a time of year when there is a chill in the air outside, 440’s music provides the much needed treat of warmth and beauty through a jazz everyone likes. Featuring a compilation of danceable swing standards and captivating originals by the band influenced by gypsy jazz and Eastern European music.
Methodist Church at 3:00 PM
The All Worn Out Jug Band Was founded in Chatham in 2000 and has graced the stage of many of the Cape’s favorite venues. The Band delights audiences with an eclectic mix of American Roots music, including Jug Band Music in the style of Jim Kweskin and the Even Dozen Jug Band. Their performances also include songs from icons like Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, along with country, bluegrass, traditional and gospel offerings. Band members include Gregory Baird, Tim Dickey, Kevin Howard, Mary Loebig and Edmund Robinson.
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House at 7:00 PM
Unitarian Universalist Meeting House at 8:00 PM
Blue Skies ~ Irving Berlin: The Man & His Music
Join vocalist John Murelle and pianist Chris Morris for “Blue Skies” Irving Berlin–The Man and His Music. Irving Berlin was an innovator of popular songs during the first part of the 20th century. His hit songs, which everyone whistled and sang, highlighted the hip and chic urban life in New York City. Berlin dominated Broadway and the airwaves during this era. His songs defined the Tin Pan Alley sound and the ideals of America in much of his music.
Singer and historian, John Murelle, has been sharing his knowledge and musical performances with audiences throughout New England for years. His passion and understanding of the men and women who have created and shaped the American art form known as American Musical Theater is both engaging and enlightening. His singing harkens back to the golden age of musical theater when performers filled the space with a rich, vibrant sound.
St. Christopher’s Church at 1:00 PM
Natalia Bonfini
Natalia Bonfini is a blues and rock singer/songwriter born and raised in Eastham! She first picked up guitar at 7, musically inspired by her drummer father, and soon after was busking on Commercial Street in Provincetown. Those early years of street performing taught her how to quickly captivate any audience, no matter the stage.
Now a seasoned player, Natalia was an American Idol finalist, auditioning with The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post”, and finishing in the top 50 of over 100,000 contestants. She has since performed alongside tremendous national acts such as Allen Stone, Bruce Springsteen, David Cook, Crystal Bowersox, and Joe Lewis Walker. An award winning songwriter, her single “Before” won the New England Songwriters Competition and received honorable mention in SongDoor’s International Competition.
Backed by an incredible band who are all local to the Cape; world class guitarist Keb Hutchings, versatile drummer Dave Ellis, dynamic bassist Rich Hill, and maybe a few special guests, this is not one to miss!
Orpheum Theater at 8:00 PM
Orpheum Theater at 9:00 PM
Brewster Bayside Skippers
Our goal is to bring more attention to the incredible sport of Jump Rope! We will provide demonstrations of various events that the team competes in, and we will be doing some group routines where everyone works together to achieve the same goal. Anyone and everyone can jump rope, and audiences will be invited to participate at the end of each session!
Community Center Gym at 1:00 PM
Community Center Gym at 2:00 PM
Brown Dog Band
The Brown Dog Band consists of a cast of Cape Cod characters who collectively comprise hundreds of years experience playing Country, Western and Blues styles of music. Gathered together by drummer Dave Brown in 2023, the Band has released two albums of songs that range from old time blues to modern country. This year’s performance will feature selections from the two albums with phenomenal vocalist Leslie Gage backed by Jerry Doherty, Don Barry, Sam Gutter, and Michael Paolucci. Special guest will be local Chatham banjo master, Marvin Dolinger.
St. Martin’s Lodge at 1:00 PM
Bubble Wrap Stomp
A favorite activity of many parents, too! Watch the kids show joy as they break the bubbles and make lots of noise!
From 1PM until there’s no more bubble wrap to stomp.
Community Center Aerobics Room at 1:00 to 3:00 PM (Button-free)
Cape Cod Fiddlers
Playing Fiddle Together Since 1989! Widely known for their energetic fiddle performances and two recordings on CD, the Cape Cod Fiddlers draw their repertoire from the Irish, Scottish, Shetland Isles, Scandinavian, Cape Breton, French Canadian and American fiddle traditions. Providing music for concerts festivals, dances, wedding, and parties, this fiddle group has become a tradition and an integral part of the community on Cape Cod.
Methodist Church at 8:00 PM
Methodist Church at 9:00 PM
Cape Cod & Chatham Trivia, with Bill & Tilda Bystrom and Peter Gaines
Hosted by Bill and Tilda Bystrom with musical assistance from Peter Gaines, this event will give Cape Codders and Cape & Chatham want-to-be’s an opportunity to show off their knowledge of Cape Cod and Chatham, with the focus on the local community and Cape Cod in general.. It will also include trivia about the holiday season, and feature Peter Gaines doing “name that tune “on the piano.
This trivia event will consist of two 1/2 hour trivia sessions,with different questions for each session. People may participate in both sessions or only one depending on upon their preference. Prizes will be given out randomly so everyone has a chance to win. This is a family friendly event, already popular at Chatham Bars Inn, and now coming to First Night Chatham.
Community Center 2nd Floor at 7:00 PM (Button-free)
Cirque du Jour
Cirque du Jour is thrilled to return to First Night Chatham with an all-new circus spectacle that promises to dazzle audiences of all ages. This year’s show combines breathtaking aerial performances, astonishing wire walkers, captivating artistry of rola bola, awe inspiring hand-balancing, and, of course, no circus experience is complete without the lovable antics of everyone’s favorite clown, Bucky! Bursting with energy and humor, Bucky will take the stage and engage the audience with his playful charm and comedic routines, ensuring that laughter is a central part of the day’s festivities. As Ringmaster Billy says … We will see you at the Circus! Three performances this year.
Monomoy Middle School Large Gym at 1:00 PM
Monomoy Middle School Large Gym at 3:00 PM
Monomoy Middle School Large Gym at 5:00 PM
Public parking is available at
- Monomoy Regional Middle School (Crowell Road). This is the largest parking area. The free shuttle buses can get you where you want to go from there.
- Town Parking Lot (Main Street, behind the Orpheum Theater)
- Elementary School (Depot Road)
- Oyster Pond Parking Lot (Stage Harbor Rd)
- Chatham Community Center Parking Lot (Main Street, west of the rotary)
Food at Venues: Dining & Snacks
Map
Town Hall Parking Lot
Wicked Good Kettle Corn
Hours: Noon – 8 PM
Wicked Good Cape Cod Kettle Corn!!
Chatham Filling Station
Hours: Noon – 6 PM
Caprese, Cuban, Turkey and Figgy Paninis plus Soup and Coffee.
Junior Betts BBQ
Hours: Noon – 8 PM
Smoked BBQ meats, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Loaded Mac & Cheese, and Brisket Chili with Cornbread.
Map
The United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church Kitchen
Hours: Noon ’til the food runs out
Crock pots full of Stews and Chowder. Hot Chocolate and bottled water.
Map
Chatham Community Center – Outside
Mom & Pops Burgers
Hours: Noon – 8 PM
Food truck serving Burgers, Hotdogs, BLT Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese, Chili, Naked Fries and Beverages
Red River BBQ
Hours: Noon to 8 PM
Food truck serving Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with pickled Red Onion and Chips; Pulled Pork Sandwich with Carolina BBQ sauce on a Brioche Bun; Loaded Mac ‘n Cheese with Pulled Pork and Carolina BBQ sauce.
Press Ahead Coffee
Hours: Noon to 8 PM
Coffee, Tea (6 choices), Hot Chocolate, Espresso Shots, Lattes, Hot Cider, Muffins, Cookies and Breads.
Map
Chatham Elementary School Cafeteria
Branches Grill & Cafe
Hours: Noon – 8 PM
Pumpkin Beef Soup (GF), Hotdogs & Beans, Chicken Fingers, Jerk Wings, Rice & Peas (red beans & jasmine rice), Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Water, Soft Drinks, Root Beer & Hot Chocolate
Map
St Martin’s Lodge
St Martin’s Kitchen — Two Menus
From 12-3: Hotdogs with all the fixings, Chips, Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider
From 5-7: Hot Roast Beef Sandwiches, Clam Chowder, Chili, Chips, Hot Chocolate, Cider
Kids’ Menu: Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese
Map
Monomoy Middle School
You can take your food inside to the warm cafeteria
Veteran Lunch Box
Hours: Noon – 6 PM (outside)
Food truck serving Smash Burgers, Fried Tacos, Grilled Chicken, Hotdogs, Chicken Tenders, Walking Tacos, Macaroni & Cheese, Chili, BBQ Pulled Pork, Cheese French Fries and Nachos, Homemade Potato Chips, Fried Dough, Soft Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Water.
Encore
Hours: Noon – 6 PM (outside)
Food truck serving Indian Butter Chicken, Peruvian Chili, Turkish Lentils, Rainbow Noodles, Hometown Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Soft Pretzels w/Cheese, Cookies, Coffee, Cocoa, Cider.
Circus Treats
Hours: 12:30 – 6 PM (Inside)
Popcorn, Cotton Candy, and Beverages.
Map
Chatham Drama Guild
Drama Guild Snackbar
Hours: 1 – 10 PM
Snacks & Beverages.
