Community Corner

New Year's Eve: What Are Your Plans?

There are plenty of activities right in our back yard this New Year's Eve that are importantly open to those who make up their minds at the last minute.

The crowds and bustle of Boston's First Night are not for everyone and neither is staying home to ring in the new year.

What is a person to do? The area is brimming with options for those wishing to stay close to home as they ring in the new year.

You can take in some comedy at the Amazing Things Art Center. Tickets are $30 for non-members will get you a comedy show that features headliner Joe Wong.

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Wong has roasted Vice President Joe Biden at the Radio and TV Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C., and been named Boston's "Comedian of the Year" while also winning the Great American Comedy Festival. The festivities start at 8 p.m.

Planning on being completely last minute? Hate cover charges? The British Beer Company in Framingham has live music from Element 78 that starts at 9 p.m. and no cover charge.

Find out what's happening in Marlboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you are looking for something with the variety of a first night while still avoiding the crowds of Boston, look no further than Worcester's First Night. The event is being reworked this year, with Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray taking reigns as the grand marshal of the first night procession.

There are numerous events for families, performances at Mechanics Hall and Worcester Native and actress Alicia Witt to perform live music at Mechanics Hall. We have heard that Ben Folds will be accompanying her on the bass.

Many of the events are covered by the purchase of a first night bracelet while others cost extra. It offers a broad range of activities, including family-friendly ones, while avoiding the worst of the hustle and bustle of larger first nights.

Natick's Kids Connect will be hosting their Family New Year’s Party from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Morse Institute Library in Natick. The event features children’s crafts, storytelling, snacks, face painting, music and more. Kids Connect can be called at 508-652-4211 for more info.

Looking to get some dancing in? The Fairs 'n Squares square dancing organization will be throwing a dance in Scott Hall at the First Parish Church in Framingham. The dance begins at 9:30 p.m. and goes through 12:30 a.m. There is no advanced reservation required for this, although tickets are $10 at the door.


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