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City Celebrates New Bedford
December 31, 2025 @ 5:00 pm
Downtown New Bedford is hopping on New Year’s Eve with activities for all ages.
Bring the family to enjoy live entertainment and hands-on activities. All main events are free, though some places may offer extra options for a small fee.
The night wraps up with a fireworks show over New Bedford Harbor, visible from many spots downtown.
Event Lineup:
- Toe Jam Puppet Band, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Whaling Museum
- Dance Party with DJ Gazelle, 5–7 p.m. at The Vault
- Cirque de Light, 5–7:30 p.m. at Custom House Square
- Stitch Meet & Greet, 5–7:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center
- Buttonwood Brass Band, 6–10 p.m. at 222 Union
- Fireworks, 8 p.m. at New Bedford Harbor. The best view is from Union Street.
Local restaurants will be open, and you’ll find food trucks at Carter’s Clothing and the YMCA parking lots.
- The Pionono #1: Puerto Rican cuisine
- Cup of Jo’s Coffee at the YMCA
- Berry Sweets: chocolate-covered strawberries
- Adobo Republic: modern Filipino cuisine
- GG’s Pretzels: fresh-baked soft pretzels
- The Melting Spot: gourmet grilled cheese
Restrooms are available at each venue, and portable toilets at Union and Water streets.
Free parking at the Elm Street and Zeiterion garages, as well as the YMCA lot (enter from South 2nd Street).
A full schedule and event details is available at Explore New Bedford.
