Trying to decide whether to go dancing, do some karaoke, see a concert, or cuddle up in front of a movie this New Year’s Eve? Bring the whole family to First Night North St. Johnsbury, Vermont’s longest, continually-running New Year’s Eve performing arts festival!

First Night North transforms St. Johnsbury’s historic Main Street district into a veritable 'Whoville' of community cheer, as thousands of locals and visitors of all ages move between nearly 20 venues. Attendees can watch puppetry, magic, music, and juggling; get some wiggles out at the fun fair or the silent disco; steal a quiet moment at a Planetarium show or art exhibition; enjoy a tarot reading or Reiki treatment; and fuel up on cookies and empanadas before the Ball of Light community countdown and midnight dance party!

This year’s festival boasts over 150 performers in more than 75 shows for a full eight hours of all-ages, family-friendly entertainment including vaudeville, hypnotism, storytelling, comedy, and karoke. Enjoy Scottish dance, bellydance, modern dance, and folk dance, or dance to a vast array of musical genres including bluegrass, Celtic, jazz, Tibetan, blues, R&B, classic rock, pop, choral, and handbells.

The fun starts early with a range of activities across several venues starting promptly at 4, including a snake show, a strolling magician, Highland dance, an obstacle course, an a capella group, live Irish music, and the free pancake supper. Switch venues hourly, pausing to grab a hot chocolate, a doughnut, veggie spring rolls, bbq mac and cheese, or a cup of soup from one of the food vendors. Don’t worry: free shuttle service, provided by RCT, will run among venues for the full eight hours. Flag a bus down to catch a ride anywhere along the short venue loop.

Early bird admission buttons are on sale through December 24th (and make great holiday gifts). Thanks to generous community support, including the purchase of specially priced sponsor buttons, all students under the age of 18 attend First Night North free of charge (adult supervision required)!

First Night North is presented by Catamount Arts and the First Night North Committee in conjunction with a tireless team of community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and host venues. For more information about First Night North 2026, including the complete schedule of performances and how to purchase admission buttons, visit www.firstnightnorth.org or www.catamountarts.org, or call Catamount Arts at 802-748-2600.