First, Night

Maddie LaRose (at right in above photo) helped New Haven ring in 2025 with face paint, as the city revived a ​“First Night”-style, family-friendly gathering.

The occasion was an inaugural ​“First Year, New Haven” event organized by the Proprietors of the Green, the self-perpetuating private club that owns New Haven’s central square. The New Year’s Eve event ran from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and featured a slide, said face-painting …

… a carousel …

… ice-sculpting by Matt Terzno (above), and live musical performances by local artists. The event mirrors ​“First Night” communal celebrations that have become a tradition in recent decades in cities like Northampton, Mass. New Haven tried to launch one in the early ​’90s in the Audubon district, but it didn’t last.

Over 800 people attended Wednesday’s event, with 33 people involved in programming, according to New Haven Green Manager of Public Programs and Activation Angel Dahfay.

Here’s to a vibrant, happy 2025 in New Haven — and to hoping this ​“First Night” iteration takes hold!