Spectacular fireworks and a light show from Copley Square were among the many highlights of First Night Boston, ringing in 2017.
For the first time in the history of Boston’s First Night New Year’s Eve festivities, NBC Boston’s Phil Lipof and Shannon Mulaire anchored for an unprecedented 6-1/2 hours of live coverage.
There were performances by local bands and "The Voice" contestant and Boston-native Courtney Harrell, while earlier in the evening there was a parade from Copley Square to Boston Common, which is where the Family Fireworks Show took place at 7 p.m.
Several NBC stars also played a part in Boston’s First Night festivities, including Phil Lipof’s interview with Jimmy Fallon, a performance by Harry Connick Jr, simple and easy New Year’s Day drinks and appetizers with Rachael Ray, and a check-in with Carson Daly live from Times Square.
Other NBC faces shared New Year messages with Boston viewers throughout the night, including Dylan Dreyer and Lester Holt. Plus viewers got a special behind the scenes sneak peak tour of the Today Show set with Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Dylan Dreyer.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh joined Lipof and Mulaire to talk about the history of Boston’s First Night celebrations and reflect on the city’s year.
"This city has been doing this for 40 years, and for 40 years, they've done a great job," Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said.
