Get ready to start the new year with a fresh look at the Encore Boston Harbor salon. Every pampering service is available by appointment, including manicure/pedicure sessions with signature Dazzle Dry polish; Bellami hair extensions for extra volume and pizzazz; cut-and-blowout packages for long-lasting results; and hair styling for everything from going-out looks to special occasion updos. Men can luxuriate in barber services like hot towel shaves and beard trims, to accompany their partners for the ultimate self-care session. Beyond the maintenance pampering, Encore Salon offers special occasion makeup sessions befitting a New Year’s Eve outing.

Get avant-garde with the NYE itinerary at The Brattle, Boston’s centennial one-screen theater. STOP MAKING SENSE is a gripping recount of The Talking Heads at the height of their fame, set in one of Hollywood’s many golden ages for that star-powered flavor. As the show is back “by popular demand,” expect a lively soundtrack and vintage footage that smacks of a revolutionary yet unusual time in music history. 

Brazen and lively, the showing takes place at 9 p.m. on Sunday, December 31 at Brattle Hall.

Boston Baroque is transporting its guests into an auditory heaven for its New Year’s Eve performance as the first permanent baroque orchestra in North America, Boston Baroque evokes time-stamped pieces that have appeared in major motion pictures and across over 55 countries through its streaming service.

While the entirety of First Night constitutes a visit, the First Night ice sculptures are a charming catch-as-catch-can for all ages to enjoy. These delicate creations are erected on New Year’s afternoon and only exist for a limited time, with over 30 sculptures on full display for oohing and ahhing. Each one represents a famous Boston landmark, and the annual stroll is necessary to see every sculpture in its glory.

Hours are between 1–5 p.m. on December 31. For ease of moving around, use an interactive map to locate each sculpture — and to leave enough time for photo ops with the family.

If hitting the town isn’t on the agenda, enjoy a local treat with a yoga class courtesy of Soma Yoga. A guided ceremony with mantras and breathwork practice is sure to relieve any leftover holiday tension, followed by a crystal bowl sound bath to end the practice will leave guests feeling restored, relaxed and ready to take on 2024 with renowned vigor. This two-hour session precedes other NYE events on the last Sunday of the year.

This class takes place from 4:30–6:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 31. Reservations are required.

Stone Zoo is featuring its annual ZooLights extravaganza through the year’s end. Combining the allure of exotic animal exhibits with the timeless enjoyment of holiday lights displays, every square foot brings cheer to carry on the winter season. For an exclusive event, holiday and birthday party rentals are available with stacked add-on amenities for the best bash ever, including fire pits, s’mores kits and caricature artists.

Looking for an exclusive view of the midnight fireworks show? A yacht party might just be the answer. Take a Northern Lights boat out on the water after sunset to enjoy an NYE celebration  in the company of other stylish partygoers. Each tour takes roughly three hours, and marks a picturesque ending to 2023 with loved ones and friends in tow. For an added twist, live music during the fireworks show invites guests to dance and snap pictures to commemorate an unforgettable evening.

Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are available on deck for yacht guests, with champagne available for an additional fee.