Andover New Year's Eve Events: 2021 Guide

ANDOVER, MA — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in Andover this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening right here in and around Andover:

Andover First Night Celebration

Friday, Dec. 31 at 3 p.m.
Downtown Andover
Hosted by the 375th Anniversary Committee. Attractions include live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, fireworks, a noise parade and more.
Learn more here.

Boston First Night

Friday, Dec. 31, performances beginning at noon
Fireworks at 7 p.m. and midnight
All around downtown Boston
Learn more here.

Salvatore's Riverwalk Lawrence New Year

Fri, Dec 31, 7 p.m.
Salvatore's Riverwalk Lawrence, 354 Merrimack Street, Lawrence
Learn more here.

Winterlights at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens

Saturday, Jan. 1, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, 153 Chickering Road, North Andover
Learn more here.

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Andover residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Massachusetts hit 1 million coronavirus cases Tuesday amid the omicron-fueled surge. The seven-day positive test rate was 11.08% Tuesday, up from 9.49% on Monday and 8.32% on Friday. It's the highest positive test rate since May 2020.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve safely.