Don’t let the cold keep you indoors this New Year’s weekend. There are many events worth checking out in the Upper Valley including dances, live music and ice skating. We’ve compiled a list of activities taking place, and many are family friendly.
Did we miss an event? Email updates and additions to calendar@vnews.com.
Thursday
“Read in the New Year” Party in Enfield
2 p.m.
Enfield Public Library, 23 Main St.
Celebrate the new year with stories, songs, crafts and refreshments. All ages welcome. Free. RSVP suggested. 603-632-7145.
Friday
Solstice Hike in Lyme
1:30-4:00 p.m.
Lyme Hill Conservation Area, Route 10.
Celebrate the returning daylight and the coming of the new year with an afternoon hike up Lyme Hill with the Upper Valley Land Trust. The hike is 2-3 miles round trip with decent elevation gain to the summit along a rolling trail. End the hike by the campfire with a treat and a warm drink. Child- and (leashed) dog-friendly. Free. Note: Trail conditions will likely be snowy and/or icy, so consider bringing snowshoes or traction aids to help with the footing. Dress in layers and bring water to drink. 603-643-6626.
Sunday
International Hour of Peace Observance in Hartland
6:45 a.m.
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Hartland, 8 Brownsville Road.
A gathering in support of peace for the world. Bring a poem, a song, inspirational words of peace and a potluck dish for afterward. Free. 802-436-2592.
Fire Ceremony in Springfield, Vt.
10-11 a.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church, 21 Fairground Road.
The Fire Ceremony is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and let go of regrets and pain by writing these on bit of paper and burning them away in the burning bowl. Participants will then write down their hopes, expectations and intentions for the new year. These will be sealed in self-addressed envelopes and mailed back to the writers near the end of the next year. The ceremony is led by JoAnn Gaffron-Hargrove. Free. 802-885-3327.
New Year’s Eve Concert in White River Junction
4 p.m.
Briggs Opera House, 58 North Main St.
Enfield-native singer-songwriter Brooks Hubbard returns to the Upper Valley with his band for a family-friendly show of country-inflected rock. Price $20 in advance, $25 at door, plus $5 for spectators bringing own alcohol. To reserve seats, call 800-622-1124.
New Year’s Eve Meditation and Potluck Dinner in Norwich
5-9 p.m.
St Barnabas Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 262 S. Main St.
Sitting and walking meditation will be followed by a potluck meal. Attend both events, or only the dinner. Meditation is at 5 p.m.; dinner will start at 6:10. The meal is vegetarian; drinks are non-alcoholic. Families invited. Free. RSVP to joan27jaffe@gmail.com. 603-277-9318.
Sober Holiday Rides Initiative
5-11:59 p.m.
Various locations surrounding Woodstock
Get a safe ride home on New Year’s Eve and avoid driving under the influence. Sabbeth Law, of Woodstock, is paying for safe, sober rides home during the holidays for people in Vermont and New Hampshire. Riders can call a taxi, Uber, Lyft or similar ride service and mail the receipt to Sabbeth Law. The firm will reimburse the expense. The ride can be anywhere in the states of Vermont or New Hampshire (certain requirements apply). 802-457-1112.
New Year’s Eve Contra Dance in Norwich
8 p.m.
Tracy Hall, 300 Main St.
Wear celebratory dance clothes and dance to live music by local band Cuckoo’s Nest. Tony Parkes will coach and call. No partner or experience necessary. Regular dance starts at 8 p.m., but newcomers may arrive at 7:45 for a walk-through. A special celebration takes place at midnight. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Potluck snacks at the break; bring finger food to share. Admission $15, students $9; under 16 free. Additional contributions are welcome to help support this dance series in 2018. Event is sponsored by Muskeg Music; more info at uvdm.org.
New Year’s Eve Dance in West Lebanon
7 p.m.-1 a.m.
Fireside Inn & Suites, 25 Airport Road.
The Conniption Fits set the retro rockin’ rhythm on on the theme of “It’s Eighties Prom Night.” Includes photo booth. Open to ages 21 and older. $25-$135. For reservations, more information call Fireside Inn at 603-298-5900.
New Year’s Eve Dance in Hanover
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Skinny Pancake, Lebanon Street.
Funk-rock band Toast performs its last concert under that name, announces new name. Free admission. Ages 21 and older.
Howe Library New Year’s Celebration in Hanover
2-4 p.m.
Howe Library, 13 South St.
Make New Year’s Eve resolutions and party favors. No registration required; drop in anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. All ages welcome. Free. 603-643-4120.
New Year’s Eve Public Skate in White River Junction
4-6 p.m.
Wendell A. Barwood Arena, 45 Highland Ave.
Music, snacks and other goodies. Skate rentals available. $5. 802-295-5036.
First Night Activities in Claremont
6 p.m.
Various locations around town.
Caroling, bowling, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice skating, theater presentations, games and more. Fireworks at 10 p.m. at Arrowhead Recreation Area. Admission $1. For a schedule of activities, visit facebook.com/claremontfirstnight. 603-542-7026.
