The first night’s festivities in Worcester may be gone, and the pandemic has put the kibosh on fireworks and other community-wide celebrations. Still, there is a lot going on locally on New Years Eve.
From the Worcester Art Museum to the Worcester Common Oval, there is a range of offerings in the hours before midnight.
One option taken off the table is the Twiddle Show scheduled at the Worcester Palladium. The Vermont jam group said on social media on Wednesday that a member of their tour had tested positive for COVID-19. The New Year’s show has been moved to February 19.
The COVID-19 outbreak has led to changes in many events in the region. Those interested in attending any event this New Years Eve should check with the venue in advance.
“First Knight” at the Worcester Art Museum
The Worcester Art Museum, located at 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, will have its Art Cart in the Medieval Gallery on New Years Eve, with a presentation of “Hands-On Armor”.
This activity for all ages will explore questions of how an armor feels, its weight and comfort, and how it has been decorated. The presentations will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The activity is free with entry. General admission is $ 18, $ 14 for seniors and free for those 17 and under, and can be booked at https://portal.worcesterart.org/tickets/. The mask is compulsory for all visitors over 5 years old.
“Fire and Ice” at the EcoTarium
Start ringing New Years early at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, on December 31. At noon and 2 pm there will be a countdown for the kids and a ball drop with “fireworks” bubble wrap (and a fireworks photo background).
Families can also create a time capsule for their past year, add a 2022 resolution to the resolution wall, make some noise, participate in “Fire and Ice” educational programs, and more. Tickets cost $ 19 adults; $ 15 seniors; $ 14 children and students; free for children under 2; free for EcoTarium members.
Visitors are currently required to wear masks in the museum and near certain animals on site.
Public skating at the Worcester Ice Center
There will be a public skating and “Noon’s Eve” celebration from 11 am to 1 pm at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, 112 Harding St., Worcester.
The event is aimed at skaters of all skill levels and will feature lively music for skaters, as well as a countdown to 12 noon starting at 11:59 am Tickets are $ 10.
Winter Wonderland at Southwick Zoo
There is still time to attend the Winter Wonderland and Festival of Illumination at Southwick Zoo, 2 Southwick St., Mendon. This is a drive-thru event with a walking portion located outside the main zoo.
The festival will feature, according to the zoo, “over a million dazzling lights and enchanting festival lanterns.” The Winter Wonderland driving route includes a visit to the frozen forest where you can spot some magnificent fallow deer, and a Dr Seuss Whoville, where visitors can meet the Grinch.
Appointments for the driving event must be made online at htzoosudwick.com, and costs $ 60 per car.
Trichomes at Electric Haze
Things are going to get funky at Electric Haze as multi-genre cover band The Trichomes, from Newmarket, New Hampshire, headline a “New Years Extravaganza” starting at 7:00 p.m. at Electric Haze, 26 Millbury St., Worcester.
Other bands performing include Groover Cleveland and the Chops. The event will also include an art gallery showing by Apocpoet. Tickets are $ 12 in advance, $ 15 at the door.
Full of blues at the Bull Run restaurant
It’s hard to resist the full, upbeat boogie-woogie sound that Roomful of Blues offers, complete with howling horns and scorching piano tinkles.
Songs such as “Boogie Woogie Country Girl”, “Lower on Your List of Priorities” and “What Can I Do? Positively demand that the listener cut a rug, and honestly, it’s hard to think of a better way to celebrate the New Year than to do it cheerfully and dance.
The band will perform at 7:30 p.m. on December 31 at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road, Shirley. Dinner and a show cost $ 120.
Jimmy Cash at the BrickBox Theater
There’s no denying that Worcester’s own “Janitor With Stamina” Jimmy Cash has become one of New England’s hottest acts in comedy, on the heels of his viral YouTube video “Janitor’s Parade” and of a series of hilarious live performances.
If you think saying goodbye to 2021 – a year best described as “at least it wasn’t 2020” – is certainly a laughing matter, then it’s a good way to start 2022 with a laugh. “New Years Eve with Jimmy Cash” will begin at 8 p.m. on December 31 at the BrickBox Theater at JMAC, 20B Franklin St., Worcester. 25 $
Russo Brothers at Nick’s Bar
The Russo Brothers have long been one of Worcester’s favorite and most talented jazz artists. Therefore, spending New Years with them at a vintage themed party at Nick’s Bar and Restaurant, 124 Millbury St., Worcester, really sounds like a good time.
In keeping with the theme, “Mad Men” attire is encouraged. The cover charge is $ 15 and includes a champagne toast.
This article has been edited to reflect the postponement of the Twiddle concert.
