Ring in 2025 at Vermont’s longest-running New Year’s Eve performance festival in St. Johnsbury, Vermont — put on by Catamount Arts, this year’s celebration promises to be bigger, better, and more spectacular than ever!
With more than 175 performers and 70 fantastic shows across 12 venues, this celebratory event offers family-friendly entertainment for nearly eight hours of merrymaking. It’s the perfect way to welcome 2025!
The festivities begin on Tuesday, December 31st, at 4 pm and run through midnight. And the best part? One button gives you access to all the fun.
Early Bird or Night Owl?
- Got little ones? Start your evening with early bird entertainment for all ages, including a Fun Fair at the St. Johnsbury School and free admission to the Fairbanks Museum,
- Up for the full ride? Enjoy eight hours of live performances, including storytelling, magic, comedy, and music across nearly every genre — from R&B to folk.
Featured Acts:
Fan favorites like Tritium Well, Marko the Magician, and Fairbanks Planetarium are back!
Plus, exciting new performers like Magdelene Miller’s Silk and Spice Belly Dance, and Zach Riot & the Ultraviolet’s punk-infused pop will keep you captivated.
This year, Catamount Arts partners with North Country Pride, NEK Rainbow Coalition, and others to debut the LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Arts Hub. Located at the Catamount Arts Center, this space will spotlight the creativity and expression of LGBTQIA+ artists and community members.
Fuel up for the festivities!
Food trucks, community centers, and local venues will offer everything from hearty dinners to sweet treats. Don’t miss the beloved pancake supper — a First Night North tradition!
Dance the Night Away!
The evening culminates in a spectacular community countdown, the raising of the First Night North Ball of Lights, and that epic midnight dance party.
Picture this: It’s 11:40 pm. Main Street is alive with energy. DJ Will Miller is spinning family-friendly hits. Kids are laughing, adults are grooving, and ribbons are flying through the air as the crowd dances together under the stars. It’s not just a party — it’s a community celebration to usher in the New Year.
The midnight dance party is a special way to ring out 2024 with your family, friends, and community.
Pro tip: Bring your glow sticks, fancy hats, or even your most extravagant mittens. The more festive your outfit, the better!
One Button = All the Fun
Your First Night Button is your all-access pass to eight hours of magic, music, comedy, dance, storytelling, and more. From bluegrass to belly dancing, Celtic tunes to circus arts, there’s something for everyone!
Button Prices:
- Dec 1–Dec 24: Adults $25 | Students $15
- Dec 25–Dec 31: Adults $30 | Students $20
- Sponsor Buttons: $50 (Thank you, sponsors!)
- Preschoolers attend for free!
Where to Buy:
- Online (until 2:30 PM on Dec 31)
- Catamount Arts, Eastern Avenue
- Info Booth on Main Street
- St. Johnsbury School, Western Avenue
Getting Around Made Easy
Hop on the RCT electric shuttles to zip between venues. Just flag one down along the route, and you’re good to go.
About Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury
For nearly 50 years, Catamount Arts has been making the arts a vital part of community life in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and beyond. What began as a traveling film presenter in 1975 has grown into a vibrant organization offering everything from films, live performances, and art exhibitions to summer camps, arts education, and community events.
Catamount Arts proudly produces the KCP Presents Performing Arts Series, the Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series, the EPIC Music Program for young string musicians, and, of course, First Night North — Vermont’s only family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve arts festival.
With over 45,000 attendees and $3 million in economic impact last year alone, Catamount Arts continues to inspire creativity, foster community connections, and make the arts accessible to all. Learn more about our mission and work at catamountarts.org.
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.