Celebrate First Night North in St. Johnsbury

Ring in 2026 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!

First Night North in St. Johnsbury. Photo credit: Catamount Arts

Now celebrating its 32nd year, First Night North is Vermont’s longest-running New Year’s Eve performance festival, and it remains one of the most beloved traditions in the Northeast Kingdom.

Presented by Catamount Arts in partnership with the First Night North Committee and an incredible network of community supporters, this town-wide celebration transforms St. Johnsbury into a lively, creative playground for all ages.

On Wednesday, December 31, more than 150 performers will take the stage across 75+ shows in a dozen venues throughout downtown St. Johnsbury. One button unlocks eight full hours of music, dance, theater, comedy, magic, storytelling, and hands-on fun, from 4 pm until midnight.

An Early Start for Families (and Anyone Who Loves Pancakes)

The festivities kick off at 4 pm with early-evening entertainment designed especially for families and younger audiences. Expect a joyful mix of:

Live music and dance
Comedy, juggling, and magic
Planetarium shows
The always-popular Family Fun Fair
A beloved pancake and sausage supper at St. Johnsbury School

It’s the kind of early-evening fun that lets kids fully participate in New Year’s Eve excitement, no midnight meltdown required.

Eight Hours. Endless Choices.

As the evening unfolds, First Night North becomes a choose-your-own adventure. Hop from venue to venue and sample as many performances as you like, from puppetry and vaudeville to hypnosis, tarot readings, marionettes, Highland dance, Reiki sessions, and even a gallery show at Catamount Arts.

Music lovers will be especially happy. This year’s lineup spans nearly every genre imaginable, including:

Bluegrass and folk
Jazz and blues
Celtic and R&B
Contemporary, classic rock, and beyond

You’ll hear everything from soloists and duets to choirs and full bands, with a mix of longtime First Night favorites and exciting new acts debuting this year.

Artist Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

While it’s impossible to see everything in one night, here are just a few standout performers to add to your must-see list:

Aden Marcotte & Siri Jolliffe
A dynamic Northeast Kingdom duo blending original music with pop and bluegrass covers. With Siri studying musical theater at Syracuse Stage and Aden honing his American Roots sound at Berklee, their performances are energetic, heartfelt, and full of chemistry.

Autumn Chamberlain
A rising singer-songwriter from the NEK with a warm, intimate sound rooted in piano pop and acoustic storytelling. Her music feels both personal and polished, with lyrics that linger long after the last note.

Barry Hayes
A familiar face to St. Johnsbury audiences, Barry brings the timeless music of Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver, the Eagles, and the Beatles to life, drawing on decades of experience with the St. Johnsbury Players.

Bob & Sarah Amos (with Band)
This father-daughter duo has earned national acclaim for their “heavenly harmonies” and powerful songwriting. Joined by a stellar group of New England musicians, their set ranges from tender ballads to bluesy bluegrass that fills the room.

Footworks
High-energy Celtic music inspired by Cape Breton traditions, featuring fiery fiddling, driving rhythms, and an infectious sense of joy that makes it nearly impossible to sit still.

Islay Mist Céilidh
Toe-tapping Scottish and Celtic tunes designed for community connection, hand-clapping, and shared smiles.

Michael Hahn Trio
A richly layered blend of Americana, blues, rock, and original songs performed by seasoned musicians with deep Vermont roots.

Food, Glorious Food

You won’t go hungry at First Night North. Venues and food trucks up and down Main Street will be serving everything from full meals to sweet treats, including:

Maria’s Kusina, offering Filipino favorites like pork adobo, empanadas, spring rolls, and cassava cake
Hilltop Soup Lady with hearty soups, homemade rolls, and desserts
VinDogs food truck serving fresh donuts
The classic maple pancake and sausage supper is by donation at St. Johnsbury School

Indoor and outdoor options make it easy to refuel between shows.

To help you make the most of the night, RCT electric buses will provide free shuttle service between venues. You can flag them down anywhere along the route, making it easy to explore without worrying about parking or icy sidewalks.

A Community Celebration with a Big Heart

First Night North is powered by volunteers, local businesses, artists, and organizations, and it truly feels like a community coming together to celebrate the New Year.

New this year, thanks to generous sponsors, students under 18 attend for FREE, making the festival more accessible than ever. Volunteers also receive free admission in exchange for a two-hour shift.

Midnight Magic on Main Street

As the clock nears midnight, the entire celebration gathers outdoors for one of the most joyful traditions of the night.

At 11:40 pm, head to Main Street for the community dance party, complete with glowing ribbons, festive outfits, and kid-friendly dance hits spun by DJ Will Miller. The night culminates with the raising of the First Night North Ball of Light and a collective countdown to welcome 2026 together.

Dress warmly, bring your sparkle, and don’t be shy about those extravagant mittens.

Buttons, Prices & How to Attend

One button gives you access to all performances and activities from 4 pm to midnight.

Button Prices

December 1–24: Adults $25
December 25–31: Adults $30
Students under 18: FREE
Sponsor Buttons: $75 (covers admission + three student buttons)

Buttons go on sale December 1 and can be purchased through Catamount Arts. On New Year’s Eve, buttons will be available at Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury School, and the Main Street Information Booth.

Start the New Year the Vermont Way

First Night North isn’t just an event. It’s a reminder of what makes Vermont special: creativity, community, generosity, and a shared love of gathering together, even on the coldest nights of the year.

If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve that feels warm, welcoming, and wonderfully unforgettable, St. Johnsbury is the place to be. 🎉

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.