Late last year, when First Night Westport announced it was unable to continue after 20-plus years, the Westport Historical Society stepped into the breach. On short notice, it sponsored family-friendly New Year’s Eve fun.
The past year brought a change. The WHS is now known as the Westport Museum for History and Culture. But once again, they’re hosting a New Year’s Eve event.
The 2nd annual First Light Festival includes horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, a warming fire, live music by Verbatim, games, “Office” episodes and short films (with popcorn and cocoa), ballroom dancing, stargazing with the Westport Astronomy Club, tarot reading and henna tattoos.

Last year’s horse-drawn sleigh ride.
Sites include Wheeler House (the Museum’s home), Veterans Green, Christ & Holy Trinity Church and Toquet Hall.
Buttons are $10 online (click here), $15 at the door. There is no charge for children 2 years old and under. For schedule, sites and more information, click here.
First Night Festival goers are welcome to park at 205/215 Main Street parking lot across from Veterans Green. Have a safe and Happy New Year.
This is very good of you Mickey–thank you!
Great! Hours? Went to the website but don’t appear to be listed there either.
5 to 10 pm. The schedule is here, though you have to look closely: https://westporthistory.org/firstlight/
This is all great, but no more fireworks??