Ring in the New Year with Music, Magic & Midnight by the Sea

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Rockport, MA — December 2025 — Rockport’s beloved New Year’s Eve celebration returns on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, transforming downtown Rockport into a lively, walkable festival of music, art, and family fun from 4:00 PM through midnight. Now in its 28th year, Rockport New Year’s Eve is a joyful, all-ages celebration rooted in the arts, offering an unforgettable way to welcome the New Year without big crowds, traffic, or a price tag of big-city events.

Set against Rockport’s iconic seaside village, festivities unfold across multiple downtown venues, all within easy strolling distance. Concert halls, restaurants, churches, and community spaces will host an eclectic lineup of live performances spanning jazz, soul, rhythm & blues, rock ’n roll, reggae, folk, roots, Celtic, and more, ensuring something for every musical taste.

Families will find plenty to love, including children’s entertainment and hands-on activities, capped off by the newly-popular Kids’ Parasol Parade at 6:00 PM—a colorful, high-spirited tradition that delights young and old alike.

Performance Highlights: Rockport New Year’s Eve 2025 features an exciting mix of returning favorites and fresh talent. Audiences will enjoy performances by The RPS Band, Jim ’n Tonic, Henri Smith & Friends, Squeezebox Stompers, Jambalaya Horns, and The Boston Rovers, alongside special appearances by The Clements Brothers, making their Rockport New Year’s Eve debut this year.

As the night builds, revelers can enjoy food and drink offerings, gather with friends and neighbors, and count down together at the festive midnight ball drop, a signature moment that captures the heart and spirit of Rockport. To make getting around easy, all venues are clustered downtown, and CATA trolleys will circulate between parking areas and downtown throughout the evening.

Admittance buttons, which provide access to all performances are $25 for adults, for youth ages 13-18 cost is $10, children under 12 are free! RNYE Buttons are available online and at Bean & Leaf Café, John Tarr Store, Rocky’s ACE Hardware, The Paper Mermaid, Tuck’s Candy, and Walgreens. Full schedules, performer listings and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.rockportnye.org.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, Rockport New Year’s Eve 2025 offers a warm, vibrant, and distinctly Cape Ann way to celebrate the arts—and step into the New Year together!

Event Details immediately
December 31, 2025
4:00 PM – Midnight
Downtown Rockport, MA
www.rockportnye.org

For media inquiries, please contact: Elizabeth Carey at elizcarey13@gmail.com

About Rockport New Year's Eve: Rockport New Year's Eve is an annual celebration of the arts that has been a cherished tradition in Rockport, MA, for years. This beloved event showcases a diverse array of performances and activities, uniting the community in a celebration of creativity and talent on the cusp of a new year. For more information, visit rnye.org.