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Visitors To Ring In 2016 With Free First Night Boston Events

BOSTON (CBS) – There won't be any of the signature buttons at this year's First Night in Boston. But there will still be plenty of celebrating as thousands are expected to ring in the new year around the city.

There have been some changes for this year's New Year's Eve and New Year's Day festivities.

Read: First Night and First Day Schedule

While the event has been scaled down slightly, one change will make it easier for the entire family to celebrate 2016 together.

Instead of having to purchase buttons for entry into events, all First Night and First Day activities will be free and open to the public.

The majority of this year's events will be concentrated around Copley Square and Boston Common.

A viewing party scheduled in Copley Square for the Bruins versus Canadiens Winter Classic game on New Year's Day was canceled due to a dispute over viewing rights.

First Night Fireworks
First Night 2014 fireworks over Boston. (WBZ-TV)

As is the case each year, a pair of fireworks displays will be among the First Night highlights.

The first fireworks will be lit at 7 p.m., with another set lighting up the sky at midnight.

The earlier fireworks can be viewed from Boston Common while the later show is being shot off from Boston Inner Harbor.

In addition to the fireworks and Frog Pond Skating Spectaular scheduled for 6 p.m., there will also be various other performances throughout the city on both days.

WBZ is a proud sponsor of First Night and First Day Boston.

For more information, visit the First Night website.

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