From St Petersburg, FL, to Tacoma, WA, to Buffalo, NY, First Night celebrations in major cities offer fun and festivities to families across the United States. Attending First Night Celebrations near you can help you plan sober New Year’s Eve activities. Some events have gone virtual in recognition of a post-COVID world. At Red Oak Recovery^® in Asheville, NC, we offer addiction treatment programs to help you find your way back to sobriety for sober New Year’s for the rest of your life. Contact us today at 866.457.7590 for more information about your treatment options.

First Night History

That tradition started in Boston in 1975, where the city-sponsored New Year’s Eve celebrations that included artistic performances and events designed to celebrate the new year. In 2021, many First Night celebrations will go virtual due to the pandemic. Concerts and other events will appear on Telemundo Boston, NBC Boston, and NECN to keep the tradition alive.

In a typical year, crowds gather in the Back Bay and Copley Square to enjoy attractions and entertainment. These events present an excellent opportunity for those in recovery to remain sober without sacrificing a good time on the first day of the rest of the year. To prepare for the turn of the year, you can announce New Year’s resolutions online with the hashtag #Together21 noted in your posts.

Tampa First Night

Florida has numerous municipal parties, including First Night celebrations in St. Petersburg. Look for sober events with no alcoholic beverages where you can enjoy dance, music, and entertainment. Whether you plan to celebrate with a resolution bonfire or stay home and watch the festivities on TV, tuning into free events can help you keep your commitment to your recovery.

Ashville, NC, NYE Celebrations

Many organizations sponsor New Year’s Eve celebrations in Asheville. Look for events sponsored by Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or other groups that ally with citizens in recovery. If you love the plan parties, create a fun theme night for friends who enjoy without drinking or using drugs. Let your guests know what you expect of them in terms of arriving sober and dressing up to match the evening’s theme.

In the best post-pandemic tradition, you could also take your event online. Challenge friends to create the best mocktails or alcohol-free champagne alternatives to toast in the new year.

Online First Night Events

The great thing about virtual events is that you can attend them no matter where they are held. First Night Hartford 2021 Is just one of many celebrations that have announced that it will go virtual until the pandemic is under control.

Zoom, YouTube, and social media are all great places to look for watch parties and other events to stay connected while staying sober.

Tips for Staying Sober for First Night

If you are attending events in person, find out the alcohol policy before heading out. Avoid bars and other venues where liquor is readily available. Find a reliable men’s addiction treatment program and follow the advice below.

Here are some other tips for staying sober on First Night and every night of the year:

• Find a sober buddy or buddies to help you stay strong and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Instead of party hopping, choose one venue, stick to it, and come home immediately after midnight or before.
• Remember the meaning behind the celebration. Use some of the tools learned in recovery to reflect on what First Night means to you. Journal, plan ahead for the New Year, or reflect on the highlights of the past year.
• Don’t put more strain and pressure on yourself than needed. Stress and anxiety can trigger a relapse and ruin your intentions.

Seek Addiction Recovery at Red Oak Recovery^®

However you celebrate First Night, you don’t have to wait for New Year’s Eve to get the help you need to recover your sobriety for a lifetime. At Red Oak Recovery^® in Asheville, NC, our youth addiction treatment program and holistic healing programs are designed to help clients recover from substance use disorders and learn new tools for clean living. Contact Red Oak Recovery^® today at 866.457.7590 to learn more.