If you're shopping for your dream home, you may have questions about homeowners insurance. It’s another expense of home ownership, so it’s logical to ask the question: Do you need homeowners insurance, and if so, when in the house buying process do you buy it?

Here's a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand when you need to get homeowners insurance.

Is Homeowners Insurance Required?

There's no law that requires home insurance. But mortgage lenders do require you to get home insurance coverage before they will agree to finance your home purchase. Home insurance protects the mortgage lender’s investment by providing the money to repair or rebuild the home if it is damaged or destroyed by a fire, a lightning storm, a tornado or some other covered event.

What Kind of Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?

There are many things to consider, but for starters, you will probably want a homeowners insurance policy which typically covers:

Your house: Homeowners insurance coverage can help pay to repair or rebuild your house and possibly other structures on your property, such as a detached garage or a storage shed, after damage from a covered loss.

Your stuff: Homeowners insurance can help pay to replace your possessions if they're damaged or destroyed by a covered loss.

A place to stay: Your homeowners insurance policy may include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage to help cover the cost of a hotel or other lodging while your home is being fixed or rebuilt.

Legal bills: If a guest slips on your walkway, you could be held liable. In this case, your homeowners insurance can help cover the related medical bills, your legal costs and potential court awards up to the dollar limit determined in the policy.

Generally, a typical homeowners policy does not include coverage for earthquakes or flood. Depending on the location of your home, your lender may require you to buy insurance that covers loss caused by earthquake or flood . And if you have valuable items that exceed the special dollar limits of your homeowners policy, such as an art collection or fine jewelry, you may want to purchase extra coverage, known as a Personal Articles Floater (PAF), for those items.

Is Hazard Insurance the Same as Homeowners Insurance?

Some mortgage lenders use the term "hazard insurance" to refer to the part of a homeowners insurance policy that covers the structure of the home. Even if the terminology seems a little confusing, simply put, this means the lender requires that you have homeowners insurance. The lender also may require you to have flood insurance or other coverage, depending on the location.

Lallis & Higgins Insurance allows you to customize your coverage to fit your unique needs. We'll help you understand the risks you face and get the coverage to help prepare you for the unexpected. Contact us.

Buying a new house is exciting, whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner. Going through open houses or viewing homes for sale with a real estate agent offers the chance to see what features you do and do not want in your new home. While finding your perfect new home and starting the buying process is thrilling, it can also be stressful. Worrying about price negotiations, home inspection and mortgage terms can dampen the excitement of buying a house.

Often overlooked in the long list of things to do before buying and moving into your new home is getting home insurance. Getting homeowners insurance before closing is an important step in the homebuying process and should be a priority.

When Do I Need to Get Homeowners Insurance?

In general, you purchase homeowners insurance before closing on the home. By securing the coverage you need before you even move into your new home, you safeguard your purchase from disaster. It is important to research various insurance policy options as they may offer different levels of coverage. Once you have found a policy that is best for you, check that it meets the requirements of your lender. Most financial institutions won’t fund a mortgage, or home equity lines of credit, without the home being insured. In fact, some lenders may require that you purchase extra coverage in addition to a basic homeowners policy.

After determining that your desired policy meets your lender’s requirements, you can purchase the insurance. This should be done sometime before you go to the meeting to officially close on your home. The insurance company will normally pre-approve the policy and then wait for your escrow/title company to send a request for Proof of Insurance when the final closing date is near. The insurance company will then email or fax the confirmation of coverage before the closing date.

Protecting Yourself and the Lender

Purchasing a homeowners insurance policy keeps your new home safe from disasters such as a burst pipe or fire. This safety net offers a clear advantage for the homeowner should an accident occur. Rather than paying out of pocket for expensive repairs, the insurance covers the cost of repairing any damage. Homeowners can relax knowing their home will be repaired and they can continue enjoying their investment.

Your lender enjoys similar protection from your home insurance. Having invested their money to help you buy your new home, your lender wants to know that their investment is safeguarded. Luckily, paying for your home insurance is usually made simple with an escrow account. This account is set up by your lender to hold funds for certain property expenses. Some of your monthly mortgage payment is put into your escrow account by your lender. They can then pay for your insurance costs and/or property taxes using the money in the account. Paying the premium on your behalf protects the lender by allowing them to verify that your home is covered. The escrow account also makes your life as a homeowner less stressful, as you pay one monthly payment to the lender rather than paying several different monthly, yearly or quarterly payments to various outlets.

Smart and Necessary

Purchasing an insurance policy is a smart move in protecting the incredible investment of a new house. In addition to covering repairs to your home, many policies offer some coverage for you and your family’s belongings. Basic homeowners policies usually include liability coverage to protect you against legal action if someone is hurt on your property. These lesser-known benefits of homeowners insurance increase the value of purchasing a policy.

Your lender’s required amount of coverage for your new home may not be clear. Each lender may differ in their insurance requirements, so it is important to understand exactly what coverage is needed. Additionally, there may be extra coverage options that are not required but are included in your homeowners insurance policy or offered optionally. If you have any questions about what is covered in your policy, speak with a trusted Wawanesa homeowners insurance agent by calling 1-877-WAWANESA (929-2637). Your agent can help you determine if you have enough coverage to meet the lender’s requirements.

Your HOA and Homeowners Insurance

If your new home is in a subdivision or planned community, you are likely required to pay a homeowners association fee. Also known as HOA fees, this money helps cover the upkeep and maintenance costs of the community where your home is located. Often included in HOA fees are your home’s portion of an insurance policy for the community and/or complex.

As a community member, this HOA policy is partly your responsibility, but it does not cover the structure of your home or the belongings inside of it. To protect your new house from disaster, the HOA insurance is insufficient. It is important to protect your home with a personal homeowners insurance policy. A personal policy covers the physical structure of your home. Coverage may also be available for your family’s belongings inside the home and outbuildings such as garden sheds.

Your HOA and Condominium Insurance

The insurance policy purchased by the Condominium Association offers coverage for the common areas and, in most cases, the basic structure of a condominium or townhouse complex. Swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds for neighborhood families to enjoy are usually covered in this policy. As a part-owner of these amenities, it is partly your responsibility to pay for accidents or liabilities that may occur in community areas.

Should a child sustain an injury on the community playground and the parents decide to sue the Association, you may be liable for a portion of the costs. Any loss costs in excess of the Association’s coverage limits are passed on to you as a part-owner of the community. You may be able to add extra coverage to your personal insurance policy to help protect you in the event the Association’s insurance is insufficient to cover the community expenses related to a covered loss.

Flood Coverage

There are some limitations to basic homeowners insurance policies. Depending on your home’s geographical area, you may need to purchase additional coverage for disasters such as floods.

Most homeowners insurance policies cover flooding from a burst pipe or other water leak in your home, but they usually do not cover flooding as a result of natural disaster. Homes that are built on a floodplain, or are in commonly-flooded areas, often benefit from flood insurance. Your lender may even require additional coverage for flooding if you live in a floodplain. Adding flood insurance to your basic insurance helps cover repairs to your home if it suffers damage from flooding.

Homeowners insurance policies offer both you and your mortgage lender protection in the investment of your new house. Shopping for a new home is an exciting and stressful time and purchasing insurance may become an afterthought. Take the time to understand how to get homeowners insurance when buying a house by researching what coverage your new home needs.

For more information on home insurance policies, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance. 

wawanesa.com

Are your clients aware that holding their cellphone while driving will soon become a surchargeable offense? Effective 2/23/2020, the new “hands-free” law in MA makes it illegal for motor vehicle and bicycle operators to hold any electronic device or phone, including when stopped at red lights or stop signs! All devices must be properly mounted and can only be used in hands-free mode. Penalties start at $100 and go up to $500 PLUS mandatory distracted driving education AND an insurance surcharge. The state has created a downloadable pamphlet you can use to help notify your clients.

DOWNLOAD PAMPHLET: Hands-Free While Driving from mass.gov

This pamphlet provides an excellent overview of what the new law means for drivers under and over age 18, and the consequences they’ll face for breaking the law.

To summarize the key points…

Drivers 18 and over:

Can ONLY use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode

CANNOT touch phone except to activate the hands-free mode or enable GPS, and then ONLY if the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle.

CANNOT touch the device for texting, emailing, apps, video, or internet use

Can use voice-to-text communication to electronic devices ONLY when device is properly mounted; use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.

Handheld use is allowed ONLY if the vehicle is both stationary and not located in a public travel lane.

Handheld use is NOT allowed at red lights or stop signs

Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any electronic devices. All phone use while driving is illegal, including use in hands-free mode.

In an Emergency

Operators may use a cell phone to call 911 to report an emergency. If possible, safely pull over and stop before calling 911.

Contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance for more information.

The number of electric cars in the U.S. continues to increase, and many homeowners are choosing to purchase these vehicles to reduce fuel costs and help the environment. Like any device that requires electricity to charge it, homeowners need to be mindful of the limitations of their electrical system when charging their vehicles at home.

To reduce the risk of damage to both a home's electrical system and to the vehicle's battery, homeowners should follow some basic safety guidelines:

Be aware of the type of charging station needed to charge the vehicle. Many electric vehicles can charge using a standard three-prong, 110-volt wall outlet, but certain types of vehicles, including Tesla models, may require installation of specific wall connectors in order to charge. Consult the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for more information about the connection type needed for each vehicle.

Consider the time needed to fully charge the battery. For many electric vehicles, charging using a standard 110-volt outlet can take 18 hours or more. Many homeowners who wish to charge their vehicles more quickly opt to install a 240-volt charger (also known as a Level 2 charger). A Level 2 charger can charge at an average rate seven to eight times faster than a Level 1. Individuals who regularly drive longer distances on a daily basis frequently opt for a Level 2 charger.

Keep in mind what other appliances might be on the same circuit as the charger. If high power drain appliances like heaters, air conditioners or dryers are on the same circuit, it could cause the circuit breaker to trip, and increases the risk of electrical fire. Whenever possible, always plug a vehicle's charging cord directly into the wall outlet. Extension cords increase the risk of electrical fires significantly, especially if they are not used properly. If you do have to use an extension cord to charge a vehicle, make sure the cord is a high enough gauge to handle the current, and use the shortest length of cord possible. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician to ensure that the home has proper outlets and electrical service installed. Old or loose wiring and improperly installed breaker panels can lead to severe damage, and can even cause fires.

Even the most diligent homeowner can't prepare for every scenario. For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

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In 2014, almost 18 million people in the U.S. were victims of identity theft. Two-thirds of them said they suffered a direct financial loss because of it, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).

During tax season, your personal information is particularly vulnerable. After all, your Social Security number (SSN) is on W-2 forms, your tax return and other financial documents being sent through the mail, transported to accountants and otherwise used to complete your annual IRS ritual. So it’s a good time of the year to be especially vigilant.

To help, here are four things you should know about identity theft — from what thieves can do to how you can help protect yourself — from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Federal Trade Commission:

1. Thieves won’t just open new accounts — they can (and will) file “your” taxes. Someone with access to your data could file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund under your name. You may not know until you go to file your own return and it comes back rejected. If it happens, call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
2. Scammers will try to reel you in. Ever get a call or email from someone asking you to verify your account information or SSN? Legitimate organizations, especially the IRS, won’t do that. If there’s a problem with your tax return, the IRS will contact you by mail.
3. Technology can help. If you send tax forms or other sensitive documents via email, password-protect them. Furthermore, security software can help keep your data safe, and password generators will help ensure your various login credentials aren’t easy for a thief to figure out. As for analog documents, such as tax records, store them in a locked desk or filing cabinet and don’t send them through the mail unless it’s certified.
4. Reporting the crime is a must. Ninety percent of identity-theft victims don’t alert the police, says BJS. But you should. A police report can help prove to financial institutions and businesses that someone stole your identity. It also allows you to place an extended fraud alert on your credit report, get inaccurate information removed, stop debt collectors from reporting fraudulent accounts and more. Because once criminals have your information, they may use it to perpetuate many types of fraud.

Protecting your identity is, of course, something to be mindful of all year round – not just during tax season. For more tips, visit IdentityTheft.gov. And, to discuss adding identity protection coverage to your home insurance policy, contact us at Lallis and Higgins Insurance today.

Winter weather is on the way and now is the time to check your Massachusetts homeowner’s insurance policy to see what’s covered and what’s not.

Ice Dam Insurance Coverage

Very few home insurance policies cover ice dam or snow removal from your roof or anywhere else on your property for that matter. However, interior or exterior damage caused by an ice dam on your roof is typically covered. As with any insurance claim, call the claims department immediately and take photos of the damage.

Ice Dam Treatment & Prevention

In the short term, there are a couple things you can try.

• Try to remove snow from the roof but only if it can be done safely. A roof rake or push broom can be used but may cause damage to the shingles. If it’s not possible to remove the snow safely, call a professional.
• Chisel grooves into the dam to allow the water behind it to drain off. This is a good emergency measure, especially if rain or a sudden thaw is coming. Be careful not to damage those shingles!
• To prevent ice dams in the longer term, keeping warm air from escaping into the attic is the first course of action. In addition to helping resolve ice dam issues, it will result in a more comfortable and less expensive to heat home.

Frozen Pipes Insurance Coverage

Not all companies pay to have frozen pipes thawed by professionals. Some will though. Most policies cover pipe replacement and water damage. The coverage may not apply if you turned the furnace off for the winter without winterizing the house and its contents.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

Frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of a pipe which leads to pipes bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in extremely cold weather. Holes in outside walls for TV, cable or telephone lines allow cold air to enter the house.

To keep water in the pipes from freezing, take the following precautions:

• Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer. The more insulation the better.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through and unheated or unprotected space. Drain the water system especially if your house will be unattended during cold periods.

Interruption of Services

If you lose power during a storm, an all-risk homeowner’s policy usually pays for spoiled food, repairs to damage caused by loss of power, and appliances damaged by the outage. Many policies also will pay for shelter when you lose power for extended periods during the winter. If you lose heat and fail to take steps to prevent pipes from freezing, your policy may not cover the resulting damage.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: massrealestatelawblog.com

Yes folks, it’s officially winter. We’re sure you got the memo as you dug your car out of a pile of snow in sub-zero temperatures the other day, but in case you didn’t we had our first big snowstorm of the season on Sunday. We know you want to hunker down at home and hibernate for the season (we do too) but if you find yourself a tourist here in winter or a local getting a little stir-crazy and looking for some fun activities to keep you occupied in Beantown then we’ve got you covered. There are plenty of things to do in Boston during the winter so you better get cracking on this list!

Bundle up and remember that hot chocolate makes everything better, before, during, or after any of these activities. Or all three. Especially when it’s spiked (see #11). *wink*

24. Snowflake Afternoon Tea at The Langham Hotel

Cozy up around an elegantly set table at The Langham Hotel for a wintery spin on the classic afternoon tea. Their snowflake tea menu includes tea sandwiches, cream scones with jam, and an assortment of pastries that have been kissed by the winter season, and of course a pot of tea too. We’ve got our eyes on the hot chocolate pot de crème with toasted marshmallow. Don’t mind if we do.

23. Private Food Tour with Bites of Boston

Just because tour season is technically on pause doesn’t mean the rules can’t be bent just a little. Bites of Boston Food Tours is available to host private group food tour experiences for your group during the winter. Bundle up and enjoy a visit to one of Boston’s most tasty neighborhoods in the company of a knowledgeable and friendly local guide – a great idea for a family fun day, company outing, or other celebration!

Note: Regularly scheduled neighborhood food tours in the South End, Allston, and Chinatown will start again in March.

22. Visit Bow Market

Bow market is the new hot spot in Somerville attracting people all throughout the year. This public courtyard in the heart of Union Square used to be a storage building but is now comprised of over 30 independent food, art, and retail shops. Come support these artesian vendors and fill your belly and bags with all the amazing things they have to offer.

21. See a Film at Brattle Theatre

A neighborhood institution in Harvard Square, the Brattle Theatre has been showing films since 1953. According to them: The Brattle shows the best in classic, cutting-edge, foreign, and art-house films. They also show first-run films and new releases of classic films, but their specialty is a repertory programming format consisting of films from a particular director, genre, or subject shown over the course of a week, or on the same weekday throughout the month. Put away the small screens to get some big screen time this winter.

20. Have Hot Chocolate at LA Burdick

Let’s be real. Winter is allllll about the hot chocolate. All day every day. L.A. Burdick is the perfect getaway from the frigid winter temperatures. Sit inside and savor the best hot chocolate you will ever taste. It is thick and rich and full of flavor. They offer various chocolate varieties from different countries that all have unique flavor profiles – just like coffee does.

19. Watch the Boston Bruins Practice at Warrior Ice Arena

If you want to see the Bs play but don’t want to spring for the pricey tickets, or if you just want to get a fresh perspective on watching this powerhouse team, then head to Warrior Ice Arena at Boston Landing to catch a practice. The Bruins practices are open to the public and their schedule is posted on the Warrior Ice Arena website. It’s crazy how close you can get to the players, for FREE. It’s a lot of fun watching them joke around with each other and have some fun at practice.

18. Frostbite Sailing on Boston Harbor

Okay, so we think this is outrageous too. But there is something for everyone and we couldn’t resist including this on the list merely because it exists and we are impressed that people actually do this. Whether you consider this a bit of comic relief or a great suggestion for a winter activity, know that Frostbite Sailing exists on Boston Harbor and is there for you if you want to participate.

17. Take a Yoga Class at a Brewery

One of our favorite winter activities is mixing our fitness with booze. Need we say more? Warm your heart with brewery yoga, being offered by many local Boston breweries this winter. You can find a list of breweries offering yoga on Eventbrite; and most classes include one beer in their ticket price. Nama-stay-thirsty.

16. Taza Chocolate Factory Tour

Taza is a local chocolate company based out of Somerville. They make chocolate the old fashioned stone ground way, and it’s goooooood. The texture is slightly gritty but that gives it character, and the taste is incredible. This is as close to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as you can get here in Boston so go ahead and take their factory tour to escape the winter chill!

15. Take a Kitchen Class at Formaggio Kitchen

Visit one of of our favorite spots this winter for a kitchen class where you’ll have the chance to learn about all types of things culinary from cheese caves to food and drink pairings to the cuisine of different regions around the globe. Formaggio Kitchen is a stop on our Sweet & Savory South End Tour and they are the perfect place to head for a winter blues pick-me-up.

14. See a Comedy Show at ImprovBoston

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Jokes…that are a lot better then this one.

Visit ImprovBoston for a show. Everyone could use some laughter in their day! And clearly we’re not the ones with the jokes. We’ll stick to food.

13. Visit Boston Harbor Distillery

There’s nothing better to warm you up during the frigid winter months then a glass of whiskey. It’s a fact that we can’t refute. Boston Harbor Distillery is the ideal place to spend an afternoon warming up. Visit their cabin-like cocktail bar filled with a wood and brick interior to enjoy some spirits with your friends or family. To make them even more “Bahston,” they have a line of spirits distilled from Sam Adams beer.

12. Go Ice Skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond

One of Boston’s most classic winter activities is skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond. It’s pretty magical ice skating outside in the middle of Back Bay. Forget you’re cold and focus on amping up your stopping game, we all know this is the hardest part of skating, but you got this!

11. Have the Hot Chocolate Flight at Met Back Bay

This piece de resistance is the Boston Hot Chocolate Experience being offered at Met Back Bay. Four luxurious, flavored hot chocolates make up this flight. But wait. There’s more. You can get them SPIKED, making them a true flight. Each flavor has an “adult” upgrade to warm the heart and soul. Go ahead, you deserve it. We’ll see you there!

10. Shop/Eat at The Prudential Center

The Prudential Center, which most Bostonites refer to as the “Pru,” is a shopping haven full of retail stores and restaurants. It’s also home to Eataly, the Italian dining destination that will keep your senses stimulated. You can shop ’til you drop, refuel, and keep going without even having to leave the building and freeze. It’s easy to spend hours and hours in here. Trust us….

9. Visit the Skywalk Observatory

For a beautiful, one-of-a-kind view of Boston visit the Skywalk Observatory, conveniently located on the top of the Prudential Center, so while you’re there shopping stop up. You can see “Boston’s past, present, and future” from there as this is also the location of the Dreams of Freedom Museum. The full experience gives visitors an appreciation for Boston’s storied past, its remarkable architecture, and its rich global culture.

8. Have a LARGE Cocktail with Your Friends at Fat Baby

What’s the go-to activity when it’s cold outside? DRINK! At least that’s what it is in Boston. So many restaurants have fun large format cocktails to share with your friends but the one that has especially caught our eye as of late is Fat Baby in South Boston, “Southie” to the locals. Try their rotating Polynesian Punch or one of their other specially crafted drinks and you’ll be warm in no time.

7. Visit Museums!

What is the perfect way to get some walking in and enjoy the great indoors? A museum day of course! Lucky for you Boston has tons of museums to offer. A few of our favorites are: the Museum of Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Make a day of it and take your time enjoying things you might not have noticed.

6. Visit Boston Public Market

Boston Public Market is a mecca for local, specialty foods of all kinds. They have bagels and doughnuts and coffee and artisan s’mores and more. Oh, you want to hear more? Okay. They have fresh pasta and fudge and vegetables and juice and seafood…and more. You’ll just have to go and see for yourself! You could easily spend an entire afternoon eating your way through the market. And we proudly admit that we have before.

5. Take a Cooking Class with Cozymeal

Instead of spending money on a dinner out this winter try learning how to make a great meal yourself. Even if you’re a top-notch home chef, taking a class with a friend or significant other can be a fun way to mix things up. Cozymeal offers a huge variety of cooking classes for you to choose from for groups of all sizes. You can have the class at the chef’s pre-approved place or have them come to you. These experiences are very customizable and guaranteed to be a great time with a delicious ending!

4. Visit Branch Line’s Beer Hall on Wednesday Nights

Branch Line won’t let the freeze stop their fun so go ahead and join them! Every Wednesday night they transform their year-round covered, heated patio into a classic, German beer hall. Head over for some bites and brews and forget about what the weather is doing outside.

3. Eat Boston Classics at Beantown Pub

If you’re looking for a winter activity in Boston then why not keep it classic and head to Beantown Pub for some Boston baked beans and brown bread to comfort you. History is pouring out of this place from the molasses in the beans and bread to it’s location right on the Freedom Trail in historic downtown.

2. Play Games, Eat, and Drink at Versus

This hip arcade/restaurant/bar has been the place to be for a night of fun since it opened its doors not too long ago. Old school arcade games line the walls flashing their lights and accentuating the pop-art all over. The interior is inspired by 80s pop culture and the cocktail menu has a fun game-inspired spin to it. Try out their Reboot Bellini or their Joystick Julep for example. Game over.

1. Have Drinks at the Igloo Bar at the Envoy Hotel

For you winter extremists head to The Envoy Hotel and sip some drinks in your own personal rooftop igloo overlooking Boston’s skyline and harbor. This is a unique and exclusive experience that you don’t want to miss. Arrive early since the six, heated igloos are usually given out on a first come, first serve basis. It’s open from Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 11pm. Talk about making the best of winter in Boston. You are for sure #winninginwinter if you do this!

Source: bitesofbostonfoodtours.com

Even though the biggest Boston New Year's Eve event for 2019 is the famous First Night celebration, there are plenty of other New Year's Eve parties and special events for you to consider - plus a spectacular fireworks show over Boston Harbor and Countdown at Copley Square at midnight.

Whether you're looking for a romantic night of dancing and champagne, a fireworks cruise, entertainment at a concert or a comedy club, or a festive but family-friendly way to welcome the New Year, you'll find plenty of exciting choices.

New Year's Eve Fireworks on Boston Harbor

New Year's Eve fireworks at midnight over Boston Harbor. Head over to Christopher Columbus Park to ring in the New Year by watching fireworks over Boston Harbor at midnight launched from a barge between Long Wharf and Fan Pier.

The best place to watch?  Any spot along the waterfront overlooking Boston Harbor, such as the North End's Christopher Columbus Park, the Downtown Waterfront, Fan Pier in the Seaport District, the East Boston Harborwalk, Charlestown Waterfront, and Castle Island.

New Year's Eve Cruises

Holiday cruises around Boston Harbor Cruise on the Northern Lights
Welcome the New Year aboard the elegant yacht Northern Lights on these special New Year's Eve and New Year's Day cruises around Boston Harbor. 

• New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise with live music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, & fireworks at midnight
• New Year’s Day Brunch aboard Northern Lights

More Cruises:

Celebrate the holidays while relaxing and sightseeing on the festively decorated Yacht Northern Lights on these special cruises around Boston Harbor:

An Irish Christmas Carol Cruise - Get into the holiday spirit with Slainte, the Northern Lights' house Irish band.   Raise your glass as you join in singing some merry Irish holiday ballads on this 90 minute Harbor cruise.

Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise - Join in singing your favorite Christmas holiday songs led by the Blue Motion Jazz Quartet on this cozy 90 minute Harbor Cruise on the Northern Lights with drinks and snacks available for purchase at the yacht's Main Deck Bar. 

Holiday Sunset Cruise - As the ship's captain points out highlights of passing landmarks and soft music plays in the background, watch the ever-changing sunset colors as the sun sets behind Boston's city skyline on this relaxing 90 minute cruise around the Harbor.  

Holiday Jazz Cruise - Relax to the sounds of jazzy Christmas tunes performed live by Blue Motion Jazz Quartet, and enjoy an adult beverage on this 90 minute romantic evening cruise past iconic attractions along the Boston waterfront.

Holiday Brunch Cruise - See historic sights and panoramic views around Boston Harbor as you enjoy this 2 hour narrated cruise including hot chocolate and brunch (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and spiked hot chocolate available at the bar).

Cocoa & Blues Holiday Cruise - Enjoy Boston's sparkling skyline at night along with spiked hot chocolate or a glass of champagne as City of Four, Northern Lights' house R&B/funk band, plays contemporary versions of holiday classics inspired by Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and the Temptations.

First Night Boston:

First Night Boston ice sculpture of Tadpole Playground in Boston Common.
Ice sculptures, a huge parade down Boylston Street, non-stop entertainment, music and dancing, Countdown to Midnight in Copley Square - Boston's annual First Night celebration offers something fun for everyone.

With events starting at noon, the alcohol-free, family-friendly First Night Boston is the city's largest New Year's Eve celebration.

Best of all:  All official First Night/First Day events are free.

New Year's Eve Shows & Theater in Boston

From Blue Man Group to Lake Street Dive, you can choose from several shows in Boston's theaters on New Year's Eve:

More shows in Boston:

New Year's Eve Comedy Shows, Start the New Year with a laugh.

Bryan Callen is appearing at the Wilbur Theatre on New Year's Eve (find tickets), and Boston's comedy clubs will have exciting lineups as well.

Boston Sports on New Year's Eve: 
TD Garden is usually a good bet for New Year's Eve entertainment - but not this year!  If you want to catch a Celtics, Bruins, or Harlem Globetrotters game there this year, head over on Christmas Day or Wednesday or Thursday.

New Year's Eve (and Day) on the Waterfront:

In addition to the Midnight Harbor Fireworks, lots more mostly free fun activities take place along the Waterfront throughout New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Ice Sculpture Stroll:

The annual Ice Sculpture Stroll along Boston Harbor is bigger and better than ever this year, with imaginative ice sculptures and activities for you to enjoy in these (mostly) waterfront locations:

North End Ice Sculpture Locations: 

• Atlantic Wharf
• Battery Wharf Hotel
• Christopher Columbus Park
• Charlestown End Ice Sculpture Locations
• Charlestown Navy Yard
• Downtown Waterfront Ice Sculpture Locations
• Marriott Long Wharf
• New England Aquarium
• Harbor Towers
• International Place
• Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center (Greenway)
• Boston Harbor Hotel
• Seaport/South Boston Waterfront Ice Sculpture Locations
• Envoy Hotel
• Fan Pier/Fallon CBRE
• Fjällräven
• Kings Dining & Entertainment
• LL Bean
• Moakley Courthouse
• Sephora Seaport
• WS Development Seaport
• Yotel

More New Year's Eve Along the Waterfront Activities - December 31

Wharf District Harborwalk Tour
1pm-4pm - First Responder Touch-a-Truck/Boat at the Envoy Hotel in Seaport
Harbor Map Tour at the Boston Harbor Hotel

New Year's Day Activities - January 1

12 noon-about 1pm - First Day Hike from Old North Church (meet there at noon) to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown  (to be confirmed)
12 noon-4pm - Seafarer's Island Holiday - New Year's Cruise to Thompson Island from Rowes Wharf on the Downtown Waterfront

Christmas and Chanukah share a similar spiritual message: that it is possible to bring light and hope into the world. These two holidays occur together this year, which makes this an even more special holiday season.

This is a season to reflect upon how fortunate we are to have you as our customers: our friends and neighbors. During these holidays, we wish you, your family, and your friends a safe, joy-filled, and relaxing season.

Warm wishes for a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, and a most Happy New Year! With peace, joy, and love this holiday season and beyond!