Celebrating NYE in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Hundreds of people celebrated all day Monday getting ready to ring in the New Year.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or you’ve come to Northampton on New Year's Eve year after year, hundreds of people said goodbye to 2012 and prepared to welcome 2013 at the 12-hour New Years festival, First Night Northampton.

Cindy Shaedig of Northampton told 22News “We moved from New Mexico to Northampton about a year and a half ago.”

For many western Massachusetts residents, First Night Northampton is a great alternative to the Times Square festivities in New York City or First Night Boston. All the same fun, but without the unbearable traffic.

Many children said there’s a lot to look forward to, like staying up until midnight.

Long-time Northampton resident Brian Isaac said “I think when you have some ways to celebrate the New Year, whether it's dancing, music or just being together with friends and family, whatever you can do, it's great.”

Many people told 22News First Night was also a great opportunity to enjoy music theater and dance performed by local artists.

Joanna Ballantine of Amherst said “It's a real celebration of local arts and culture, too. So we enjoy seeing all the local musicians and talent that's right here in our valley.”

And many people waited for the ball to go up at Hotel Northampton right at midnight.