Boston: New Year’s Eve Back Bay Ball Live Band & DJ

Celebrating New Year’s in Boston can be a lively, memorable experience, especially when you’re considering the “Back Bay Ball” at the Westin Copley Place. This event is billed as Boston’s only 30+ New Year’s Eve celebration, blending upscale elegance with energetic entertainment. Whether you’re a local looking for a refined night out or a visitor wanting to ring in the year in style, this event offers a lot — but not without some caveats.

Two things we particularly appreciate are the focus on quality entertainment and the gourmet dinner options. The combination of a live band and a DJ spinning favorites from across decades promises something for every dance floor enthusiast. Plus, the North End-themed dinner stations and dessert treats elevate the experience beyond just a dance party, giving it a true Boston flavor.

A potential drawback is the ticket price — at $89 per person, it’s not the cheapest way to spend New Year’s Eve, especially if you’re on a tight budget. But consider that this includes a three-course meal, live music, midnight party favors, and access to a silent auction, which can add a layer of value for those wanting a full, celebratory evening.

This tour is best suited for people who enjoy a lively yet elegant environment, love dancing, and appreciate gourmet dining paired with festive activities. If you’re looking for a social, upscale event with a distinctly Boston vibe, this event could be a great fit. However, those seeking a more casual or budget-friendly celebration might prefer other options.

Contents hide

1 A Closer Look at the Experience

2 Who Should Consider This Event?

3 Final Thoughts

4 FAQ

Key Points

Elegant Atmosphere: Dress in your best suit or cocktail dress and enjoy a refined, festive setting.
Live Entertainment: The Gainesville Road Band and DJ Chris promise a lively musical mix that keeps the dance floor busy.
Gourmet Dining: A North End-themed dinner station accompanied by dessert treats provides a delicious, Boston-style culinary experience.
Midnight Celebration: Expect party favors, top-hats, and tiaras to make ringing in the New Year memorable.
Silent Auction & Networking: Bid on signed Boston sports memorabilia and hotel packages, adding a fun interactive element.
Flexible Ticketing: You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Boston.

The Venue and Atmosphere

The event takes place in the Grand Ballroom at the Westin Copley Place, a central Boston location that’s easy to access. The ballroom’s upscale setting lends itself well to a special celebration, with a dress code encouraging guests to wear cocktail attire, giving the whole evening a sense of occasion. Past reviews highlight the festive decor and the availability of New Year’s themed tiaras and top-hats, which add to the celebratory vibe.

The Dinner and Refreshments

The dinner is a cornerstone of this event. The North End-themed dinner stations featuring classic Italian-inspired dishes provide an authentic Boston flavor. Theres some good carefully curated comfort foods, complemented by dessert treats that satisfy sweet cravings after a hearty meal. Alternatively, arriving after 9 pm offers Tuscan-inspired hors-d’oeuvres, which are lighter bites perfect for mingling and dancing.

Throughout the evening, a cash bar offers cocktails, beer, and wine, allowing guests to toast the new year with their preferred drink. The availability of alcohol for purchase means you’ll want to budget accordingly, but it also keeps the ticket price from ballooning too high.

Entertainment and Dancing

Music is a key feature, with live band Gainesville Road playing in the early part of the evening, followed by DJ Chris spinning favorite tunes from different decades. Multiple reviews mention that the music keeps the energy high, making it easy to dance the night away. The combination of live music and DJ sets ensures a mix of genres and styles, appealing to a broad audience.

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Activities and Extras

Beyond dancing, the event features a silent auction with items like signed Boston sports memorabilia and hotel packages. According to reviews, bidding on these items adds a playful, interactive element, and many find it a fun way to engage during breaks from the dance floor.

At midnight, you’ll be treated to party favors and celebration hats, which help mark the occasion and make for fun photos. Guests are encouraged to dress up, and many do, creating a lively, stylish scene.

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Cost and Value

At $89 per person, the ticket covers the three-course meal, live music, midnight celebration, and auction participation. While some may find the price steep, the package offers a well-rounded experience that combines dining, dancing, and socializing in one of Boston’s most upscale venues. For those who value a full, festive night out with good food and entertainment, this price can be justified.

Practical Considerations

Timing: Arrive at 7 pm if you want to enjoy the dinner stations and early mingling, or after 9 pm if you prefer just the party and dancing.
Dress Code: Formal or cocktail attire is encouraged, so plan your wardrobe accordingly.
Age Restrictions: Not suitable for anyone under 21, so it’s a more adult-centric celebration.
Cancellation policy: Full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility for last-minute plans.

What Past Guests Say

Many reviews praise the upscale setting and lively music, noting that the event feels more refined than a typical New Year’s bash. One guest mentioned, “The music kept us dancing all night, and the dinner was surprisingly good.” Others appreciated the well-organized atmosphere and friendly staff, which contributed to a smooth experience.

Some mentioned that the event can be crowded and that it might be better suited for those comfortable in lively social settings. A few reviewers suggested arriving early to secure a good spot and to beat the rush for dinner and auction bidding.

Who Should Consider This Event?

This celebration is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups seeking a sophisticated and energetic way to welcome the new year. It’s perfect if you enjoy dancing, gourmet dining, and socializing in an elegant setting. It’s less suited for those on a tight budget or those preferring a casual or family-friendly environment. If you’re after a memorable, stylish night with a distinctly Boston flair, this event ticks those boxes well.

Final Thoughts

The Boston New Year’s Eve Back Bay Ball blends live music, dancing, gourmet food, and festive flair into one well-organized package. Expect an elegant atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to socialize and celebrate the arrival of 2024. For those valuing a lively, upscale event that offers more than just a party — including good food and spirited entertainment — this could be a worthwhile choice.

Just remember, it’s a ticketed event that leans toward the sophisticated crowd, so dress the part and arrive ready to dance, dine, and toast the new year in style.

FAQ

Is this event suitable for people under 21?
No, the event is not suitable for those under 21. It’s geared toward adult guests, with alcohol available for purchase and a dress code that reflects a more mature audience.

What’s included in the ticket price?
The ticket includes a three-course meal, live music from Gainesville Road Band and DJ Chris, midnight party favors, and access to a silent auction. Beverages like cocktails, beer, and wine are available for purchase from cash bars.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the event for a full refund. This policy provides some peace of mind should your plans change suddenly.

What should I wear?
Guests are encouraged to dress in their best suit or cocktail dress. The event promotes a festive, elegant atmosphere, so formal or semi-formal attire is appropriate.

What time should I arrive?
You can arrive at 7 pm if you want to enjoy dinner and mingling. If you prefer just the party atmosphere, arriving after 9 pm is acceptable, especially for dancing and socializing.

Is the event crowded?
Based on reviews, it can be quite lively and busy, especially closer to midnight. Arriving early helps secure a good spot for dining and bidding at the auction.

This event offers a solid mix of fine dining, lively music, and festive fun, making it a standout choice for those seeking an elegant way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Boston.