Lake Sunapee Region’s First Night Celebration

New London, NH: The Center for the Arts is pleased to present New Year’s New London, a fun celebration for all ages. On December 31st, New London will host an array of activities central to Main Street, providing an engaging opportunity to welcome the New Year alongside friends and neighbors. This inaugural First Night celebration in the Lake Sunapee Region will no doubt set the tone for 2026!

"We are excited to bring this event to the Lake Sunapee Region. New Year's Eve is always a special time to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to do this than by enjoying a day and evening of festive programs." 

-Jean Connolly, CFA Founder & Board Chair 

Enjoy free family events all day long—stories, magic shows, skating, music, crafts, kids parade and countdown, and more! With the purchase of a New Year’s New London button, adults can continue the fun by partaking in special performances, ranging from folk to classical, and a DJ countdown party. There is something exciting for everyone!  

The approaching New Year brings reflection on the many accomplishments and adventures of 2025. CFA couldn’t have done this without the continuous support of our community and our tremendous partners. New Year’s New London is brought to you by the Center for the Arts, Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce. New London Recreation Department and Tracy Memorial Library. 

Reflecting on these Partnerships:

The Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce stands as a shining example of what makes our community so vibrant and welcoming. Throughout 2025, their steadfast commitment to fostering and promoting both commerce and community has been invaluable, helping to create opportunities that truly enhance the quality of life for everyone in our region. Their support has extended far beyond simply raising awareness of our ongoing contributions—they played an instrumental role during our grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on April 10th, ensuring the occasion was memorable and meaningful for all who attended. We are deeply grateful for the encouragement and partnership they’ve offered us at every turn, working collaboratively to spotlight the positive impact we strive to make in New London and beyond. As we look ahead, it’s clear that our relationship with them continues to flourish, fueled by a shared dedication to strengthening the bonds among neighbors, supporting local enterprise, and nurturing the spirit of community that defines our area. Together, we are building a legacy of progress, engagement, and celebration that will inspire generations to come.

The New London Recreation Department is another notable example of what makes us great! Throughout 2025, their unwavering dedication to partnering with us has truly transformed the way we expand our community offerings, always striving to make programs fun, inviting, and accessible to all. It is with immense gratitude that we named them our Partner of the Year, a recognition that only begins to capture the impact of their collaborative spirit and commitment to the well-being of our neighbors. Their creativity and enthusiasm have brought new energy to our events, inspiring residents of every age to get involved, stay active, and discover new interests. We are proud to continue building on this partnership as we look ahead to 2026, working together to connect the community with valuable resources that support healthy living, inclusive services, and civic engagement. With their continued support, we are confident that our shared mission will not only enrich the quality of life in New London, but also strengthen the bonds that unite us all in celebration and progress.

Tracy Memorial Library stands as an invaluable cornerstone in our community, offering an impressive collection of over 54,000 diverse materials that invite residents of all ages to create, learn, and connect. Throughout the year, CFA has enjoyed a rewarding partnership with the library—especially during our First Friday event promoting women in art, and our ongoing Photography Café that meets monthly to foster creative expression and nurture artistic growth. The library’s welcoming walls promote inclusivity and learning. For New London, Tracy Memorial Library is truly irreplaceable, enriching lives through engaging programs and storytelling that ignite curiosity and imagination in children and adults alike.

Let’s kick off a new tradition together!

NYNL Event Details:

Where: Center for the Arts, Tracy Memorial Library, Whipple Hall, New London Town Green, St. Andrew’s Church, First Baptist Church

When: 10:00 am - MIDNIGHT

Admission: Daytime activities are free and open to the public. 

            Nighttime events are available with the purchase of a NYNL button! 

NYNL Buttons are $20/adult, or $25 also includes the DJ Party (space is limited). Starting Thanksgiving week buttons can be purchased from CFA (428 Main St.), Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London Recreation Department, & Tatewell Gallery.

Information about price options and where to find additional event details/full schedule can be found on our website at https://www.centerfortheartsnh.org/nynl2025. Don’t forget to sign up for some of the activities in advance!

A special thank you to our NYNL Sponsors! An undertaking of this size would not be possible without the support of Bluebird Mobile Bar, Dance Arts Academy, Echo Communications, LaValley Building Supply, Mascoma Bank, InterTown Record, Old Hampshire Designs, Spring Ledge Farm, Sugar River Bank, BHG RE - The Milestone Team, and SooNipi Magazine. 

The Center for the Arts supports, promotes, and connects literary, performing and visual artists of all ages with our community. We offer three guilds, member groups and gatherings, community events and programs, exhibits and classes. For the past 15 years, the CFA has championed creativity as a vital part of life in the Lake Sunapee region and beyond.