Thursday, March 28, 2024

First Night State College

First Night State College will take place in downtown State College, Pennsylvania and on the adjacent University Park campus of The Pennsylvania State University on December 31.

Visit the FIRST NIGHT OFFICIAL SITE to see a list of all events. You can also check out and add events to our Community Calendar throughout the year for Free!.

While outdoor events are free, a First Night State College button provides general admission to all indoor performances and provides essential funding for outdoor programming, too. Wearing a First Night State College button is a great way to show that you support this great home-grown event. At $10 each, it’s the best deal in town. Children 12 and under do not need a button if accompanied by a button-wearing adult. (see official site for details)


Celebrating their twenty-sixth year, the First Night State College Ice Sculptors will carve over 100  blocks—that’s more than 10 tons!–of crystal clear Pennsylvania ice for this year’s First Night. The First Night Ice Sculptors include Dave DeFloria, Robert Higareda, John Lowry, Jared McAlister, Mark Masterangelo, and Mitch Shrader under the direction of Ice Captain Ernie DiMartino. The large walls and sculptures are created from blocks that are produced in a special Clinebell freezing process that makes beautifully clear ice.


At Mayor Welch Plaza, two carriages drawn by Percheron draft horses, take you back in time as they carry you through downtown State College. Dress warmly – it’s difficult to turn up the heat in an open carriage. Rides are offered from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. Due to high demand, not all of those wishing to ride may be accommodated. Carriage rides are $5 a person and require a First Night Button.


As all American children and adults know, Santa Claus’s reindeer pull a sleigh through the night sky to help Mr. Claus deliver gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Visit the reindeer at  Sidney Friedman Park on December 31 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.


Ice skating is First Night State College’s most popular event, and makes a great way to slide (or triple Salchow) into the new year. Skaters glide and dance to music provided by Larry Moore Productions in the Pegula Ice Arena on the Penn State campus. Skating sessions begin at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 p.m. 

First Night button is required to access the arena; ice skate rental is included with the purchase of a First Night button

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