Providence brings back New Year’s festivities to welcome 2024

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence welcomed 2024 by bringing New Year’s festivities back to the community for the first time in nearly a decade.

The Providence Tourism Council marked the return of the free citywide celebration with food trucks, music, a WaterFire lighting, and fireworks.

The festivities attracted people from across the country as well as Southern New England.

“We’ve been spending the last few at home, and it’s like you know we need to get out, get some fresh air, especially after the pandemic,” said Jim Robinson of North Attleborough.

Although the New Year’s events wrapped up around 9:30 p.m., many attendees didn’t seem to mind.

Providence celebrates the beginning of 2024 on the pedestrian bridge, Dec. 31, 2023. (WLNE)

“We were just talking about how we don’t want to be out here until midnight actually, so we’re very happy that it’s ending a little bit before midnight,” said Isaac Bevers, visiting from California.

David Arango of Providence agreed, adding “Also, around this area in particular, there’s not that much space, and if it got too crowded, maybe it won’t be the best area to be having a big crowd just for New Year’s.”

The Providence Tourism Council hopes the New Year’s celebration is here to stay.

“This is a foundational year, our hope is to grow it next year as well, but come out and celebrate the New Year in the capitol city of Providence,” said Chair Alexis Gorriaran.