Happy (?) New Year, Belmont; What’s Closing Early on the 31st And Open On The First Day Of 2022

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Photo: Fireworks over the Boston Common at 7 p.m. Take the T! (Credit: Estormiz, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

A Happy New Year, Belmont. We all deserve having something to celebrate, even if most of us will be doing it alone or with a smigin of the folks you wish you could as we try to be Omicron-avoidant.

Unlike a week ago on Christmas, there is a bit more options available for those seeking a strong cup of coffee, some aspirin or just resupplying the pantry.

Closed:

  • Town offices
  • Federal offices
  • Belmont Public Library
  • US Postal Service, Belmont Center and Waverley Square closed on Jan. 1. (Regular hours on the 31st.)

MBTA

On New Year’s Eve: For everyone looking for a cheap and reliable way to attend First Night 2022 in downtown Boston to participate in the First Night Procession (at 5:50 p.m.) or attend the Family Fireworks display over the Boston Common (7 p.m.), here is what you need to know.

Subway trains will run on a Saturday schedule, but with increased service after 3 p.m.

Buses will run on a Saturday schedule. 

Commuter Rail will run on a weekday schedule, and will hold the last train on each line after midnight: The final train on the Fitchburg line will depart North Station at 12:50 a.m.

New Year’s Day

 Commuter Rail will run on a weekend schedule. 

 Buses and subways will run on a Sunday schedule.

Dunkin’ Donuts

• The store at 353 Trapelo Rd. in Central Square (the one at the intersection of Beech Street) is running regular hours on both days: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. The shop at 350 Pleasant St. is open until 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the First while the site on at 53 Church St. will, as always, stay hold regular hours 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the 31st and 1st.

Starbucks

• The location at 110 Trapelo Rd. in Cushing Square will close early at 1 p.m. on 12/31 and open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first.

Star Market

The supermarket at 535 Trapelo Rd. will be operating slightly shorter hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days with the pharmacy open until 5 p.m. on the 31st but closed on the 1st.

Craft Beer Cellars

Located at 87 Leonard St., the store will be opened until 9 p.m. They will be closed on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

CVS Pharmacy

• The store at 264 Trapelo Rd. will be open regular hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Pharmacy will be open from 9 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

• The Belmont Center location at 60 Leonard St. is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days with the pharmacy open until 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day.

Belmont Town Offices Closed Dec. 27, 31; Library Shuts For Christmas Eve

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Photo:

The holiday hours for town departments and buildings has been set with departments closing at noon on Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24 and reopening on Tuesday, Dec. 28.

The town offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 31 for the New Year’s Holiday with departments opening bright and early Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

The Belmont Public Library will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 24 and 25. It will by closed for New Year’s on Friday, Dec. 31 and Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.

Going Out New Year’s Eve Night: MBTA No Fare After 8 PM

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Photo: Taking the MBTA to Boston? It’s free after 8 p.m.

Thinking of heading off to Boston’s First Night celebration and witness the fire works at Copley Square at 7 p.m., the MBTA will be running a special schedule for the final night of 2016 and the first morning of 2017. 

First thing to know: The MBTA will not collect fares after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

• The Fitchburg/South Acton Commuter Rail Line will operate a modified Saturday schedule with an additional train leaving North Station at 1:15 a.m.

• Buses from Belmont Center and along Trapelo Road/Belmont Street will operate on a Saturday schedule.

• The Red Line will operate on a Saturday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m. 

 

New Year’s Eve: MBTA (Very Late) Schedule, First Night and the Library Closing Early

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It’s New Year’s Eve and Belmont residents are preparing for the celebration by stocking up for house parties, heading to Boston for performances and fireworks or just staying home.

Here’s some information you can use before heading out (or in) tonight.

First Night Boston 2015 takes place all day in Boston with artistic events and fun stuff for kids and adults. The Grand Procession along Boylston Street will begin at 5:30 p.m., the Family Fireworks will be held on the Common at 7 p.m. with the grand fireworks at midnight over Boston Harbor.

First_Night_2015_Program_Guide

The best way into the city is via public transportation; the MBTA has extended schedules through the day and night:

• Buses and trackless trolleys to Waverley Square (73) and Belmont Center (74 and 75) will operate a regular weekday schedule. 

• If you are picking up the subway at Alewife or Harvard Square, the Red Line will operate a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m.

• The Fitchburg/South Acton Line of Commuter Rail will operate a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided, including 12:10 a.m. and 2 a.m. trains back to Belmont and Waverley while the scheduled 12:10 a.m. train will be delayed until 1 a.m.

Don’t wait to get your books and DVDs; the Belmont Public Library will be closing at 5 p.m. today.

Town offices will remain open until 4 p.m.

For those seeking adult beverages to welcome in 2015, the Craft Beer Cellar is closing early at 8 p.m. And don’t wait too long to get your sparkling wine or champagne at Vintages in Belmont Center or The Spirited Gourmet in Cushing Square.