State College residents recognize the start of winter when the downtown decorations appear; from string lights to the tree lighting, downtown State College becomes a wintry wonderland, even without any snow. One winter event held is First Night, a State College winter staple since 1994. The event attracts visitors of all age groups, including State High students. It features many winter and New Years’ themed activities, including ice sculpture displays, local vendors, performances, and the Resolution Run 5k.

For many students, attending First Night is a New Years’ Eve tradition. Junior Ayla Marvasti attends the event every year with her family and friends — she cannot remember a recent year she did not attend.

“It is a tradition for me and my family. We like to spend time together and my dad likes to take photos of the ice sculptures,” Marvasti said. Marvasti enjoys the event for a variety of reasons, but thinks the lively and welcoming environment helps to end her year on a high note. 

Similarly, junior Sophia Reutzel also enjoys the environment of the event, as she enjoys seeing others partake in the activities, as well as doing them herself. 

“[The environment] was awesome. It was really awesome to see,” Reutzel said. “It was really nice to see all the families downtown and to see the teenagers and the families and people of all ages getting together and celebrating this winter.”

Marvasti also enjoys the activities offered; her and her family spent time admiring the ice sculptures, viewing the performances, and stepping into local businesses. “It was a nice vibe—I got to see some friends and hang out with some people and then I went with my family as well,” Marvasti said. “It was a good, positive environment.”

Like Marvasti, junior Brooke Shellenberger has also been attending First Night for many years. As a member of the cross country and track and field teams, her activity of choice is the Resolution Run 5k. For her, the run is a way for her to end the year while doing an activity she loves with her friends and family in a cheerful and lowkey environment. 

“[The run] definitely makes [the night] really fun and everybody’s in a good mood and people are saying ‘Happy New Year’s’ to you if you pass them or they pass them,” Shellenberger said. “It’s definitely a good, positive community of people who are excited for the new year.”

Shellenberger elaborated on the fun environment the night offered. “I was wearing like a onesie. So I was just like doing it for fun and having a good time with my friends,” Shellenberger said. 

While students attend the event, other students participate in it. State High Thespians held the Prince and Princess Ball, featuring students in character as various Disney princes and princesses interacting with the local community. 

Along with creating a cheerful environment for people to end their year, the event provided people with a place for reflection as they look back on the year and ahead to the next. 

“Honestly, [First Night] was a motivation to actually celebrate the New Year because I feel like this year I kind of went into it with the attitude that it’s just another day,” Reutzel said. “But it was nice to see the celebration and so many people coming up with their own resolutions. It kind of motivated me to do something with the New Year that I didn’t initially plan on.”

Overall, First Night is a State College classic, giving people a comforting way to reflect and recharge. No matter if you are a frequent enjoyer of the event to newbie, First Night is worth exploring to end the year on a high note, full of warmth, community, and connection. 

Gallery • 3 Photos

Amir Marvasti

Junior Ayla Marvasti poses with an ice sculpture that says "2024". Photo courtesy of Amir Marvasti.