Fredericksburg First Night 2012

, but here's a quick rundown:

First Night is a family friendly, alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration designed as an alternative to the drunken revelry. Hosted in historic downtown Fredericksburg, between the 700 and 1000 blocks of Caroline and Sophia streets, the event boasts more than 30 entertainers, exhibits, musicians and performers at 15 different venues leading up to, of course, a New Year's Eve midnight countdown and fireworks display.

Admission to the performance venues requires a button, which serves as your ticket to the festivities. Buttons cost $7 in advance, $10 on the night of the event.

The event happens rain or shine. Only the fireworks display is subject to weather cancellation.