We found “First Night” celebrations, fireworks shows and an underwater event to help you kick off the New Year. Plus, keep the celebration going on New Year’s Day with family- and dog-friendly parties.
First Night Morris
Time & price: 4:45 pm-midnight; fireworks at 9:15 and midnight; $20-$70
Location: 23 venues in and around Morristown
On New Year’s Eve, Morristown becomes a stage. There will be 70 dance, theater, music, visual arts and children’s programs. Musical performers include, New Jersey native and folk musician Spook Handy, the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Dana McCurdy’s Community in Rhythm Drum Circle, Frank Vignola’s Hot Jazz Guitar Trio and more.
New Year’s Eve Splash
Time & price: 9:30 am- 6 pm; included with general admission, $21.99-$29.99
Location: Adventure Aquarium, Camden
Ring in the New Year with your family, friends and fish! As part of New Year’s Around the World, every hour the aquarium will celebrate a different country by talking about traditions. Boogey down at the DJ Shell-ebration dance parties throughout the day. End the evening on the waterfront and see a fireworks display over the Delaware River.
First Night Warren
Time & price: 4-8 pm; $15 per person (children 3 and under are free); Parking at Rutherfurd Hall is $25 per car. There is a free shuttle from Allamuchy Township School parking lot on Johnsonburg Road and at Panther Valley Ecumenical Church Parking lot on Route 517.
Location: Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 Route 517, Allamuchy
This family-friendly event boasts entertainment, food vendors and fireworks (scheduled for 7:15 pm). See Irish Step dancers, live musical acts, a reptile show, magic shows and more!
First Night Ocean County
Time & price: noon-5 pm; $5 per person
Location: Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Face painters, balloonists, caricaturists, magicians and more! Visits Seaside’s four arcades (Casino Pier Arcade, Coin Castle, Lucky Leo’s and Shake Shoppe Arcade) for family entertainment. There will be fireworks on the boardwalk at 5 pm, weather permitting.
Midnight at the Oasis
Time & price: 7 pm- 12:30 am; $68.99 per person, children 2 and under are free
Location: Sahara Sam’s Oasis, 535 North Route 73, West Berlin
Splash the night away at this indoor water park’s New Year’s Eve party. Get soaked on the water attractions, jam out with the DJ, go under the limbo stick and win giveaways. There will also be a foam party, food and a champagne toast to 2019 (sparkling cider for the kids)
“Meet New Friends” New Year’s Day Dog Walk
Dogs can have New Year’s resolutions, too! If your pup could use some new four-legged friends, stroll through the trails at Lord Stirling Stable on the first of the year. It’s going to be pawsome! Bring an unopened dry or canned puppy/dog or kitten/cat food for donation to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter at check-in, beginning at 1:15 pm. For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 5010.
Fire & Ice: Food Trucks & Fireworks!
Keep the New Year’s celebration going on January 1. Chow down on grub from various food trucks, sip on beer from Pinelands Brewing and participate in family-friendly activities. Hop a hayride through the frozen woods and watch the fireworks show over the lake at 6 pm. Food trucks include: Caun Jaz, Dag’s Dippers, Good Mood Food, House of Cupcakes, Laughing Crab, Pompier Pierogi Flats, Rosa De Oro Mexican, Sinfully Delicious Bakery.