New Year’s Eve in NJ is almost here, so let’s all raise a glass (or a juice box) and celebrate the beginning of a bright and joyful 2025. Scoring a sitter is tough, so why not ring in the new year with the fam? From First Nights to concerts to skating under the stars, there’s plenty to do for all ages. So grab those party poppers, horns, and hats, and let’s get ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve in NJ at one of these festive events. And before we say goodbye to December, check out some free things you can do in the state before the month ends. (featured Photo Credit: iStock/tatyana_tomsickova)
Ring In 2025 With One Of These Kid-Friendly Events For New Year’s Eve In NJ
(Note: It’s best to check ahead for in-person events)
North Jersey New Year’s Eve Events
Emerald Ballroom Buffet Style Dinner at Grand Cascades Lodge
It’s a night of glamour and fun for all ages, with access to the Family Rockin Eve Party with a glow party room and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Enjoy a 3-course plated dinner, and parents can enjoy the open bar. An overnight stay at Grand Cascades Lodge is required for this dinner.
Cost: $200 for 18 and over, $95 for ages 12-17, and $55 for ages 4-11
3 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419
First Night Morris County 2025
At this long-running event, the biggest First Night celebration in the state, all of Morristown becomes a stage. Over 70 performances are held at 23 venues throughout town, and the festivities kick off at 4:30 PM on New Year’s Eve with complimentary parking and free shuttles. There will be a flurry of performances until midnight, including fireworks to welcome in the New Year. And don’t miss the midnight countdown.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Downtown Morristown
New Year’s Eve Signature Dinner Cruise
Ring in the New Year—on the water! Aboard this dinner cruise, you’ll sail on the New York Harbor with the beautiful NYC skyline in the background. Kids will have a ball with hats and noisemakers while the whole family enjoys a buffet dinner and dances to DJ-mixed music with a fireworks show at midnight.
Cost: Depends on the ticket package. Call for details
Departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina, 1500 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken, NJ 07086
Noon Years Eve at Sea Life Aquarium
Bring the littles to their own New Year’s Eve celebration at the Ocean View exhibit on December 31 at noon. Twinkling Tides, a winter wonderland exhibit with thousands of lights underwater, will celebrate the New Year.
Cost: Prices start at $29.99
Closest to parking lot A, Level 1 of American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
NYE 2025 with Non-Stop Entertainment
Get your dancing shoes on, and be ready to party with music, a lavish Indian dinner, and a festive atmosphere. And don’t worry about your kiddos and littles—this party has a special space for them with fun, games, and prizes.
Cost: $170 for couples; $90 for singles; $40 kids 4-10; $60 kids 11-12
269 Littleton Rd., Piscataway, NJ 07054
Central Jersey New Year’s Eve Events
Fireworks Spectacular at Pier Village
Head to Pier Village for a celebration full of family fun. There will be food specials, live music, and pre-fixed dinners. Stay for the celebration, and the end-of-the-year fireworks show at 9 PM.
Cost: Free
110 North Ocean Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740
First Night Ocean County
Spend the new year with the family at one of four First Night locations, which includes Lucky Leo’s, Coin Castle, Casino Arcade, and Shake Shoppe in Seaside Heights. Experience music and magic shows, and don’t miss a ride on the two trackless trains on the boardwalk that runs between event locations. Fireworks are scheduled for 5 PM, weather permitting.
Cost: Prices vary
Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Hogmanay Bonfire
The Hogmanay Bonfire has been a tradition for the Lawrence Historical Society since 1997. Grab a pencil and paper at the event and write down all the bad things you wish to toss into the fire from the previous year. The Brearley House will be open for tours throughout the event, and the Society’s Junior Historians Club will host activities for children, including a Brearley House scavenger hunt. Food vendors also will be onsite. The event runs from 5 PM-7 PM.
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.
The Great Meadow, 1761 Brearley House, 100 Meadow Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Noon Years Eve
From 12 PM to 4 PM, celebrate the new year with your littles. Meet Mermaid Brizo and then see the Eyes of the Wild Animal Show. Then engage in fun events like a Penguin Meet & Greet, see a swimming mermaid, sing-a-long to a mini Princess Palooza, and then at 4 PM, count down during the balloon drop in the Pavilion. The events will be taking place between the Pavilion and the Aquarium.
Cost: The Pavilion events are free, and the aquarium events require admission starting at $12
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
New Brunswick Salute To Vienna, Fireworks, and a Food Drive
There is lots to do in New Brunswick on December 31. Start at the State Theater for Salute to Vienna, with a New Year’s Eve concert with music, bright costumes, dancers, and flowers. Then, head over to Amboy’s Annual Food Drive on George Street to donate anything from gift cards to canned items to granola bars to help those with food insecurity. Then, head to Monument Square Park at midnight to enjoy live music, fireworks, and their signature midnight toast.
Cost: Prices vary per event
Locations: State Theater New Jersey, George Street, and Monument Square Park
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Iplay America
This is the place to be for New Year’s Eve in NJ for a truly kid-friendly party—with fun rides, a DJ, party favors, and confetti cannons. Play games and go on the rides, refuel at The Bistro, or grab a snack at one of the in-park concession stands. You can also book a Topgolf Swing Suite, and there are private VIP suites where you can watch the NYE celebration and ball drop in Times Square on a big-screen TV.
Cost: $42.99 for the advance New Year’s Eve Party Pass ($52.99 at the door). VIP and suite rentals are additional
110 Schanck Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728
NYE 2025 Party in Princeton
Get your dancing shoes on, and be ready to party with music, belly dancers, and a festive atmosphere. And don’t worry about your kiddos and littles—this party has a special space for them, complete with kids’ meals, music, games, party favors, and more. The party starts at 8:30 PM.
Cost: $200 for couples, $120 for singles, $65 for kids under 12
99 Clarksville Rd West Windsor, Princeton, NJ 08540
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
New Year’s Eve in NJ is a great excuse to experience your favorite theme park in a new light. Head to Main Street, the park’s heart, and admire the brightly lit five-story tree. You can also visit Treeditions, The Jinglettes, or the Deck The Halls Dance Party.
Cost: Ticket prices vary based on membership level
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
South Jersey New Year’s Eve Events
Dave & Buster’s NYE
Get started at 4 PM and celebrate the new year early with the whole family. Each ticket includes a banquet with everything from signature flatbreads to churros, plus unlimited soft drinks, a $20 Power Card unlimited video game play, access to a party space, a video ball drop, and a ginger ale toast. There will also be hats and noisemakers ready to ring in 2025.
Cost: $42.95, under 2 are free
2120 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Fireworks on the Beach in Sea Isle City
Bring your chairs, blankets, and warm clothes to experience a beautiful fireworks display on the sand. The show starts at 8 PM, so you’ll have plenty of time to celebrate without staying up til midnight.
Cost: Free
JFK Blvd Beach, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243
First Night Ocean City, NJ
This New Year’s Eve in NJ celebration is packed—they have 70 different activities happening at various venues from 4 PM to just before midnight. Check out the ventriloquist show, or swing by the skate park for a DJ skate party, see amazing magicians, sing along to dueling pianos, and then see the drone show at Carey Stadium. Check out the full schedule here. And make sure to hang around for the fireworks show at midnight to welcome the new year.
Cost: $25 for an all-inclusive button (good for all events).
Venues all around Ocean City, NJ
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Battleship New Jersey.
Bring a little history into your family’s New Year’s Eve celebration this year. Climb aboard the historic Battleship New Jersey, where they’ll have live music and food, and your squad might even be able to fire a gun salute. Then, grab a viewing spot to watch the dazzling fireworks show over the Delaware River. There is a 6 PM and midnight fireworks show.
Cost: $10
62 Battleship Place., Camden, NJ 08103
New Year’s Eve Bash and Giant Blueberry Drop
Wrap up 2024 in a festive environment, complete with live music and fireworks, and welcome in 2025 with a midnight countdown and a blueberry drop in front of Town Hall at the Blueberry Capitol of the World.
Cost: Free
100 Central Ave., Hammonton, NJ 08037
Noon Year’s Eve Kids Countdown
If you want a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the new year early, why not check out Renault Winery’s Noon Year’s Eve? Lace up your skates to glide around the rink, cozy up in an igloo. The kids will receive non-alcoholic sparkling cider and can countdown on the big screen at noon. Make sure you hang by one of the firepits after (reservations suggested).
Cost: Prices vary per event
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215
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