New Year’s Eve in NJ is coming, and in anticipation, let’s all raise a glass (or a juice box) and celebrate the beginning of a bright and joyful 2026. Scoring a sitter that night 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 before the month ends. (featured Photo Credit: istock/tatyana_tomsickova)

Ring in 2026 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

New Year’s Eve at Crystal Springs
It’s a night of glamour and fun for all ages—dress to impress at the Canyon Ballroom Buffet and Family Entertainment at Minerals Hotel. There will be DJ entertainment, mocktails for the kids, an open bar for the parents, and lots of celebratory cheer. 
Cost: varies per location
3 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, NJ 07419

First Night Morris
At this long-running event, the biggest First Night celebration in the mid-Atlantic, 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

Hackettstown NYE
Come for the party and stay for the third annual M&M’S® ball drop at midnight. There will be local entertainment, food trucks, and a kids zone with everything from a stilt walker to a cow train ride to a selfie station. Don’t miss the free giveaways while you are there.
Cost: Free
Downtown Hackettstown

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, capped by a fireworks show at midnight. 
Cost: Depends on the ticket package. Call for details
Departs from Lincoln Harbor Marina, 1500 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, NJ 07086

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 seasonal bites, elevated holiday dining, and waterfront experiences. Stay for the celebration and the end-of-the-year fireworks show at 9 PM.
Cost: Free
110 North Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740 

First Night Ocean County
Spend the new year with the family at one of four First Night locations, which include the Casino Pier Arcade. Experience bubble and magic shows, and don’t miss the character photo ops and Rizzo’s Wildlife Show. There is a balloon drop at 4:30 PM in the center of the arcade, and fireworks are scheduled for 5 PM, weather permitting. 
Cost: Prices vary
Casino Pier Arcade, 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 will also be on-site. The event runs from 5 PM to 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 NYE with your littles. Meet a mermaid, see an animal show, and then engage in fun events like the Penguin Meet & Greet. Then, at 4 PM, count down during the balloon drop in the Pavilion with the princesses. The events will be taking place between the Pavilion and the Aquarium.
Cost: The Pavilion events are free, and the aquarium events require admission
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

State Theatre Salute To Vienna
There is a lot 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. This yearly tradition features the Europaballet St. Pölten (Austria) and International Champion Ballroom Dancers.
Cost: Prices start at $51
State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Iplay America
Iplay America 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 Road, Freehold, NJ 07728

South Jersey New Year’s Eve Events

Dave & Buster’s NYE
Celebrate the new year early with the whole family. Each ticket includes a banquet with everything from appetizers, banquet offerings, and dessert, plus unlimited soft drinks, a $15 Power Card, and unlimited video game play. There will also be NYE swag that will have you ready to ring in 2026.
Cost: Starting at $33.79
2120 Atlantic Avenue, 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 Boulevard Beach, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243

First Night Ocean City, NJ
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in NJ with 70 different activities happening at various venues from 4 PM to just before midnight. Check out the outdoor ice rink, or swing by to see the Harlem Wizards, see amazing magicians, or a mentalist, 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 are 6 PM and midnight fireworks shows.
Cost: $10 to $125 for VIP
62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Wrap up 2025 in a festive environment, complete with a family game area, craft projects, and surprise guests, with a noon countdown and a confetti countdown in the Town Hall parking lot at the Blueberry Capitol of the World. 
Cost: Free
100 Central Avenue, 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 count down 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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