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 2024. 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 2024 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
Nickelodeon Universe Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Grab the whole family and head to Nickelodeon Universe for a kid-friendly countdown to noon on NYE. The celebration features a dance party along with an all-access pass to stay and play all day.
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Nickelodeon Universe, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Diamond Ballroom Buffet Style Dinner at Crystal Springs
It’s a night of glamour and fun for all ages, with a balloon artist, magician, and DJ entertainment all night. Enjoy a buffet-style dinner, and parents can enjoy the open bar.
Cost: $115 for 18 and over, $75 for ages 12-17, and $55 for ages 4-11
Minerals Hotel, 2 Chamonix Drive, Vernon, NJ 07462
First Night Morris County 2024
All of Morristown becomes a stage at this long-running event, the biggest First Night celebration in the state. There are over 70 performances at 20 different venues throughout town, and it all kicks off at 4:00 PM on New Year’s Eve with complimentary parking and free shuttles. There will be a flurry of performances until midnight, including two fireworks shows. And don’t miss the midnight countdown.
Cost: Tickets start at $30
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 the hats and noisemakers while the whole fam 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
New Year’s Family Camp
Celebrate this New Year’s Eve in NJ in a cozy cabin stay at this camp-style celebration. Go hiking during the day, make crafts, and the family can test their skills at an archery class. You’ll stay in heated cabins with private bathrooms and eat in the dining hall. And at night, you can warm up by the campfire, go for a night hike, and welcome the New Year in the great outdoors.
Cost: $184 for adults 18 and over, $153 for kids 12-17, and $126 for kids 5-11. Children 4 and under are free
1035 Fairview Lake Rd., Newton, NJ 07860
NYE 2024 with a Bollywood Disco
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, a clown, a magician, face painting, music, games, party favors, and more.
Cost: $275 for couples; $165 for singles; $115 for guests 11-20; $65 for kids under 10
560 Stelton Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854
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, skating on the outdoor rink, carousel rides, and boardwalk-style games. 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
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 from the previous year that you wish to toss into the fire. 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 bonfire itself will be lit promptly at 6 PM, and a bagpiper will be on hand to entertain attendees.
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.
The Great Meadow, 1761 Brearley House, 100 Meadow Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Kid’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Monmouth Museum
For those kiddos that can’t make it past dark, celebrate early, starting at 10:30 AM, with a visit to the museum and kid-friendly activities. Enjoy a craft, storytime with Elsa, and a balloon drop at noon.
Cost: $20 included with admission
765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738
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 Game Time Bar & Grill, 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
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 heart of the park, and admire the brightly lit five-story tree. Or visit Gingerbread Junction, the Holiday Craze Mirror Maze, the Holiday Firepits, the North Pole, and Polar Point.
Cost: Ticket prices vary based on membership level
1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527
South Jersey New Year’s Eve Events
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 30 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 skate party, see amazing magicians, sing along to dueling pianos, and then stop by the Library for LEGO at the Library. Check out the full schedule here. And make sure to hang around for the fireworks show at midnight to welcome the new year.
Cost: $22 for an all-inclusive button (good for all events).
Venues all around Ocean City, NJ
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
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. Proceeds from the event go toward the restoration of the Battleship. There is a 6 PM show, an Admiral’s VIP show, and a 10 PM show.
Cost: $10
62 Battleship Place., Camden, NJ 08103
New Year’s Eve Bash and Giant Blueberry Drop
Wrap up 2023 in a festive environment, complete with live music and fireworks, and welcome in 2024 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 Martinelli’s sparkling cider, can take tractor wagon rides, 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
How will you celebrate New Year’s Eve in NJ?
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