The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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Help your kids develop their creative side with art classes
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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Boonton's
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
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New Year's Eve Fireworks, Live Shows, and Other New Jersey Celebrations for Kids

Celebrate with music, magic, skating and a host of other activities culminating in a fireworks show at First Night OCNJ. Photo courtesy OCNJ
Celebrate with music, magic, skating and a host of other activities culminating in a fireworks show at First Night OCNJ. Photo courtesy OCNJ
12/22/23 - By Laurie Rein

If all-night celebrations are a thing of the past for you and your family, you can still make the most of New Year's Eve with family-friendly festivities throughout New Jersey.

We've rounded up New Year's Eve events the whole family can enjoy together, from indoor and outdoor theme park adventures to New Year's Eve fireworks and First Night celebrations. 

Looking for pre-New Year's entertainment? Keep busy with these 21 Staycation Ideas, and be sure to check our Family Activity Calendar for more happenings. Happy New Year, New Jersey!

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Ring in the new year with rides, games, food, and family-friendly fun at iPlay America. Photo courtesy of iPlay America
Ring in the new year with rides, games, food, and family-friendly fun at iPlay America. Photo courtesy of iPlay America

New Year's Eve Celebrations in New Jersey

New Year's Eve Fireworks from Battleship New Jersey

Camden
Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Fireworks over the Delaware River from the historic deck of Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy music, face painting, food concessions, and bar service. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Celebration at iPlay America

Freehold
Ring in the new year with rides, games, food, and family-friendly fun. The celebration features unlimited rides, a live DJ, party favors, giveaways, and dining options. READ MORE

First Night Morris County

Morristown
First Night Morris County, in its 32nd year, is the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey, providing a magnificent, family-friendly, substance- and alcohol-free celebration in the heart of Morristown. READ MORE

Hammonton New Year's Eve Bash & Giant Blueberry Drop

Hammonton–FREE
The countdown to the new year is on in Downtown Hammonton. Enjoy fireworks and the famous Giant Blueberry Drop. Music and dancing round out the fun. READ MORE

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Jackson
Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of glittering lights, dazzling holiday entertainment, delicious seasonal treats, and a little flurry of magic nightly. Visit the North Pole Village, and hop aboard many popular rides.  READ MORE

First Night OCNJ

Ocean City
With over 70 shows and activities taking place at over 20 venues, there is something for everyone at this annual event. Don't miss rides, ice skating, inflatables, Mickey Mousekeeter Show, karaoke, live bands and more. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City–FREE
Bundle up and catch fireworks on the beach of Sea Isle City. READ MORE

New Year’s Eve Firework Spectacular

Long Branch–FREE
Ring in the New Year at Pier Village with a spectacular fireworks display on the shore. READ MORE

Noon Years Eve at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant–FREE
Kick off an early New Years celebration at both Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Jenkinson’s Aquarium. The day begins with two Eyes of the Wild Animal Shows at 12:30pm and 1:30pm inside the Jenkinson’s Pavilion on the stage, followed by a Mini Princess Palooza at 2:30pm. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party in Hackensack

Hackensack–FREE
Dance in the noon years with live music featuring Housel Fun & Fitness and a countdown to noon. Registration is not required. READ MORE

First Night at Casino Pier Arcade

Seaside Heights–FREE
Enjoy a kids' New Years Eve celebration with entertainment like music, animal shows and more family fun. Two trackless trains circulate on the boardwalk between event locations, and fireworks are scheduled for 5 pm, weather permitting. READ MORE

Early New Year's Eve at Dave & Buster's Wayne

Wayne–FREE
Ringing in 2025 at Dave & Buster's is a vibe. Don't wait until midnight to ring in the New Year. Celebrate early at D&B and get the kids to bed on time. Enjoy a banquet, video games, hats, noisemakers and more. READ MORE

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