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New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Noon Year's Eve, Fireworks, First Night Parties

Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey
Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey
12/29/23 - By Laurie Rein

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

It's time to kiss 2024 goodbye and look forward to a fresh new start in 2025. Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style with low-key events like New Year's Eve Celebration at iPlay America and New Year's Eve fireworks in Sea Isle City. Spend the weekend leading up to New Year's Eve with some prehistoric pals at Jurassic Quest and round it out with a visit to the LuminoCity lights show.

Here's to the start of a fantastic 2025, New Jersey!

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Sesame Street Learn & Play at American Dream

East Rutherford
Now Open
Sesame Street Learn & Play, the first-of-its kind educational play center in the United States, gives kids and their families a truly immersive experience right alongside their favorite furry friends. READ MORE

2024 LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival - Wonder Journey

Freehold
Through Sunday, January 5
Step into a world of wonder at the 2024 Holiday Lights Festival, “Wonder Journey,” bringing a dazzling spectacle to Freehold Raceway Mall. This year’s festival transforms the mall’s parking lot into a whimsical adventure, offering visitors a magical journey through iconic moments inspired by the beloved children’s story Alice in Wonderland. READ MORE
Deal Limited Time: 20% off with the code MPNJ20!

Winter Break Drop-in Activities

Trenton–FREE
Saturday, December 28-Sunday, December 29
Enjoy free winter break crafts offered at the New Jersey State Museum. The fun includes a hibernation and snowflake craft.  READ MORE

Jurassic Quest at NJ Convention & Exposition Center

Edison
Friday, December 27-Monday, December 30
The New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center goes back to prehistoric times when it hosts this over-the-top dinosaur attraction. More than 100 life-sized, animatronic dinos roar to life, plus kids can hop on dinosaur-themed rides and take part in interactive shows and inflatable attractions. READ MORE

Paw Patrol Live: A Mighty Adventure

Newark
Saturday, December 28-Sunday, December 29
Get ready to PAW-ty at NJPAC in a fun-tastic new PAW Patrol Adventure. With heroic action, catchy tunes and bark-loads of interactive fun, PAW Patrol’s electrifying new adventure is sure to leave tails wagging and kids cheering. READ MORE

Hanukkah on Ice

Mount Laurel
Saturday, December 28
Enjoy an evening on ice, complemented by Jewish music, donuts, hot latkes, crafts, and a 5-foot ice menorah.  READ MORE

Downtown Cranford Menorah Lighting

Cranford–FREE
Monday, December 30
Downtown Cranford welcomes all to its annual menorah lighting with the Union County Torah Center Chabad, featuring a “Gelt Drop,” light-up dreidel and menorah necklaces for children, and delicious jelly donuts. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Celebration at iPlay America

Freehold
Tuesday, December 31
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

Hammonton New Year's Eve Bash & Giant Blueberry Drop

Hammonton–FREE
Tuesday, December 31
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

First Night OCNJ

Ocean City
Tuesday, December 31
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

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

Wayne
Tuesday, December 31
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

First Night Morris County

Morristown
Tuesday, December 31
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

New Year's Eve Fireworks from Battleship New Jersey

Camden
Tuesday, December 31
Watch 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 Fireworks in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City–FREE
Tuesday, December 31
Bundle up and catch fireworks on the beach of Sea Isle City. READ MORE

Noon Years Eve at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant–FREE
Tuesday, December 31
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

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