Dan Zarrow’s Top Ways to Ring in the New Year with Real NJ Style
New Year's Eve is not just a time to prepare to hang a new calendar. It is a time to celebrate fresh beginnings – and be wowed!
New Jersey offers a spectacular range of options for every kind of New Year's reveler. Whether you're looking for a raucous party, family-friendly festivities, or a quiet evening with great food and wine, the Garden State has something to make your Midnight countdown unforgettable.
At the same time, having so many options can be daunting. From vibrant cities to scenic vineyards, from world-class restaurants to iconic attractions, New Jersey comes alive with energy every holiday season. Let me offer some curated suggestions to help you make this New Year's Eve your most memorable ever, no matter your taste or budget.
This article is part of a special series brought to you by the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.
First Night
Let's start with some family-friendly fun at one of NJ's First Night celebrations — a tradition that has been around for decades. Events can start on the afternoon of New Year's Eve and extend right through the afternoon of New Year's Day. Hot spots this year include First Night Morris County in Morristown and First Day at the Beach in Ocean City, among others. Pre-purchased admission tickets may be required.
Glamor and Gambling
Since Atlantic City arose as a prominent East Coast destination in the early 1900s, it has become legendary for extravagant New Year's Eve parties, especially in the modern casino era, where top-notch dining, live entertainment, and champagne toasts take center stage. Dance the night away to live DJs, or hit the gaming floor for an exciting end to the year. Plus you're steps away from literally thousands of hotel rooms, making for a convenient post-party nap. Check out venues like Borgata, Caesars, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. (The one and only Pitbull plays Hard Rock's Etess Arena this year!)
Bon Appetit
New Jersey boasts a rich variety of restaurants, allowing you to embark on a global culinary adventure to welcome the new year. Dine on authentic Italian dishes in Hoboken, spice things up with Indian food in Edison, or try some local flavor in beautiful quaint Cape May. Reservations may be required and difficult to come by. Watch for special menus designed specifically to celebrate the New Year's occasion.
Wine and Dine
One of the best ways to escape the hustle and bustle of New Year's Eve (or any time) is with a relaxing evening at one of New Jersey's picturesque wineries. What better way to raise a glass to new beginnings than with a bottle of New Jersey's award-winning local wines! I love how Renault Winery Resort in Egg Harbor City is hosting both a family-friendly "Noon Years Eve" celebration during the day, followed by a more traditional New Year's Eve countdown and toast at night. Check your favorite winery's website for special events and hours.
Curtain Call
New Jersey's arts community pulls out all the stops with special shows for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. One of my personal favorites, Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, closes out their season with The Rave-Ons: Dick Clark's Countdown to the 50s and 60s. At the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, The Tradition Continues features incredible classical, pops, and jazz performances followed by a backstage reception. Joey Vega headlines with the Chef's Spectacular Buffet at the American Hotel in Freehold. Renowned ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham brings his characters to the Prudential Center in Newark on the afternoon of Dec. 31.
A Thrilling End to the Year
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day close out the operating season for Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. While the park is not scheduled to be open until Midnight or host any special New Year's events, you can still enjoy their Holiday in the Park festivities, ride the rides, savor the shows, and enjoy one last hurrah in our backyard world-class theme park. Or take the family to an indoor amusement park, where climate-controlled comfort awaits you all year round. Favorites include Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford and iPlay America in Freehold.
Bon Voyage
For stunning views of New York City's skyline and fireworks on one of the biggest nights of the year, check out City Cruises New Jersey's New Year's Eve Signature Dinner Cruise, boarding from Weehawken. What a great venue for dinner, drinks, and dancing, plus those panoramic views. But book soon — this one is sure to sell out.
Themed Parties and Live Music
Countless bars, lounges, and clubs across New Jersey host New Year's Eve parties. You can celebrate the roaring 20s, go retro with an 80s bash, or dress up for a masquerade. Locations like Asbury Park and Montclair are known for their eclectic nightlife, featuring live bands and DJ sets to suit all tastes. It may be the chilly off-season, but Atlantic City and Cape May come alive for the New Year's holiday too.
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