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New Year's Eve Weekend 2022 in New Jersey: Noon Year's Eve, Fireworks, First Night Parties

Experience a light show like no other at Holidig at Diggerland. Photo courtesy of Diggerland
Experience a light show like no other at Holidig at Diggerland. Photo courtesy of Diggerland
12/28/22 - 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 2022 goodbye and look forward to a fresh new start in 2023. Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style with low-key events like Hammonton's Noon Year's Eve Celebration, New Year's Eve Celebration at iPlay America, and New Year's Eve fireworks in Sea Isle City. You can opt to kick off the new year with fresh air at first-day hikes in Princeton and Jersey City.

While the holidays are over, it's not too late to take in holiday light spectaculars and activities throughout the state. Get your last licks in at the Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland and Six Flags Holiday in the Park. Or, embark on one of these winter day trips.

You can find more fun in our Winter Activities Guide for New Jersey Kids and our packed Family Activity Calendar.

More Things To Do in New Jersey this Week with Kids

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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

Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend With Kids

Winter Break/Patriots Week Drop-in Activities

Trenton–FREE
Wednesday, December 28-Friday, December 30
Stop by the museum during your holiday break for two awesome free activities that include storytime and drop-in art. These programs repeat each day. READ MORE

Jurassic Quest

Edison
Thursday, December 29-Sunday, January 1
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

Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights

West Orange–FREE
Daily through Saturday, December 31
Take a nighttime stroll through the Turtle Back Zoo to see more than 50 illuminated winter scenes and animal characters. Santa stops by the fun on select days.  READ MORE

First Night Morris County 2023

Morristown
Saturday, December 31
First Night Morris County 2023, in its 31st 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

Noon Year's Eve Celebration

Hammonton–FREE
Saturday, December 31
The countdown to noon is on! Enjoy games, crafts, food, hats, noise makers and surprise appearances. The confetti countdown happens at noon. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Celebration at iPlay America

Freehold
Saturday, 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

Kids' New Year’s Eve Celebration

Lincroft
Saturday, December 31
Countdown to Noon Year's Eve at this Monmouth Museum celebration. The fun includes a party hat, a noise-maker craft, and a parade. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks from Battleship New Jersey

Camden
Saturday, December 31
Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Fireworks over the Delaware River from the historic deck of Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy music, food concessions, and bar service. READ MORE

First Night OCNJ

Ocean City
Saturday, December 31
With over 70 shows and activities taking place at 22 venues, there is something for everyone at this 30th annual event. Don't miss rides, ice skating, inflatables, the Harlem Wizards, karaoke, a magic show, live bands and more. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks

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

Happy Noon Year

Avalon–FREE
Saturday, December 31
Revel in the new year with a kid-friendly celebration, featuring stories, entertainment, snacks and apple juice champagne. READ MORE

First Day Hike to Caven Point Beach

Jersey City–FREE
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Participate in a leisurely 3-mile hike to Caven Point Beach, exploring the manmade and natural shoreline of the Upper NY Bay. The hike offers unique views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Skyline. READ MORE

Princeton Nursery Lands First Day Hike

Princeton–FREE
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Get some fresh air and exercise on this easy, 1.5-mile loop hike through the Mapleton Preserve. Have some cocoa following the hike. READ MORE

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Jackson
Daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023
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

Holidig Drive-Thru Light Show at Diggerland

West Berlin
Daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023
Diggerland shines this holiday season with a 1-mile drive-thru course covered in hundreds of twinkling lights. America’s only construction theme park is illuminated with holiday displays, and visitors can enjoy tasty treats. Stream its radio station to fill your car with holiday spirit. READ MORE

Bergen County Winter Wonderland

Paramus
Daily through Monday, January 2, 2023
Spend the day at Van Saun Park for wintertime fun including skating, train rides, carousel rides, and much more.  READ MORE

Let It Glow: A Holiday Lantern Spectacular

Paramus
Select dates through Sunday, January 15, 2023
The Bergen County Zoo is illuminated with holiday cheer in the evening all season long. Larger-than-life glowing lanterns have been installed, creating 30+ glowing scenes. See animals real and imagined laid out throughout the zoo. READ MORE

Winter Walk Snowflake Stroll in Taylor Park

Millburn–FREE
Daily through Sunday, January 15, 2023
Take a brilliant walk through Taylor Park's winter wonderland. The trees along the path are wrapped in lights, and the bridge is adorned with hundreds of lights reflecting into the stream that runs along the Main Street section of the park.  READ MORE

Antique Toy Train Show

Deptford
Select dates through Sunday, January 29, 2023
Check out a variety of vintage toy trains, from 27 gauge toy trains of the '30s, '40s and '50s  to Lionel, Marx, and American Flyer Engines. Plasticville accessories from the '50s add to the displays. READ MORE

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About the Author

Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
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