Events this Week: Dec. 27 – Jan. 3

Happy New Year! Three great fireworks shows are taking place in the county: in Ocean City, Sea Isle City, and Avalon. Besides fireworks, some fun gatherings are happening to ring in the New Year, including the annual gathering at the Lower Township Rec. Center. Orange links are clickable.

Ice Skating at ICONA Avalon’s Winter Wonderland 

7849 Dune Drive, Avalon 

ICONA Resort in Avalon is all decked out for the holidays, including an outside heated sand bar with festive decorations, a cash bar, hot chocolate, skate rentals, and live music on Saturdays – all right by the ocean. 12 – 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 12 – 6 p.m. on Sunday. Skating is $10 for a 90 minute pass, including rentals.  

Congress Hall Winter Wonderland  

Daily through Jan. 1 

200 Congress Place, Cape May 

The festive tradition returns for its 13th year – come see the massive Christmas tree, explore the fully decorated hotel, shop a festive village of local vendors, ride the holiday carousel, take a ride on the “Congress Hall Express,” or read a book by one of the heated seating spots. Weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

Full Moon Hike at Belleplain 

Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. 

Meet at the park office 

Thursday Belleplain Group Hike 

Thursday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. 

Meet at the park office 

New Year’s Eve Crafts 

Saturday, Dec. 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. 

Court House Library 

Join us at the library to make some fun, festive crafts to celebrate New Year’s Eve! This program is drop in, and best suited for ages 5 to 12. No registration required. 

Cape May New Year’s Eve Themed Skate 

Saturday, Dec. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. 

Cape May Convention Hall 

Come for a special themed skate night. Skate rentals are available for those without their own.  

Happy Almost New Year’s Eve in Avalon 

Saturday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. 

Library, 235 32nd St, Avalon 

Let’s ring in 2024 a little early! Come join us for crafts, dancing, cookies, and our famous apple juice “champagne!” 

First Night in Ocean City 

Sunday, Dec. 31 

Venues across town  

The price of admission gets you access to events, concerts, games, amusement rides, and more all across town in this annual alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration for the whole family. More info at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com 

Lower Township New Year’s Eve Celebration 

Sunday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.  

2600 Bayshore Rd #1, Villas 

Come ring in the New Year with food and music, inflatable slides and obstacle courses, face painting, and other family-friendly activities.  

Ocean City New Year’s Fireworks 

Sunday, Dec. 31 at midnight 

Viewable from the boardwalk  

Avalon New Year’s Fireworks 

Sunday, Dec. 31 at midnight 

35th Street beach, Avalon 

Sea Isle New Year’s Fireworks 

Sunday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. 

JFK Blvd. Beach Sea Isle City 

For more info, call 609-263-8687 

Surfside Park New Year’s Eve 

Sunday, Dec. 31 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. 

Surfside Park, 2901 Avalon Ave, Avalon 

Celebrate the new year a little bit early with a Dj’d dance party, face panting, trivia, and balloon art!  

Ocean City Polar Plunge 

Monday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. 

Beach by the Music Pier on the boardwalk

Come out for Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year. 

New Year’s 5k in Ocean City 

Monday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m.  

Start your new year with a fast 5K on the Ocean City Boardwalk. If you dare, you can take a frozen “First Dip” in the ocean after the race. Pre-register online at ocnj.us/race-events or in-person from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

First Day Shopping Extravaganza in Ocean City 

Monday, Jan. 1 during business hours 

6th Street to 14th Street, Ocean City 

Welcome the New Year by shopping for tremendous bargains in downtown Ocean City 

Free Movie: X-Men 

Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 3 p.m.  

Ocean City Library Room N110 

Free snacks will be provided – bring a friend!