Description

A full schedule of activities is planned for Ocean City’s First Night celebrations.

First Night on New Year's Eve offers more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town. Everyone is invited to the Ocean City Music Pier at 3:45 pm for the official ribbon cutting to open the 2023 festivities. The rides at Wonderland Pier will return this year, and other returning favorites include the ice-skating rink, inflatables, the Harlem Wizards, a karaoke party, magician Chad Juros, a Country Line Dance Experience and the Sensational Soul Cruisers. Stop by the Music Pier to see the First Night ice sculpture. Interactive photo booths will be set up in the Ocean City High School cafeteria, the Community Center and the Civic Center.

After a lineup of entertainment and activities that begins at 4 pm, will ring in the new year at midnight with a fireworks display.

Admission buttons - which are $15 if purchased from Oct. 8 - Nov. 30, or $20 after - are good for all events. Children under age 2 are free. Purchase online in advance; by calling 609-399-6111; or in person at the City Hall Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Ave. or at the Roy Gillian Welcome Center at the 9th Street causeway, or at the 46th Street Welcome Center, 4500 block of West Avenue.

Pickup at will-call will be available daily at the City Hall Welcome Center, Ninth Street entrance.

All municipal parking lots and metered parking spots will be free. Jitneys will provide free transportation from 5 pm until 12:30 am for button-holders, operating continuously between all venues starting at the Ocean City Transportation Center (Ninth Street and Haven Avenue) and Seventh Street Parking Lot (Seventh Street and Central Ave.).

Food and drink will be for sale at Ocean City High School (Sack O’ Subs), Wonderland Pier (6th Street Pizza and Grill) and Ocean City Community Center (at the cafe) with snack stands at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.

The fun continues on New Year’s Day with a 5K run on the boardwalk at 1 pm in front of the Ocean City Music Pier. Race day registration begins at 11 am at the Music Pier at Moorlyn Terrace. Winter hats will be given all who pre-register and while supplies last.

The First Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean at 2 pm will be on the beach adjacent to the Music Pier (on the Eighth Street side). Participants should register inside the Music Pier before heading to the beach. Registration is free, but all participants must sign a waiver. First Day At The Beach shirts will be on sale at the Music Pier.

There will be an all-day shopping extravaganza with discounts at stores on Asbury Avenue and the boardwalk from 5th to 14th streets.

Free horse-drawn carriage rides on downtown Asbury Avenue will be available 12 - 3 pm Jan. 1. Board at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.