Thinking about how to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids in a new way this year? We’ve rounded up some fun events and ideas to ring in 2024, starting with New Year’s Eve and through the holiday weekend:
The State Theatre’s annual Salute to Vienna New Year’s Eve Concert performance, filled with singing and dancing to ring in the new year, is a fun outing for kids ages 10 and up (the show is on the 31st and starts at 5 pm).
If you have little ones who won’t make it to midnight, try a countdown clock that allows kids to celebrate before hitting the hay. Netflix has a few countdown programs, like Skylanders Academy: New Year’s Eve Countdown, a minute-long episode that allows kids to count down to midnight with the show’s characters. You can also read them an NYE-themed book like Happy New Year, Spot! by Eric Hill, a story about a dog named Spot who isn’t old enough to stay up until midnight but finds a way to celebrate early.
Check out your local bowling alley. Many are having early NYE parties and it’s great fun and close to home, too.
Consider creating things with your kids that signal a brighter new year, like making and displaying luminarias outside your home. You can also make DIY noisemakers out of household items like food containers, coffee containers and rice. Don’t forget to celebrate with something sweet, like these peppermint bark cookies that combine chocolate and candy cane bits into a treat that’s easy to bake with your kids.
If you’re thinking about a night out with your crew, here are some family-friendly events that will keep everyone entertained until the moment 2024 rolls in:
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Crystal Springs Resort, Hamburg
There are a dozen different options that include kids and adults: a buffet and family party at Minerals Hotel, a buffet and DJ at the Canyon Buffet, open bar and live entertainment in the Emerald Ballroom, a 7-course elegant dinner at Restaurant Latour, a 4-course dinner at Springs Bistro followed by a Biosphere Bash, a family-style dinner with entertainment at Crystal Tavern, a 3-course dinner with open bar and live show at Crystal Cabaret, a 4-course dinner with entertainment at Kites Restaurant, a DJ dance party at Kites, and private dining inside a Champagne Chalet.
First Night Ocean County
Casino Pier, Seaside Heights
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve afternoon of entertainment including a “Frozen” sing-along, a holiday magic show, a kid’s holiday concert, meet-and-greets with Mr. and Mrs. Mouse and the Australian Pups, and a kid’s dance party with a countdown to midnight balloon drop (at 4:30 pm).
New Year’s Eve
iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
The ultimate celebration includes a night of rides, games, party favors, confetti cannons, a DJ, giveaways and more.
NYE Fireworks Spectacular
Pier Village, Long Branch
To cap off a month of Coastal Holidays By The Sea, watch a fireworks display above the Jersey Shore to welcome in January.
First Night
Downtown Morristown
On NYE, Morristown becomes a stage. Everyone is invited to an alcohol-free celebration of arts and culture that will feature more than 70 performances, a film festival and a countdown to midnight with fireworks.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dave & Buster’s, Wayne
Celebration Admission includes access to the appetizer banquet; a $20 Power Card with unlimited video game play; a special ginger ale New Year’s Eve toast; and a video countdown, all before 7 pm.
Countdown to Noon
Nickelodeon Universe, American Dream, East Rutherford
After a giant dance party, head to the Slime Stage for a countdown 12 hours earlier than when the clock strikes 2024. Stay and play all day with the All-Access Pass.
First Night
Ocean City
More than 70 events take place across 20 venues; don’t sleep in on New Year’s Day, because you can bring the family to First Day At The Beach, too.
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
State Theatre NJ, New Brunswick
Although Vienna is a few hours ahead of us, their singers, dancers and orchestra will be stateside to ring in the new year.
Kids Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party
Shannon Rose, Clifton
From 4-7 pm, celebrate as the clock strikes midnight in Dublin. There will be  face painters, bagpipers and balloons. Reservations are recommended.
On New Year’s Day, a tradition is attending the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia!
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