New Year's Events To Check Out In Ocean County

Here's a sampling of things to do on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Ocean County

Don't feel like traveling to Times Square on New Year's Eve surrounded by massive crowds just to see the ball drop? You don't have to.

SHIP BOTTOM - Come to the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company's firehouse and you can see it right on Long Beach Island. The fire company is holding the Ship Bottom Bash NYE starting at 8 p.m. with a "Midnight Masquerade,"an open bar and hor d'oeuvres. Music starts at 9 p.m. provided by James Cutlass and the Wisterias and the home grown sounds of Chevy Lopez and Funk Schway.Tickets are $65 at the door. Proceeds from the event will go to the fire company and the Alliance for a Living Ocean.

If you don't feel like staying up late, the event also includes a daytime bazaar with acoustic performances by Rob Connolly, Sahara Moon, Jimmy Brogan, and Ryan Zimmerman. There will also be local craft vendors, including Sunny Raes Kitchen, Ship Bottom Brewery and Raw Bar. The suggested donation for the daytime event, which starts at noon, is $10. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lily Rose Cramer in her fight against cancer.

Want to ring in the new year without alcohol?

SEASIDE HEIGHTS - The Seaside Heights event will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., capped off with a fireworks display if the weather permits. Many local businesses and places to eat on the boardwalk will be open.

Bracelets for the event have been on sale since Black Friday for $5 at the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall and at participating arcades on the boardwalk.

Pick up your passport and visit each participating arcade to be eligible to win an adult gift basket and a children’s gift basket both worth over $250. The participating arcades are Casino Pier, Coin Castle, Lucky Leo's and the Shake Shoppe. Visit each arcade and receive a free gift, as long as you have your First Night bracelet.

TUCKERTON - Come and celebrate New Year's Day at the Tuckerton Seaport with food and fireworks at the annual "Fire and Ice" event. There is no admission charge for the event, which starts at noon and is capped off with a 6 p.m. fireworks display over the lake.The event will feature food trucks, live music, craft beers and family-friendly programs. Food and beer prices are set by the individual vendors, which include the Pinelands Brewing Company.The fireworks are sponsored by the Pinelands 4th of July Committee. Bring beach chairs and blankets.

The Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum is located at 120 West Main Street in the heart of historic Tuckerton.

The event is supported in part by a grant from New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, www.visitnj.org.For more information, find the Tuckerton Seaport on Facebook or call 609-296-8868.

POINT PLEASANT - Martell's Tiki Bar - Doors open at 8 p.m. Event features live music with the Mike Dalton band and Dr. Cheeko, a buffet, party favors and a champagne toast. Tickets are $25 per person or $30 at the door.

OCEAN GATE - Looking for something a little different? The Anchor Inn in Ocean Gate is holding a New Year's Eve one night early on Saturday, Dec. 30. There will be blackboard specials and a DJ who starts at 9 p.m. The restaurant is located at 400 Ocean Gate Avenue.

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK - Want to welcome 2018 in a beautiful place and get some exercise at the same time?
Then come to Island Beach State Park on New Year's Day from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a "First Day Hike" along the ocean and bay trails. The hike will be followed by a beach bonfire as dusk approaches. Hot cocoa, coffee, tea and cookies will be provided.
You can even bring your dog on the hike, as long as they are on leashes, according to The Friends of Island Beach State Park's Facebook page.
Anyone interested should meet the park's Interpretive Center at A-16 on Shore Road.
To register for the hike, click here.

WHITESBOG - The state Department of Environmental Protection is offering another "First Day Hike" at Whitesbog in the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest on Jan. 1.

It's an easy to moderate hiking of 0.5 miles to 5 miles, depending on how far participants want to go with the guide. The hike will be followed by a potluck social in the Barrel Factory. The hike starts at 10 a.m. at the Whitesbog Village General Store.

Registration is required, please call Terry @ 609-412-3394 leave message with name, phone or email and number of people attending. Children 10 and up with responsible adults and well behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

BAYVILLE - The Cove Bar and Grill is holding a New Year's Eve party with no cover charge. A special menu and regular menu will be available. The band Upside will perform, starting at 9:30 p.m. A free champagne toast will be provided at midnight.

Martell's Water's Edge in Bayville will also host a New Year's Eve party. The $35 charged includes a buffet, champagne toast and party favors.

Both restaurants are located on Bayview Avenue.

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