New Year’s is a holiday that calls for celebration. Don’t get stressed out trying to find the master plan to ring in the New Year. You live in Monmouth County and read The Journal, your ultimate guide to what’s happening locally this holiday season! Whether you are looking to have a quaint day with the kids or a musically enchanting evening, we’ve got some great go-to ideas!
New Year’s Eve Cruise on Seastreak
Have a swanky New Year’s Eve aboard the local and beloved Seastreak Ferry, as you ride the open seas and gawk over the gorgeous fireworks display at the Statue of Liberty! Tickets include amazing views of the New York City skyline, a premium open bar from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, champagne toast, and a world-class DJ playing all your favorite beats. If Sliced Fillet Mignon, Chicken Francaise, Grilled Vegetable Napoleon, and Penne with Roasted Eggplant sound good to you, you’ve got to board this boat! Tickets are on sale at www.SeaStreak.com. The boat will depart at 9:30 p.m. from 326 Shore Drive in Highlands.
First Night Ocean City
For the ultimate New Year’s family fest, drive on down to Ocean City, New Jersey to a festival you will never forget! You’ll find yourself riding jitneys through town, running from 5:00 p.m. until midnight, to explore all the fun that Ocean City has to offer. There will be more than 60 entertainment programs, ranging from popular children’s shows featuring magicians, jugglers, and puppeteers to Broadway shows, the Fabulous Grease Band, and much more. With DJs, magic shows, choirs, comedy shows, Japanese drummers, rides, ice-skating, telescope observations, inflatables, and an open pool, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.FirstNightOCNJ.com.
MMKIDS New Year’s Eve Parade and Toast
Children love to celebrate things. Take them to the Monmouth Museum on Sunday, December 31 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. for the MMKIDS New Year’s Eve Parade and Toast. Everyone will have the opportunity to make festive hats, masks, and noise makers in a group setting. After the mass creation, everyone will march in a “Happy New Year Parade” through the museum before coming together for a ginger ale toast starting at 1:55 p.m. and a New Year’s countdown till 2:00 p.m. to welcome 2018! Monmouth Museum is located at 765 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft.
Southside Johnny Concert at the Count Basie Theatre
For all you folks who find comfort in a longstanding tradition at the Count Basie Theatre, you’d better get your tickets now, because Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are returning to the stage for one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in town! The show starts at 9:00 p.m. and you won’t want to miss a second of this spectacular show. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes first achieved prominence in the mid-1970s, emerging from the same New Jersey Shore music scene as his now-legendary contemporary and friend, Bruce Springsteen. Grab your tickets on Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) today! The Count Basie Theatre is located at 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank.
Ice at the Pier
Maybe dancing and drinking aren’t your thing and you want to do something more active. In that case, lace up your skates and head toward Pier Village for a day and night full of ice skating! There will be three sessions:
Session 1: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Session 2: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Session 3: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
There will also be a fireworks display and horse and carriage rides available in the evening. The rink is located at 50 Chelsea Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey. Grab your tickets on www.Eventbrite.com.
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