First Night & First Day in Ocean City
Each year First Night in Ocean City offers a fun New Year’s Eve night out for family and friends with a variety of activities starting at 4pm and finishing with fireworks at midnight.
FIRST NIGHT, Ocean City’s gala New Year’s Eve Celebration, offers a variety of entertainment for families and visitors from 4 p.m. till midnight for just $20. It is the best New Year’s entertainment value at the Jersey Shore. The gala features over 60 entertainment programs capped by a fireworks celebration in an alcohol free setting.
Opening ceremonies are held at 4 p.m. at the ice skating rink, a First Night attraction at Carey Stadium, 6th St. off Boardwalk. It will include greetings by City officials and entertainment.
A First Night admission button will entitle bearer to free access to Wonderland Amusement rides from 5 to 9 p.m. Entertainment features events for every age group including children’s programs that adults will also enjoy. For instance, acclaimed magician, Chad Juros, the Allo Puppets, Give and Take Jugglers, Jungle John, the Turtle Singers and more.
A Tribute to Neal Diamond is scheduled for the Music Pier, the Fabulous Grease Band performs at the Civic Center and a new group, Angelina and the Exploding Robots, a 5 piece (some robot, some human band) will play favorites from the 60’s at the Senior Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. The Hegemen String Band performs at the High School and the hilarious Abbott and Costello Comedy Show is booked at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. The NorrisTones Doo Wop Singers also entertain at the Senior Center.
Rock’n Roll Hall of Famer, Dick Richards, the original drummer of Bill Haley’s Comets, will be featured at the High School with his band, the Ready Rockers. There will be inflatables at the Sports and Civic Center. Enjoy a unique view of the night sky at the High School Planetarium and swim at the Aquatic and Fitness Center from 4 to 7 p.m. The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company will present “Sounds of Hollywood,” and a “Rock’n Revue” featuring familiar radio hits; Nancy Fox Vocal Arts will feature a musical rendition of Hansel and Gretel; The Turtle Singers will entertain with their giant tortoise Big Bart; pianist, Andrew Hink will play songs new and old including highlights of 2015 and Billy Joel favorites. Other features include the “Lucky Guess Game Show,” Dan Cain Mentalist, Birdman Bill, Salazar Magic and more. The acclaimed Ocean City Pops Orchestra will greet the New Year with shows at 10 and 11 p.m. in the Tabernacle Auditorium, 5th and Wesley Ave.
All who buy buttons will be given a program book listing site and food locations and parking and jitney service. Many locations are within walking distance.
NEW YEAR’S DAY: Ocean City presents an array of events: First Day at the Beach begins with a 5K Run/Walk that starts 1 p.m. in front of the Music Pier, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace. Day of Race Registration is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Boardwalk across from the Music Pier. Contact Race Director, Mike Givens, (609) 861-0674. Online registration at www.jbsportstiming.com ends 9 p.m. Dec. 30th. Entry fee is $30, day of the race. Prizes are awarded in various age categories to racers. Walk is non competitive. Shirts while they last on race day.
The City features its popular FIRST DIP in the Ocean starting 2 p.m. near the 9th St. Beach. Entry is free. Participants should stop at desk in front of Music Pier to sign a waiver and receive a BEACH NUT CERTIFICATE certifying they have taken the plunge on New Year’s Day. Plungers will be joined by a group from the John R. Elliott Hero Campaign that saves lives through its designated drivers programs.
SHOPPERS will start the New Year during FIRST DAY IN THE DOWN TOWN along the Asbury Avenue Shopping District. Most stores will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., some as early at 10 a.m. Asbury Avenue was recently voted the number one downtown in South Jersey. It is noted for its over 100 unusual specialty stores, galleries and restaurants. For information, contact Public Relations (609) 399-6111 or 1-800-BEACH-NJ.
Visit their website for a detail list of entertainment. Buy your buttons NOW online at www.firstnightocnj.com , or call 1-800-BEACH-NJ. Buttons are also available at the Causeway Welcome Center, at Stainton’s Square, 810 Asbury Ave. and the City Hall Welcome Center, 9th and Asbury Ave.