OCEAN CITY – First Night, the popular non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve celebration features more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different locations in Ocean City from 4 p.m. till 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31. A fireworks display rings in the new year at midnight.
All-inclusive admission buttons for Ocean City’s First Night celebration are on sale for $20. Purchase them online at firstnightocnj.com or by calling (609) 399-6111. They are also available for purchase:
– At the City Hall Welcome Center at 861 Asbury Avenue (9th Street entrance): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
– At the Roy Gillian Welcome Center (9th Street causeway): 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
The headliner for First Night 2022 is the Grammy-winning group Tavares. Top hits from Tavares include “It Only Takes a Minute,” “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel,” “Don’t Take Away the Music” and “More Than a Woman.” Grammy-nominated children’s artist Tim Kubart will be joined on stage for an interactive show by his band, the Space Cadets.
The rides at Wonderland Pier will return 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 Legacy Band.
The Ocean City Arts Center will join the fun this year with a social music listening activity called “Hear Here!” That will make the Ocean City Community Center a special for activities with events under the same roof at the Free Public Library, Aquatic & Fitness Center, Historical Museum, Library Atrium and the Senior Center.
The celebration will continue on New Year’s Day with the First Day 5K boardwalk run, the annual First Plunge in the icy Atlantic Ocean and the First Day Shopping Extravaganza. Registration is open for the First Day 5K at ocnj.recdesk.com.
For more information and schedule updates, visit firstnightocnj.com.
Holiday fun
this weekend
Free Horse and Carriage Rides noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 18-19 with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Please be aware that riders may have to queue up well in advance of 3 p.m.
Visits With Santa 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 18-19 at Mark Soifer Park, Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue.
Photos With Santa in an OCBP Lifeguard Boat noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 18-19) at the Ocean City Music Pier.
First Day in Ocean City
On Jan. 1, 2022 are multiple events:
First Day Shopping Extravaganza: Welcome the new year by shopping for bargains in downtown Ocean City, Asbury Avenue from Sixth Street to 14th Street.
Free Horse & Carriage Rides: noon to 3 p.m. with boarding at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue.
First Day Boardwalk 5K: Race starts at 1 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Pre-register at ocnj.us/race-events. Race-day registration opens at 11 a.m. at the Music Pier.
First Day at the Beach: Featuring Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year at 2 p.m. On the beach adjacent to the Music Pier. For more information, call 1-800-BEACH-NJ.