Fireworks, parades and more are taking place across the South Jersey area this weekend
The year 2018 is nearly here, and there will be plenty of chances for residents to ring in the New Year this weekend. Find out which events are taking place around the region.
In Burlington County
- Enjoy the splendor of the magnificent Smithville Mansion at it’s grandest during an evening, candlelight tour. These evening tours allow you to see each room fully decorated with all the lights during the night hours. Adults: $12, Students $10. Reservations can be made by calling 609–261–3295 or email [email protected]
- Wrap up the last week of the year by getting a jump on your 2018 commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Join a naturalist for an hour-plus hike in the state park preserve. Suitable for adults and interested teenagers. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Register by calling 609–261–2495.
Around South Jersey
· An annual New Year’s Eve tradition returns to Haddonfield on Sunday night. First Night Haddonfield will take place from 5 p.m. until midnight on New Year’s Eve. The event includes a slew of activities taking place all around downtown Haddonfield, including arts and crafts, entertainment, music, a kids zone and more. Fireworks will take place at approximately 9 p.m. and activities will continue through the start of the New Year at midnight. Buttons to attend First Night are on sale for $15. Children 2 and under are admitted for free. For more information, visit https://firstnighthaddonfield.org.
· Enjoy New Year’s fireworks over the Delaware River aboard the Battleship New Jersey. On Sunday, the Battleship New Jersey will open its decks for guests to watch the 6 p.m. and midnight fireworks shows over the Delaware River. The event will include music, food and bar service. The deck will open at 4 p.m. for the 6 p.m. fireworks and 10 p.m. for the midnight fireworks. Admission is $10 per person and free to Battleship members. For more information, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.
At the Jersey Shore
- First Night Ocean City makes its return on Sunday from 4 p.m. until midnight. Guests will be able to enjoy more than 70 entertainment programs at central locations all over Ocean City. The night will wrap up with a fireworks show at midnight, weather permitting. The cost of a First Night Ocean City button is $20. Buttons can be used for admission to all First Night activities and events. For more information, visit http://firstnightoceancitynj.com.
- Kick off 2018 with a leap into the cold Atlantic Ocean. The sixth annual Penguin Plunge will take place on New Year’s Day at 1 p.m. at the Maine Avenue beach in Atlantic City. Admission to the event is free. Guests can receive a t-shirt for a $20 donation with proceeds benefiting the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. For more information, call (609) 576–3852.
In Philadelphia
· Ring in the New Year with fireworks along the Delaware River waterfront. There will be two SugarHouse Casino New Year’s Eve firework shows on Sunday. The first show will take place at 6 p.m. and the second show will take place at midnight. The fireworks can be viewed for free at various points along the riverfront. Visit www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/events/sugarhouse-new-year-s-eve-fireworks-on-the-waterfront7 for more information, including where to park.
· A New Year’s Day tradition returns on Monday as the Philadelphia Mummers Parade marches through Philadelphia. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day in front of Philadelphia City Hall. The parade will then travel down Broad Street before ending at Washington Avenue. The parade is free to view at points along the route. For more information about the parade, visit http://phillymummers.com.
To see more events taking place in Philadelphia this weekend, visit www.philadelphiaweekly.com.
