Multi-Day Events
Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show
Now – Jan. 6, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
617 E. Moss Mill Rd.
Enjoy popular songs of the holiday season synchronized with a dazzling Christmas tree light show. Over 120 trees constructed from over 50,000 lights magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.
Friday, December 29
Tony Mart Rockin’ New Year’s Finale featuring Tre Twitty
7 – 10 p.m.
Somers Point VFW 500 Bethel Rd.
Join Tony Mart Presents as they present a Rockin’ New Year’s party featuring Tre Twitty, the living legacy of Conway Twitty. The Tony Mart Allstars will delight everyone with favorite country, rock, and holiday songs, with Danny Eyer, Rich “Megahurtz” Kurtz, “The Voice” Brian Conover and “Old School” Jimmy Glenn. Plus, Tony Mart and Circle Liquor Store will present a New Year wine tasting. More information is available at www.tonymart.com or www.facebook.com/TonyMartPresents.
Broadway by the Bay
7 p.m.
Gateway Playhouse 738 Bay Ave. Somers Point
Celebrate an Early New Year’s Eve at Gateway with Kelly Briggs from Broadway’s “Les Miserables” and “Cats”, with special guests Molly Marie Pugliese, Miss Gloucester County 2024, Danielle Cordivari, Ella Osbeck, and Olivia D’Alessandro. Purchase online at www.gatewaybythebay.org.
Saturday, December 30
Bingo at the Library
3 p.m.
Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Try your luck at a game of bingo. Available for all ages. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Sunday, December 31
Rollin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration
1 – 3:30 p.m.
Young’s Skating Center 763 Park Rd. Mays Landing
Celebrate this New Year’s Eve Day with Young’s Skating Center. The entrance fee is $10.75 and includes skating and skate rental. Plus, take part in a special New Year’s Eve Countdown at 3 p.m. Party favors included. Learn more at www.youngsskatingcenter.com .
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Ocean City, NJ
Join Ocean City for a complete night of entertainment, with over 70 events in over 20 venues. This year’s musical lineup includes Gypsy: The Music of Stevie Nicks, the Motor City Motown Revue, plus the OC Pops performing with Brass Transit. Plus, performances from the Ocean City Theatre Company, Atlantic City Ballet, Harlem Wizards, rides at Gillian’s, ice-skating, magicians, and more, leading up to a dazzling firework display at midnight. Buttons can be purchased online, at City Hall, the Welcome Center on 9th Street causeway, and 46th Street Welcome Center. Visit www.FirstNightOCNJ.com for more details.
Emo Night NYE
9 p.m.
Anchor Rock Club 247 S. New York Ave. Atlantic City
Ring in the New Year with a nostalgic twist as DJ David Earl takes you on a trip down Emo Lane. The event is free to attend.
Time Warp New Year’s Eve Bash
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
The VUE at the Claridge Hotel 123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City
The VUE is hosting the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration. Get ready to warp through time and usher in the new year in style. Admission includes an open bar and refreshing crudites, full a la carte menu, DJ spinning songs from the decades, and a perfect spot to view the fireworks at midnight. Book your tickets at www.claridge.com .
Monday, January 1
Atlantic City Polar Bear
Plunge
12 p.m.
The Beach in front of Landshark Bar & Grill 1133 Boardwalk
Join in on a fun New Year’s Day tradition. This 32nd annual event will raise funds for Cancer Support Community New Jersey at Gilda’s Club (CSCNJ). The cost is $25 per person and includes a commemorative T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for the first person in the water, last person out, and best costume. Registration is open now at www.cscnj.org or call (609) 926-2699.
Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge
12 p.m.
16th and 17th Street Beaches
Brigantine Polar Bears celebrate their 2024 Million Dollar Milestone, raising money for wounded military members and their families. The event begins at 11 a.m. with a military salute, followed by a Costume Contest at 11 a.m., and the annual Polar Bear Plunge at 12 Noon. More details are available at www.facebook.com/BrigantinePolarBearPlunge.
Margate Robert’s Place Polar Plunge
12 p.m.
Margate Fishing Pier Essex Ave. and the Beach
Gather your friends and family and join Robert’s Place for their annual Polar Plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.
Ventnor City Polar Plunge
1 p.m.
Newport Ave. and the Beach
Join the Ventnor Business Association and start the new year, with friends, family, and neighbors, for a plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.
First Day 5K Boardwalk Run
1 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
Pre-register at http://ocnj.us/race-events or on race day from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Music Pier.
First Day at the Beach in Ocean City
2 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier
Join us for Ocean City’s first dip in the ocean for the New Year. For more information, visit www.oceancityvacation.com.
Tuesday, January 2
Somers Point Dance Society
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Somers Point Fire Co. #1 447 Bethel Rd.
Come out to Somers Point Fire Co. #1 every Tuesday for social dancing, line dances, dance mixers, and more. Light snacks included in admission. $10 live musical duo each week. Call Rita Voli at (609) 408-3619 for information. See you on the dance floor. Note: Tuesday, Jan. 2 is the final dance of the season. The Dance Society will return on Tuesday, March 5.
Wednesday, January 3
Somers Point Pinochle Club
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd.
All are welcome to attend. For more information, go to visitsomerspoint.com and click on Events.
Thursday, January 4
Positivity Project: Morning Refresh
10:30 a.m.
Learn ways to boost wellness – mind, body, and soul. Topics include self-care, mindfulness, gratitude, meditation, and resiliency. RSVP by Jan. 2 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org .
Friday, January 15
Movie at the Library: Past Lives
2 p.m.
Longport Library 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Enjoy some popcorn while watching a romantic-drama that follows two childhood friends throughout their lives as they begin to grow apart. Please call (609) 487-7403 to register or learn more.
Saturday, January 6
Digital Camera Workshop
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Somers Point Senior Center 22 N. Ambler Rd.
Hosted by Dan Myers, with the Somers Point Arts Commission. Participants must bring a manual digital camera; sorry, no cell phones. Workshops will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 & 13. To register, email danmyersphoto@gmail.com with your name, phone number, and the make/model of your camera.
New Year, New Reads Book Fair
10 – 11:30 a.m.
Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township
Do you enjoy reading? If you do, stop by Inland FSC to sort through a wonderful array of books you can add to your New Year’s reading collection. Learn more at www.inlanf-fsc.org
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Monday, January 8
Yoga & Meditation with Tarak
5 p.m.
Inland Family Success Center 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township
South Jersey’s community yogi, Tarak, will teach us about basic yoga and meditation techniques to tap into your zen. Learn more and register at www.inlanf-fsc.org .
Tuesday, January 9
The Village Film Society
10:30 a.m.
A discussion about the movie, “Maestro”, which chronicles complicated lifelong relationship of legendary conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre Bernstein. RSVP by Jan. 7 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Wednesday, January 10
Lunch Around Town
12 p.m.
Bocca Coal Fired Bistro 7805 Ventnor Ave. Margate
Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP by Jan. 5 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Friday, January 12
Memoir Workshop
10:30 a.m.
Explore the thrill of capturing your life’s adventures, history, and ancestry with award-winning author and Drexel University Director of Certificate Program in Writing and Publishing, Harriet Levin Millan. You need a laptop or pen/paper for the workshop. RSVP by Jan. 8 by calling (609) 287-8872 or email tserota@jfsatlantic.org.
Health and Wellness
Meetings for Family Members of Individuals Affected by Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder
Thu. Dec. 28, 10:30 a.m.
Offered by the Mental Health Association of Atlantic County through the Intensive Family Support Services program. Call (609) 517-8614 for more information on how to participate.
Dementia Support Group
Wed. Jan. 3, 1:30 p.m.
6009 Paul and Thelma Lane, Mays Landing
Held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at (609) 402-6966 for more information.
NAMI Connections and Family Support Groups
Mon. Jan. 8, 7 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 606 Shore Rd. Somers Point
NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for adults and families with a mental health condition. For more information and to register, please visit www.namiacm.org , or call (609) 741-5125.
Cancer: Thriving and Surviving
Tue. Jan. 16 – Feb. 20, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
Shore Cancer Center Shore Rd. & Medical Center Way, Somers Point
Shore Medical Center and the Cape Atlantic Coalition for Health will host a free 6-week workshop for individuals affected by cancer. This interactive program is designed to empower participants with the tools and strategies to manage their health and lead fulfilling lives. Interested individuals should register by calling (609) 653-3923.
NAMI Basics Program
Thu. Feb. 8 – Mar. 14, 6:30 p.m.
A new educational program for parents of children and adolescents, ages up to 21, with symptoms of mental illness. This program covers treatment options, managing crisis situations, problem-solving, communicating effectively, and taking care of yourself and handling stress in a positive way. This a free program will be held via Zoom. Registration is open now. For more information, email nami1557@gmail.com, or visit www.namiacm.org .
Faith-based events
Sunday, January 7
Rabbi Leonard Sarko, Creator of the first Braille Sefer Torah
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom in Brigantine is honored to present Rabbi Leonard Sarko, the creator of the first Braille Sefer Torah. Rabbi Sarko will talk about his need for a Braille Sefer Torah and how, after being unable to locate one currently in existence, he decided to create one. Rabbi Sarko will discuss his amazing journey. Register for this engaging online Zoom presentation at https://bit.ly/3FrjJms.
Sunday, January 14
Rabbi Lance Sussman: There’s a Place for Us: Jews, Catholics, and the American Experience
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Shalom 4419 W. Brigantine Ave. Brigantine
Both Judaism and Catholicism in America have a long, complex, and intertwined history. In the British colonies, prior to the Revolution both groups were relatively small, minority traditions. Subsequently, both played a major role in defining and broadening the American concept of freedom. Register for this in-person and online presentation at https://bit.ly/3REOz20.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event toshorelocalevents@gmail.com.
