Tuesday, December 23
Family Night Wrapping Party
- 6-7:30 p.m.
Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Stop by the Ocean City Free Public Library this Tuesday for a wrapping party. All wrapping supplies will be included; just bring your unwrapped gifts and your festive cheer. This activity will take place in the Children’s Activity Room and is recommended for children aged 6-11 years old.
Saturday, December 27
Chess Club
- 12-4 p.m.
Ventnor Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave.
If you love chess or have always wanted to learn, this event is for you. The Chess Club in Ventnor is for all ages and levels of experience. Feel free to bring your own chessboard or borrow one from the club. For more information, call 609-823-4614.
Sunday, December 28
Amici Opera Company
Presents ‘La Boheme’
- 4 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine
Join Amici Opera Company as they present Puccini’s “La Boheme” in a full-stage costumed production. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, call 215-224-0257.
Monday, December 29
Pre-K Club and Craft
- 10:30 a.m.
Galloway Library, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road
Join the Atlantic County Library in Galloway for an interactive story hour, which will include a grab-and-go craft. Guardians must remain present with their children during the event. This activity is open to children ages 3-5. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-652-2352.
DIY New Year’s Eve Party Glasses
- 5-6:30 p.m.
Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave., Egg Harbor Township
Join Inland FSC for a hands-on, DIY craft workshop this Monday. Create fun and festive glasses to wear as we welcome 2026. This is a great opportunity to get creative, celebrate with friends and family and add a personal touch to your New Year’s outfit. Registration is open via Eventbrite or by calling 609-569-0376.
Tuesday, December 30
Countdown to Noon
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Library, 1 Swift Drive
Join the Atlantic County Library in Egg Harbor Township as they count down to noon with a story and craft. This activity is open to children ages 2-5. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-927-8664.
Bingo at the Library
- 2 p.m.
Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.
Try your luck at bingo with the Longport Library. Available for all ages. For more information or to register call 609-487-7403.
Family Night New Year’s
Eve Eve Party
- 7 p.m.
Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Stop by the Ocean City Free Public Library this Tuesday and celebrate New Year’s Eve a day early. Festivities will include crafts and games. The celebration will take place in the Children’s Activity Room and is recommended for children aged 6-11 years old.
Wednesday, December 31
Noon, New Year’s Eve
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Mays Landing Library, 40 Farragut Ave.
Join the Atlantic County Library in Mays Landing as they ring in the new year at noon. Activities include crafts, games and festive treats. The event is recommended for kids ages 3-12. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-625-2776.
Rollin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration
- 1-3:30 p.m.
Young’s Skating Center, 763 Park Road, Mays Landing
Kick off the beginning of the new year and roll into Young’s Skating Center for their 14th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. There will be party favors, a countdown and a balloon drop. The entrance fee is $10.75 at the door and skating and skate rental are included.
First Night New Year’s Eve
Celebration in Ocean City
- 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Celebrate the arrival of the new year at Ocean City’s family-friendly event. First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at over 20 venues throughout the city. This year’s program will include headliner entertainment featuring the music of Journey and Motown, plus activities such as outdoor ice-skating, a magic show, the Harlem Wizards, Sensational Soul Cruisers and much more. All-inclusive admission buttons are on sale at the Ocean City Welcome Center or online at www.firstnightocnj.com.
Thursday, January 1
34th Atlantic City Polar Plunge
- 12 p.m.
Resorts Atlantic City, 1133 Boardwalk
Gather your friends and family and plunge for a purpose on the beach outside of Resorts Casino Hotel to raise funds for Cancer Support Community New Jersey. Registration is open now at www.cscnj.org. Day-of registration opens at 10 a.m.
Brigantine Polar Bear Plunge
- 12 p.m.
16-17th St. Beach
Get ready for a fun-filled day on the beach and welcome 2026 with the Brigantine Polar Bears. The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a Veterans Salute, Costume Contest and more. The plunge will take place at noon, followed by post-plunge parties around town. Proceeds benefit the Fisher House.
Margate Polar Bear Plunge
- 12 p.m.
Essex Ave. Beach
Join Robert’s Place in Margate as they welcome 2026 with their 31st Annual Polar Plunge on the beach. This community event will take place with a plunge into the ocean at 12 p.m.
Ocean City’s First Day
5K Boardwalk Run
- 1 p.m.
Ocean City Music Pier, 825 Boardwalk
Start the new year with a 5K run on the Boardwalk, the perfect warm-up for a frozen first dip into the ocean. Registration is open now at www.ocnj.us/race-events.
Ocean City’s First Day at the Beach
- 2 p.m.
8th St. Beach
Join Ocean City and hundreds of revelers in welcoming the new year with a first dip in the ocean. Visit www.oceancityvacation.com for more information.
Tropicana Polar Plunge
- 12 p.m.
Tropicana Atlantic City, 2831 Boardwalk
Tropicana Atlantic City is hosting a Polar Plunge to benefit Heart of Surfing. Meet at the beach in front of Tropicana for a dip into the Atlantic Ocean to kick off the new year. Participants are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Sign-ups are $10 per person and include hot chocolate for all. Dress up, get festive and have an amazing time with Heart of Surfing this New Year’s Day.
Ventnor City Polar Plunge
& Winter Festival
- 1 p.m.
Newport Ave. Beach and St. James Hall
Plunge into 2026 with the Ventnor Business Association as they host their annual Polar Bear Plunge and Winter Festival. The festivities will begin at noon at St. James Memorial Hall, located on the corner of Newport and Atlantic Ave. The plunge will take place at 1 p.m. at Newport Avenue Beach. This community event will feature family fun with inflatable games, music, a chili cook-off and food and drink specials.
First Day Shopping Extravaganza
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Ocean City, Asbury Ave. from Sixth to 14th St.
Start off the new year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Ocean City. Stores along Downtown Asbury Avenue will be open throughout the day, offering amazing sale items and discounts.
Multi-day events
Light Show on the Lake
- Now-Tuesday, Jan. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road
The magic of Smithville comes to life every night with a dazzling light display. Over 50,000 lights magically float in the center of Lake Meone, set to familiar holiday favorites. The show can be seen from both sides of the village, as well as the bridge. While you’re in Historic Smithville, visit the restaurants and shops and take a ride on the train.
Storybook Land’s Christmas
Fantasy with Lights
- Now Tuesday, Dec. 30
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
The Christmas Fantasy with Lights has returned to Storybook Land for the season. Watch as Storybook Land is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 1 million Christmas lights. Visit www.storybookland.com for ticket information and updated hours.
Health and Wellness
Monday Meditation and Stretching
Mondays, 11:30 a.m.
Mental Health Association in Atlantic County, 4 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway
The Atlantic County Wellness Center provides a weekly meditation, follow-up discussion and light stretch on Mondays. Newcomers and people with all levels of experience in meditation are welcome. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Depression and Anxiety Group
- Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.
Atlantic Community Wellness Center, 1125 Atlantic Ave., Suite 617, Atlantic City
This weekly in-person support group is offered to individuals seeking coping strategies, mutual support, self-care, wellness and recovery. Meetings are led by peers who have lived experience. No cost to participate. Offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.
Dementia Support Group
- Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m.
Egg Harbor Township Community Center 5045 English Creek Ave. Held on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Diane Conover at 609-402-6966 for more information.
Do you have an upcoming event? Let us know about it! Submit your next event to shorelocalevents@gmail.com.
