Events and Happenings

Tuesday, December 30

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’s Year 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 6-11 years old.

*Start the new year with a 5K run on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Photo by Steffen Klenk*

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. Entrance fee is $10.75 at the door. Skating and skate rental included.

*Check out the Light Show on the Lake at Historic Smithville every day 5:30-8:30 p.m. Photo credit: Historic Smithville*

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

Atlantic City Polar Bear Plunge

12 p.m.

Resorts Atlantic City, 1133 Boardwalk

Gather your friends and family and 34th Atlantic City Polar Plunge on the beach outside of Resorts Casino Hotel to raise funds for Cancer Support Community New Jersey. Registration is open 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 and Costume Contest, followed by a cold plunge into the ocean at noon. Post-plunge parties will be held at various venues around town. Proceeds benefit the Fisher House Foundation.

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 at the Margate Fishing Pier with a plunge into the ocean at 12 p.m., followed by post-plunge activities at Robert’s Place on Atlantic and Essex Avenue. Proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

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.

Eighth 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 will host a Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day to benefit Heart of Surfing, a local nonprofit supporting families impacted by autism. The $10 registration fee includes hot chocolate for all participants. Costumes and festive attire are encouraged. Bundle up, brave the cold and ring in the new year with community spirit while supporting a meaningful local cause.

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, food, drinks, music and a chili cook-off.

First Day Shopping Extravaganza

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Ocean City, Asbury Ave. from Sixth-14th St.

Start off the new year by shopping for tremendous bargains in Ocean City. Stores throughout Downtown Asbury Avenue will be open all day offering amazing sale items and discounts.

Friday, January 2

January Concert in Longport

2 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join the Longport Library for a fun afternoon of live music featuring Dale and Amy, featuring a set of oldies but goodies. The concert will be held in the Community Room. For more information, call 609-487-7403.

Movie Night at the Library

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join Ocean City Library for a free screening of the film “Wicked.” Bring your friends, get cozy and enjoy an unforgettable night at the library. A snack will be provided and all ages are welcome.

Saturday, January 3

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 chess board or borrow one from the club. For more information, call 609-823-4614.

Drop-In LEGO Playtime

1-4:30 p.m.

Egg Harbor Township Library, 1 Swift Drive

Drop by the children’s area at Atlantic County Library in Egg Harbor Township to make your own LEGO creations. This is a self-guided activity. Ask for LEGO bricks at the front desk and remember to clean them up when you’re done. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, call 609-927-8664.

Monday, January 5

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.

Meet the Book Club

5-6 p.m.

Inland Family Success Center, 3050 Spruce Ave. Egg Harbor Township

Inland FSC is proud to announce its first book club meeting this Monday. The group will discuss its expectations and distribute copies of the first book of the month. Children and adults of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in reading independently or as part of a family. Registration is open via Eventbrite or by calling 609-569-0376.

Classic Film Night

6 p.m.

Ocean City Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.

Join the Ocean City Library this Monday as they begin their 2026 Classic Film Series with a screening of the 1981 classic “Chariots of Fire.”

Tuesday, January 6

Needlecraft Club

2 p.m.

Ventnor Library, 6500 Atlantic Ave.

If you love to embroider or cross-stitch, but never have the time, the Needlecraft Club in Ventnor will save you a seat so that you can work on your project. Bring your own cross-stitch, embroidery, or other hand-sewing project. If you don’t have any cross-stitch kits or materials, they have donated kits and supplies that are waiting for the right person to complete them. For more information, call 609-823-4614.

Furry Buddies

6-7 p.m.

Mays Landing Library, 40 Farragut Ave.

Join the Atlantic County Library in Mays Landing and read a story to therapy dogs Fritz and Frieda, who love sharing stories with children. Registration is required and guardians must remain present. Register online at www.atlanticlibrary.org or call 609-625-2776

Wednesday, January 7

Pinochle at the Library

2 p.m.

Longport Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave.

Join the library for the card game pinochle. This game is for both experienced and new players. For more information or to register, call 609-487-7403.

Thursday, January 8

Absecon Galloway Rotary Club Meetings

8 a.m.

Phoenix Diner, 200 W. Absecon Blvd. Absecon

The members of the Absecon Galloway Rotary Club invite the public to be their guest at their upcoming meeting. Learn more about Rotary, how they serve our local community and meet local community members. For club information, go to www.facebook.com/AbseconGallowayRotary or email Rose McCarthy, club president, at bluerose46@aol.com.

Friday, January 9

Creative Think Tank

3-5:30 p.m.

Beat the Daily Grind Café, 3807 Atlantic Ave. Atlantic City

Join small business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs for the first monthly Creative Think Tank. The session is designed to provide space for productivity and inspire action. This monthly gathering is an opportunity to learn, create, collaborate and grow alongside other members of the local business community. Learn more or register online at https://tinyurl.com/creativethinktankac.

Tony Mart Triple Tribute Concert

7 p.m.

Josie Kelly’s Public House, 908 Shore Road, Somers Point

Join Tony Mart Presents as they kick off the 2026 concert season with a kick-off party inside the Adare Ballroom. The concert will include Danny Eyer’s Beatles Tribute, Billy Walton’s Tribute to The Rolling Stones and the Tony Mart All-Stars Eagles Country. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for general seating, or $10 standing room only. Cash or Venmo will be accepted at the door.

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

There’s still time to enjoy Smithville’s festive light show, featuring over 50,000 lights magically floating in the center of Lake Meone. Set to familiar holiday favorites, the show runs every 30 minutes and can be seen from both sides of the village, as well as the bridge.

Health and Wellness

Coffee Talk

Saturdays, 11 a.m.

Atlantic Community Wellness Center 1125 Atlantic Ave. Suite 617, Atlantic City

The Atlantic County Wellness Center hosts a weekly gratitude-themed group. During this one-hour meeting, participants discuss, enhance and deepen their practice of gratitude, which is shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase optimism. For more information, call 609-652-3800 or email jgimbel@mhanj.org.

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