Zoo Lanterns, Hikes, American Dream: 5 North Jersey Events For New Year's Eve, Day

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — Some people prefer to stay warm and cozy indoors on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Others want to go out or keep their kids occupied some how.

Here are some ideas, both for heading out and staying in.

Why not start the year with a guided hike, a family party, seeing animals, or finding a new book?

Here are five ways to start the New Year in and around North Jersey:

Head To The Mall For A Party

Just walking around the mall can be fun, but also, Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream Mall is hosting a "noon years eve" celebration for kids starting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2023.

"Join the mega-fun, interactive countdown to Noon on the Nickelodeon Universe Slime Stage with a one-time-only dance party featuring children and characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," they said. "Guests can then head out into the park and enjoy the record-breaking rides in the Western Hemisphere’s largest indoor theme park. It’s the perfect New Year’s Eve event for kids and kids at heart!"

The mall is located at American Dream, 1 American Dream Way in East Rutherford. Get more details here.

See Animals...And Holiday Lanterns

Some say it's all happening at the zoo. Do you believe it's true?

Starting this past Tuesday, Nov. 26, the "Let it GLOW Holiday Lantern Spectactular" at the Bergen County Zoo is open every evening starting at 4 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2024. It's a great way for people of all ages to enjoy holiday lights and furry creatures.

Find out more about times and tickets, and get updates on the zoo's Facebook page here.

Try Ice Skating Or Bumper Cars

Also in Bergen County, you can check out Winter Wonderland, which has ice skating, bumper cars, and more. Each event requires tickets and has special times. Get details here.

Or if you're closer to Jersey City, you can check the times for skating and lessons at Newport Skate, here. (Check their Instagram for weather closures and updates.)

Take A Hike, Long Or Short

All around New Jersey, state parks are running interesting "first-day hikes" and tours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

They range from "strenuous" Appalachian hikes (High Point State Park) to walking tours of places like Elizabeth, N.J. See the full roster here.

Check Out Your Local Library Or Book Store

While many libraries will be closed for New Year's Eve and/or New Year's Day, some are running events in advance of the holidays, and you can always grab some books to read on the holidays. Many libraries also have movies and devices to borrow. Here's information on a kids' New Year's Eve party on Saturday, a day early, at the Glen Ridge Library.

If you've got some holiday cash to spend, you can check out your local independent bookstore before the holiday, too. A West Orange dad opened a bookstore this year in Nyack. Big Red Books will be open New Year's Eve from 11-4. (Find out more about it here).

Want to start the new year by saying hello to your friendly local journalist? Send a nice note for '24 here.