2016 South Jersey New Year’s Eve guide

A fresh new year will soon be here, South Jersey. And if you want an explosive start to 2017 without heading to the shore, the biggest fireworks display for us will be in Camden. 

The Camden Waterfront is the place to view spectacular firework over the Delaware River. Two shows are scheduled – an early bird one at 6 p.m. and a traditional stroke of midnight celebration.

Watch for free in Wiggins Park or join the fun at two of the waterfront’s attractions.

There’s probably no better vantage point for the fireworks than aboard the deck of the Battleship New Jersey. The floating museum will open its gangplank to visitors two hours prior to each of the two scheduled shows. On board, there will be music, plus food and alcoholic beverages for purchase. Cost is a $10 donation that benefits the battleship’s on-going restoration project (entry is free for members).

Adventure Aquarium’s New Eve Splash is geared to families with young children. From 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. guests can take in the exhibits, enjoy a dance party and view the 6 p.m. fireworks from either the museum’s warm interior or outdoors.

Mt. Laurel

Mt. Laurel’s Funplex amusement park (3320-24 NJ-38) will hold a New year’s Eve party from 7p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The $45 party package includes unlimited indoor attractions, $10 arcade card, dinner buffet with unlimited beverages, dessert bar and party favors.

Prospector’s Grille and Saloon (3050 NJ-38) will throw a New Year’s Eve party featuring an open bar until closing time, party favors, champagne toast, plus giveaways including a guitar signed by country music star, George Strait. Cost is $45.

Haddonfield

Haddonfield welcomes the coming year in a big way with its annual First Night celebration. This year there are 22 live entertainment acts plus the traditional evening fireworks at 9 p.m.

Cherry Hill

Garden State Discovery Museum (2040 Springdale Rd.) will again put its New Years at Noon celebration twice – at noon and at 3 p.m. – just for the little ones. There will be plenty of singing and dancing plus a noon time countdown.

Vera’s in Cherry Hill (2310 Marlton Pk. W) will host an adults-only party from 9 p.m. until nearly dawn (5 a.m.). Three live bands – SideArm, Velvet Tones and The Lunatics will be performing together with a broadcast of the ball drop. General admission cost $30 and includes buffet until midnight, party favors, champagne toast and a continental breakfast. There are also premium drinks, top shelf drinks and bottle service packages available.

Deptford

Bob Pentane of WOGL 98.1 will again host a New Year’s Eve bash over at Adelphia Restaurant (1750 Clements Bridge Rd.) in Deptford with tickets priced at $30. The venue also is putting on a party with DJ Gussie, including food stations and an open bar from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.. Tickets are $65.

Voorhees

Mansion on Main Street (3000 Main St.) in Voorhees will dance you into 2017 with a DJ dance party, premium open bar, hors d’ oeuvres, dinner, champagne toast, plus noise makers from 7;30 p.m. until 12;30 a.m. Price is $125. Adults only.

Sewell

Bogey’s Club and Cafe (501 Pitman Rd.) will put on a New Year’s Eve bash, from 7:30 p.m. until 1 a.m., with live music from Jack Peacock and Old News Band. The $80 cost includes a premium bar, buffet dinner, champagne toast and party favors.

Pennsville

J.G.. Cooks Riverview Inn (60 Main St.) will celebrate 2017 from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. with entertainment by Love Alive and DJ Larry Vanatta. The party also features a hors d’oeuvre extravaganza, tenderloin carving station, pasta station, pastries, two premium drink tickets, champagne toast and party favors. Tickets are $50 in advance, $70 at the door.