Next Exit Shore Guide – New Year’s Eve events

For revelers ringing in the New Year in Atlantic City, there are fewer places to find a good party.

This year the state’s only legalized gaming destination lost a third of its casinos as competition increased along the East Coast. But for many Atlantic City is still one of the best places to celebrate the New Year.

You should contact the event organizer as many events listed may be fully booked

The Borgata will celebrate the coming year a few days early with the ubiquitous Dutch DJ, Tiesto coming to the Borgata Event Center on Dec. 28 and the Industry New Year’s Eve Party, featuring a DJ set by Lil Jon, happening on Dec. 29 at mur.mur. nightclub. On New Year’s Eve, both mur.mur and Mixx nightclubs will host parties. DJ Fashen will be spinning at mur.mur., while D-Nice and Paul Castro will be on deck at Mixx. Both include an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $75 for each. The Gypsy Bar will also host a New Year’s Eve party with live entertainment from Goodman Fiske and an open bar from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets cost $99. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. – One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.

Harrah’s promises a “wet ‘n’ wild” New Year’s Eve party at its Pool After Dark, with DJs, an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. and champagne toast. General Admission tickets cost $75 (21 years and up). Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Atlantic City, N.J.

Caesar’s Dusk New Year’s Eve event offers ticket holders admission to three venues – Dusk Nightclub, Retro’s and The Backyard Bar. Each features a four-hour open bar, food buffet, party favors and VIP bottle service packages. Tickets are $75 (pre-sale). 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

For those who feel like partying American Hustle-style, Tropicana grooves out the old year with a concert performance from the Commodores ® (sans Lionel Ritchie) on Dec. 31 from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets range from $50 to $75. The retro vibe continues with the New Year’s Eve Party at the casino’s Boogie Nights dance club, with an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J.

Golden Nugget’s has free New Year’s Eve parties inside the Main Atrium and Live Bar, with DJs and live music. At its Haven Nightclub, guests can enjoy a two-hour hosted bar, from 9 a.m to 11 p.m. and music from DJ Five. Tickets cost $75. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. – Huron and Brigantine Blvd., Atlantic City, N.J.

As an alternative to partying inside the casinos, Atlantic City’s Chelsea Hotel will fete 2015 with a five-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live DJs and complimentary champagne at midnight in the hotel’s Crystal Room. General admission tickets cost $69. Several VIP packages are available, from $89 to $149, and include access to the “exclusive” 5th floor venues, C5 Nightclub and Dining on the Fifth. Admission to the Crystal Room after 12:30 a.m. costs just $19. Dress code is cocktail/semi-formal. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. – 111 S. Chelsea Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.

Atlantic City isn’t the only game in town for New Year’s Eve fun down the shore. Looking for somewhere to ring in 2015 with the kiddies? Several shore towns offer early and evening celebrations geared to families. Three locations even boast fireworks. There are also options for grown folk who want to start the year off surrounded only by other adults.

Ocean City will again put on its annual First Night. The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at the Music Pier at 4 p.m. with an official ribbon cutting and provides plenty of live music entertainment. From barbershop quartet to broadway hits, there’s something for everyone. Music highlights include Philly’s own Trammps, the Original Blue Notes, the Hegeman String Band, Ocean City Pops and the Fabulous Grease Band. Young and old can enjoy magic shows, ice skating, pony rides, juggling acts, a reptile show and a theatre production of Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat. There will also be comedians, including the nation’s best Abbott and Costello tribute act, plus lectures on Ocean City’s history. The Ocean City Restaurant Association is offering a special “taste of the Jersey Shore” dinner at the high school cafeteria ($21 for adults, $9 for children) and light boardwalk fare will also be served up at St. Peter’s Church, the Civic Center and Primary School.

2015 countdowns will take place at the Music Pier, Civic Center, Ocean City High School and Ocean City Tabernacle. Fireworks will cap off the festivities at midnight, from 6th and Boardwalk.

Free Jitney transportation will be available from 5 p.m. until midnight at various stops between the Transportation Center (9th and Haven) and the 7th Street Parking lot (7th and Central Ave.). Admission buttons to all First Night events cost $15. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m. to midnight – various locations, Ocean City, N.J.

Seaside Heights hosts First Night Ocean County on New Year’s Eve from noon until 5 p.m. A $5 bracelet entitles wearers to all entertainment and an entry into a drawing for two gift baskets. Family fun includes balloonists, face painters, jugglers, magicians, craft activities and a Jenkinson’s Aquarium show. Afterwards, the entire clan can watch fireworks on the boardwalk at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, noon to 5 p.m. – Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, N.J.

Sea Isle City will hold another early countdown to midnight 2015 with its New Year’s Eve celebration in the Municipal Gym. There will be food, dancing, entertainment and family activities, followed by fireworks at 8 p.m. at JFK Blvd. and the beach. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (party) – Municipal Gym, 4501 Park Road; 8 p.m. (fireworks) – JFK Blvd. and the Beach, Sea Isle City, N.J.

Searching for a different ball drop this New Year’s Eve? Wildwood’s Island Bowling offers two parties for the holiday. The early Kid’s New Year’s Eve Family Party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. costs $70 per lane for up to five people and includes shoes, balls, bottomless pitchers of soft drinks, a pizza pie, party supplies and noisemakers, plus prizes. The Evening New Year’s Eve Party from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. costs $85 per lane for up to five bowlers and includes shoes, balls, party gear and bottomless pitchers of soft drinks. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food or buy from an expanded snack bar menu. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the Islander Lounge. Reservations are required (call (609) 729-0111). Wednesday, Dec. 31 – 3401 New Jersey Ave. Wildwood, N.J.

Martell’s Tiki Bar at Point Pleasant Beach will welcome 2015 with Dr. Cheekie and the Mike Dalton Band. A $25 advance ticket ($30 at the door) includes a dinner entree, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, plus a complimentary champagne toast. Guests must be 21 or older. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. – 308 Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.

Joe Pop’s on Long Beach Island will host a New Year’s Eve party with live music from The Wild Ones, midnight champagne toast, favors, 1 a.m. continental breakfast and drink specials. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. – 2002 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom, N.J.

Cape May’s Grand Hotel will host a New Year’s Eve Gala in its Penthouse Ballroom. The party features a five-hour open bar with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres, a surf and turf banquet dinner, live entertainment and dancing, midnight champagne toast and 1 a.m. continental breakfast with mimosas. Tickets cost $160 per person or $230 per couple. The hotel also offers one to four night New Year’s Eve packages. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 257-8550. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. – 1045 Beach Ave., Cape May, N.J.