Ring in the New Year: Your Ultimate Guide to Ocean City’s First Night & First Day 2026
Ocean City is gearing up for its 33rd anniversary of First Night, a beloved family tradition that transforms “America’s Greatest Family Resort” into a city-wide celebration. Modeled after Boston’s alcohol-free New Year’s Eve, this event has grown from humble beginnings, selling just 800 buttons in 1992, to a premier destination event with an attendance of up to 10,000 guests.
Whether you are looking for soulful Motown hits, high-energy 5Ks, or a daring plunge into the Atlantic, here is everything you need to know to navigate the festivities on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
🎟️ Admission & Buttons
One $25 admission button grants you access to all 70+ activities across 20 venues. Children under age 2 are free. Because this event consistently sells out, it is highly recommended to purchase yours early.
- Online: firstnightocnj.com (Available until 9 a.m. on Dec. 31).
- In-Person Pickup/Sales: * City Hall (861 Asbury Ave): Open until 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for last-minute sales and will-call.
- Welcome Centers: Available at the Roy Gillian (9th St. Causeway), 46th Street, and Music Pier centers during various daytime hours.
🎭 Entertainment Highlights
The 2026 lineup offers a diverse mix of legendary tributes and family-friendly spectacles.
- Music Pier Main Stage: Don’t miss the high-energy Journey tribute by Frontiers, followed by the soulful sounds of “Motor City: The Motown Revue.”
- High School Auditorium: A legendary “meeting” of icons featuring separate tribute performances for Elton John and Billy Joel.
- Family Favorites: Perennial hits return, including the Harlem Wizards, outdoor ice skating, magic shows, a mentalist, and interactive photo booths.
- A High-Tech Celebration: Look to the sky over Carey Stadium for a choreographed drone light show synced to music—a modern addition to the classic festivities.
🕛 The Grand Finale: Fireworks
As the clock strikes midnight, a massive fireworks display will launch from the 5th Street beach. The best views are found on the beach or the boardwalk near the launch site.
Note: There is no rain date for the fireworks, but the fire marshal makes every effort to proceed unless wind or safety conditions intervene.
🚗 Logistics & Safety
- Parking: All municipal lots and metered spots are FREE for the holiday.
- Transportation: Free Jitney service runs from 5:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for button holders, looping between all major venues and the transportation center.
- Weather: The current forecast predicts a clear night with a low of 28 degrees. Dress in layers!
- Updates: For real-time notifications on show times or weather changes, download the OCNJ app (search “Ocean City Vacation, NJ”).
🏃♂️ First Day at the Beach: Jan 1, 2026
The party doesn’t end at midnight. Start your resolution with two of Ocean City’s most famous traditions:
| Event | Time | Location | Details |
| First Day 5K | 1:00 PM | Music Pier | Pre-registered runners receive an exclusive OCNJ beach towel celebrating the U.S. 250th Anniversary. |
| The First Plunge | 2:00 PM | 8th St. Beach | Join hundreds of brave souls for a dip in the icy Atlantic. Registration is free (waiver required). |
| Shopping Extravaganza | All Day | Downtown | Massive discounts at stores along Asbury Avenue and the Boardwalk (5th to 14th Streets). |
We wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy new year!