Maybe you already know and love what Ocean offers for summer and fall fun, but did you know they have one of the best New Year’s Eve events in the country?
Ocean City will kick off its 32nd annual First Night celebration at 3:45 p.m. at the Music Pier, right before their entertainment starts leading us up to midnight. This is a wonderful event for the whole family. The entertainment starts with the “Mickey Mouseketeer” show for the kids, then head over to the Civic Center for an ice rink or giant inflatables. Wander down to the skate park for a DJ skate party from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will also be a drone show that will go off at 7:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Feeling more like you would like to dance the night away? Ocean City has multiple different styles and shows for you to check out. Want to be mesmerized by dueling pianos? What about catching a tribute to Elton John? There will even be country line dancing at the high school around 9 o’clock. For the all-nighters, we’ve got the Yacht Rock Gold Experience rocking out until midnight!
If you love to sing your heart out, get to the Ocean City High School cafeteria to sing some karaoke. Test your skills and balance at the juggling show, perhaps? Or see if you can discover the tricks of the trade by watching Chad Juros, a talented magician.
The Tabernacle will host a Rodgers and Hammerstein Extravaganza with the Ocean City Pops. It’s a real showstopper. You can’t forget the skills of our very own Ocean City Theatre Company production of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” for musical fans in town.
I always try to hit a variety of entertainment, so I can dance my little heart out or sing until my lungs give out, then catch my breath and regroup watching one of the magicians or theatrical acts before heading down to 5th Street behind the Civic Center for the grand finale. Ocean City never disappoints with its fireworks displays. Ring in the New Year with all your loved ones as the sky is lit up with the brilliant blue and red of the fireworks show. I’m looking forward to ringing in the New Year with all of you, make sure you get down for Ocean City’s First Night Celebration! Happy New Year! See you in 2025!
Ashley Gillian is a contributing writer to the Herald and the owner of The Beehive Studio in Ocean City.
