Things to Do for New Year’s Eve in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with plenty of events and activities, enjoying social gatherings, scrumptious bites, and retail trips.

Mark your calendar for a series of thrilling celebrations and exciting activities for this New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities on this special occasion or seeking memorable ways to begin 2024, Elizabeth offers endless opportunities for New Year’s-themed fun for all ages.

1. Explore Elizabeth’s Nightlife with New Year’s Eve Parties

The neon-lit interior space of the Garden in Elizabeth, NJ.

It’s no surprise that Elizabeth features a thriving nightlife scene with vibrant clubs and bars. Make this New Year’s Eve an unforgettable night with live music, ambient lights, and refreshing drinks. Enjoy nightclubs and bars with special New Year’s celebrations, making your way to spots such as Barcode and The Garden. Indulge in scrumptious bites and raise your glass for a champagne toast at midnight.

2. Admire Elizabeth’s Array of Twinkling Lights

Streetlights with holiday lights line the roads of Elizabeth, NJ.

The holiday season isn’t over yet in Elizabeth, New Jersey. With an assortment of glimmering lights around the area, you’ll enjoy winter wonderland-like decorations and picture-worthy destinations. Capture New Year’s Eve memories in front of the towering Christmas tree that’s located just outside City Hall. Drive through the Midtown area and marvel at glowing fixtures which are hung along the streetlamps.

3. Embark on the Historic Heartline Walking Tour

A sign for an audio walking tour in Elizabeth, NJ.

Transport yourself to the past eras of Elizabeth, taking a self-guided audio tour to landmarks and significant sites. Explore more than 350 years of history, enriching your learning about historic buildings and streets. This tour is the perfect activity for history aficionados and families, providing in-depth exploration of Elizabeth as a transportation hub.

4. Go Ice Skating at the Warinanco Sports Center

An aerial shot of the winter skyline in Elizabeth, NJ.

Glide across Warinanco Sport Center’s spacious ice arena, making winter-filled memories. This expansive ice rink is a must-try holiday activity with modern facilities and affordable admission prices. Seeking a date night idea for New Year’s Eve? Before the big toast at midnight, skate through this special day, and then enjoy mouthwatering eats at the onsite cafe.

5. Take in the Fresh Air with Outdoor Adventures

Seeking ways to embrace the brisk outdoors? Elizabeth is home to sweeping parks and nature areas, which are top-rated destinations for running, biking, and strolling. Don your warm paka, and gloves, bringing a bottle of warm tea or hot chocolate to your outdoor excursion. Make your way to a nature area like Mattano Park, bringing your little ones for rounds of baseball and jogging along the calm waters of the Elizabeth River.

6. Enjoy a Foodie’s Paradise During New Year’s Weekend

A close up shot of tacos at El Nachos Tequila Cantina in Elizabeth, NJ.

Experience divine flavors and rich textures while exploring Elizabeth’s burgeoning culinary scene. Create a food-centered itinerary, traversing through an array of fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and lively bars. Don’t miss discovering a variety of cuisines from around the world, including Mexican, Italian, and Caribbean food.

7. Tackle Home Improvement Resolutions at IKEA

Start your furniture goals and home planning dreams for the new year at IKEA. This furniture hub will have special store hours on New Year’s Eve, running from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Enhance the outing by heading to the dining area and having IKEA’s iconic Swedish meatballs.

8. Shop ‘Til You Drop Across the Mills at Jersey Gardens

People bustle about through the interior of a shopping mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens

Dive into a shopping adventure, finding well-known brands and popular retail stores at this vast indoor outlet mall. The Mills at Jersey Gardens offer a variety of products and goods from iconic brands such as Nike Factory Store, Marshall’s and Primark. Taking a break between shopping stores? Catch a movie with friends and family at the AMC Jersey Gardens 20. Mall hours for New Year’s Eve run from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Looking for more ways to make a special New Year’s Eve? Find upcoming events around this holiday weekend and discover unforgettable activities that you won’t find anywhere else.

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