The holidays seem to come and go so quickly, leaving us tired and a bit depressed. We spend so much time shopping, wrapping gifts, cooking and just simply preparing for a wonderful gathering of family and friends that we hardly put time aside to relax and appreciate what we already have. Let’s make this New Year a little different! Forget the stress, the negatives, our busy lifestyles, and let’s treat it as a time for celebration of what we already have with excitement of what lies ahead.

Wow, 2015! Does time fly or what? There are lots of amazing events coming up at the Jersey Shore. If you are one that enjoys going out New Year’s Eve, then you will love what’s in store. Here are some of the fun things that I suggest you choose from on December 31^st.

Cape May County, Jersey Shore

Ocean City First Night, Ocean City, Cape May County, $15.00: 4:00 pm until 12:00 am,with seventeen venues of live entertainment, including The Trammps, Fabulous Grease Band, Hegelman String Band, comedy, and even a game show.

Flanders Hotel New Year’s Eve, Ocean City, Cape May County, $14,95/$34.95: Dinner in Emily’s Ocean Room from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The charge for adults is $34.95. A children’s menu is available for $14.95. Guests can choose from appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Ocean County, Jersey Shore

The Gables New Year’s Eve, Beach Haven, $100.00 to $145.00: A relaxed 5:00 pm Seating,Chef Richard Diemer brings fresh and seasonal fare to you at this Historic Victorian Inn and Restaurant.

First Night Ocean County in Seaside Heights $5.00: Sponsored by The Lakewood Blue Claws, this event starts at 12:00 p.m. and will include shows for the children, balloon artists, face painting, raffles, and arcade games. If weather permits, there will be fireworks at the Seaside Boardwalk starting at 5:00 p.m.

Martell’s Presents 2015, Martell’s Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach, $30.00: This event starts at 8:00 pm. Guests must be 21 years to participate. “Martell’s Tiki Bar Presents 2015” will have party favors, raffles, and a champagne toast with live DJ. There will also be hors d’oeuvres and entrees.

Monmouth County, Central New Jersey

Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, Asbury Park, $110.00 to $135.00: Doors open at 6:00 pm and dinner at 8:00. Located on the recently renovated boardwalk, you and your special someone, can enjoy music and a five-star dinner which include courses of crab cake, pumpkin ravioli, artichoke francesa, field greens or potato bisque. The entree selections include salmon, scallops, filet mignon, and chicken roulade. Dessert selections include chocolate torte, triple cream cheesecake, or Key Lime pie tart.  You will be greeted with a glass of champagne and another at midnight.

iPlay America New Year’s Eve, Freehold, $39.95 per person/Toddlers admitted Free: The indoor amusement center will be having a celebration complete with rides, attractions, party favors, and prizes. Taking place from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am.

For those of you who have had the pleasure, like myself, of experiencing the incredibly loud “big-band-style” New Year’s Eve concert with Southside Johnny and were planning to go back, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes has moved north. Unlike in the past years, the Dec. 31st festivities will not be happening at the historic Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, but in the Historic State Theater in New Brunswick. Ticket prices for show range from $40 to $90, and doors open at 9:00 p.m.

Now, if you enjoy safely sitting at home New Year’s Eve and watching TV shows featuring the ball drop, you will still have the opportunity to enjoy a day out on January 1^st. Laurita Winery in New Egypt, Ocean County proudly presents Christine and Rich a/k/a First Call. They will be bringing in the New Year once again at Laurita with a special blend of music for your listening pleasure. Go and enjoy your first glass of wine with friends in a relaxing and warm setting and a “home away from home” feel.

So, whatever pleasure, music, food or entertainment that you desire, make sure that you celebrate it in style! You have plenty of choices at the Jersey Shore. You may choose to take your children or spend a romantic night out alone. I helped you by providing a few of my favorites. Now take it and have fun!

Happy New Year’s everyone and Be Safe!

Written by Lorry Ford – A Jersey Shore InMotion contributor & Jersey Shore Local

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