First Night offers more than 70 entertainment programs at 20 different venues throughout town on Dec. 31.

Headline entertainment at the Ocean City Music Pier this year will include a tribute to the music of the Journey and “Motor City: the Motown Revue.” The return of perennial favorites like outdoor ice-skating, a magic show, a mentalist, the Harlem Wizards, and a variety of other shows also highlight the entertainment lineup. Ocean City will reunite Elton John and Billy Joel at the Ocean City High School auditorium with separate tributes.

A drone light show in the sky over Carey Stadium synced to music is scheduled. As always, the festivities will end with a fireworks display to ring in the new year at midnight.

First Night’s 2026 sponsors include the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage, McMahon Insurance Agency, Ocean City Free Public Library, Pete Madden of Goldcoast Sotheby's International Realty, Uncle Bill’s Pancake House and Atlantic City Electric.

 

Complete information on First Night is available at firstnightocnj.com.

Will call orders can be picked up at Will Call starting November 17th located at the City Hall Information Center (861 Asbury Avenue).  Mail orders will start being mailed the week of November 24th.  Hours are 9:00am-5:00pm seven days a week, closed Christmas Day, open New Year Eve 9:00am-8:00pm.  Due to shipping cut off dates, mail orders will not be accepted after December 17th.  All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.