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New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, December 31, 2026, and in Morris County the biggest party of the night is First Night Morris in Morristown: a family friendly, alcohol free celebration with 80 plus performances across downtown and a midnight countdown with fireworks. Here is how First Night works, what it cost last year, and how to plan your night.
First Night Morris: How It Works
First Night Morris County is a self funded, volunteer led nonprofit that turns downtown Morristown into one big New Year’s Eve festival. One admission button gets you into every venue all night. Last year’s edition, held Wednesday, December 31, 2025, offered more than 80 performances at 20 plus venues, plus more than 40 films, and ended with the traditional Midnight Countdown and Fireworks.
Venues have included the Mayo Performing Arts Center at 100 South Street, the Hyatt Regency Morristown, Macculloch Hall, the Woman’s Club of Morristown, the Morristown Library and Morristown High School, which hosted a Children’s Fun Festival with Dinoman, LEGO building, crafts and a challenge course. Last year’s lineup ranged from guitar great Frank Vignola with pianist Rio Clemente at MPAC to the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, Bozza Brasil and comedians Myq Kaplan and Matt Jenkins.
Buttons, Prices and Timing
The 2026 lineup and button prices have not been announced yet. For planning, here is how last year worked:
- Start time: 4:30 p.m., with free parking in Morristown garages from 4 p.m. and shuttles between venues.
- Button prices: Buttons got more expensive closer to the night, topping out at $30 each or $95 for a four pack in the final stretch from December 22, so buying early saves money.
- Where to buy: Online through First Night Morris and MayoArts.org until 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, then in person on the night at the MPAC box office, the Morristown Library, Morristown High School and the Hyatt Regency.
- The finale: A midnight countdown and fireworks over Morristown, weather permitting.
We will update this page as soon as First Night posts its 2026 performers and early bird pricing, usually in November. The MPAC box office is 973-539-8008.
Tips for New Year’s Eve in Morristown
- Families: Do the early evening, with the kids’ festival, magic and music shows, and head home before the late crowd.
- Dinner: Book early. Downtown restaurants fill up fast on New Year’s Eve; our best restaurants in Morristown list is a good place to start.
- Getting there: NJ TRANSIT’s Morristown Line stops a short walk from the Green, which beats circling for parking at 11 p.m.
- Before you go: The Morris County Library in Whippany closes early at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and county offices are closed Friday, January 1, 2027.
More Holiday Plans in Morris County
December in Morris County is packed. Our Christmas shows guide covers MPAC, the Shakespeare Theatre and more, the Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green runs through December 20, and our Hanukkah guide has the county’s menorah lightings.
New Year’s Eve 2026 FAQ
What day is New Year’s Eve 2026?
New Year’s Eve 2026 is Thursday, December 31.
Is there a New Year’s Eve fireworks show in Morris County?
Yes. First Night Morris in Morristown ends with a midnight countdown and fireworks, weather permitting.
Is First Night Morris family friendly?
Yes. First Night is an alcohol free celebration with a children’s festival, family shows and performances for all ages.
Featured photo via Pexels.
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