Magic, Mummers and Last Minute Plans

Guess what? It's OK if you don't have any plans for New Year's Eve. As luck would have it, there are still plenty of things to do that require no reservation at all. With that said, once you've checked out our picks of fun ways to spend this New Year's weekend, we encourage you to contact the venues to double-check ticket availability. We hear New Year's Eve is a popular night to go out.

In the 11 events below, you'll find something for all ages, even celebrations at noon (instead of midnight) for the kids to enjoy.

Have a safe and happy New Year's!

The Amazing World of Magic - 2011 Edition

• Where/When: The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman; today and Friday, 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, 12 and 4 p.m.
• What's Going On: Magic tricks and illusions are presented in a humorous way during this inventive show, featuring internationally acclaimed Richard Gustagson. There are more than two hours of magic entertainment for kids and adults alike.
• Price: $12 to $15, plus any applicable tax and fees

Read in the New Year

• Where/When: , 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood; Friday, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• What's Going On: The library boasts plenty of kid-friendly fun at this early event. There will be crafts, stories and a countdown to noon. There will also be live music by Mr. Todd at this New Year's "eve" celebration.
• Price: Free

New Year's at Noon (and 10 and 2)

• Where/When: The Garden State Discovery Museum, 2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• What's Going On: This event is all about the kids. Let them join the festivities as the Garden State Discovery Museum dances and sings to celebrate the coming of 2012. They can also explore the many exhibits the museum has, like the Action News set, the vet and pet station, the farm stand, and many more.
• Price: $10.95 plus tax for adults and children 12 months and over; $9.95 plus tax for seniors

Open Play at Monkey Town

• Where/When: Monkey Town, 5360 Rt. 42 (Whitman Plaza), Turnersville; today, 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• What's Going On: For those little ones who are bouncing off of the walls looking for things to do the last few days of winter break, stop by Monkey Town. While New Year's themed activities may not be on the agenda, kids can play for hours on the indoor park's inflatables. There is even a corner for tots to play in and plasma televisions are in the lounge upstairs. Pizza, beverages and snacks are also for sale.
• Price: $9.50 per child, plus tax and applicable fees

Mummers at the Pop Shop

• Where/When: , 729 Haddon Ave., Collingswood; Saturday, 4:15 p.m.
• What's Going On: No need to wait until New Year's Day for the Mummer's Parade when you can attend the Pop Shop's fifth annual Kids Kazoo Parade. Per their website, the parade begins at 4:15 p.m. in front of The Pop Shop. Kazoos will be handed out and Mummers from a local string band will lead the children as they parade down Haddon Avenue. Afterward, kids will be given confetti, songs will be sung and there will be a New Year's Eve-style countdown. Complimentary cookies will be served. (In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held inside.)
• Price: Free (additional food and drinks are available for purchase)

Midnight at the Oasis

• Where/When: Sahara Sam's Oasis Indoor Water Park, 535 N. Route 73, West Berlin; Saturday, 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• What's Going On: Stop by the place that's always 84 degrees and ring in the New Year with the entire family at Sahara Sam's. This event is truly a bargain. For the cost of entry, guests will receive admission to the water park, a dinner buffet by Andreotti’s Viennese Café, dessert, a $5 arcade card, party favors, champagne (adults) and sparkling cider toasts (children) at midnight, and a free admission ticket to Sahara Sam's for another day. There will also be music, dancing and a foam party.
• Price: $54.99 per person plus tax and applicable fees

New Year's Eve at Riley's Pub

• Where/When: , 200 Golfview Dr., Blackwood; Saturday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• What's Going On: This close-to-home event is for the grown-ups. The cost of admission buys you an open bar, music, a gourmet pasta bar, a tossed salad and bread display, a champagne toast at midnight, and noisemakers and hats. The best part? No reservations are required.
• Price: $50 per person plus tax and applicable fees

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

• Where/When: The Mansion at Main Street, 3000 Main St., Voorhees; Saturday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• What's Going On: If you are looking for a slightly swankier New Year's Eve experience, check out the Masquerade Ball at the Mansion on Main Street. There will be a cocktail hour with several action stations (you get to see the chefs at work). There will also be an open bar, a martini bar, a surf-and-turf dinner, desserts galore and live entertainment. Purple Reign, a cover band that plays oldies but goodies, will keep you dancing the night away. Tickets are still available for this event. Contact Joseph Dillon for more information at 856-751-1717.
• Price: $120 per person

New Year's Eve at the Stone Grille

• Where/When:  1300 Blackwood Clementon Rd., Clementon; Saturday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

• What's Going On: The Brother Fish Band will be the live entertainment at the Stone Grille this New Year's Eve. Listen to them as they cover top 40's hits. The night's dinner package includes soup, salad, surf and turf, dessert options—think chocolate truffles or strawberries and cream—plus an open bar from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.
• Price: $60 per person plus tax and applicable fees

New Year's Day Dickens Feast

• Where/When: The Mansion at Main Street, 3000 Main St., Voorhees; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• What's Going On: This Sunday marks the final weekend for this event. Brunch now includes lots of holiday cheer at the Mansion on Main Street. The dining rooms are filled with holiday decor and carolers serenade you as you feast at the Dickens-themed holiday buffet. The Mansion also offers up one complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne, a waffle station, an omelet station, smoked fish, fruit, cheeses and more.
• Price: Adults, $32.95; children 4 to 10 years old, $16.00; kids 3 and under, free

Mummers New Year's Day Parade

• Where/When: Philadelphia, South Philly to Center City; Sunday, 10 a.m. (Check out this website for a full parade route map)
• What's Going On: For some of us, it just isn't New Year's without the Mummers Parade. Check out this lively event, filled with over-the-top costumes and plenty of music. The parade marches north up Broad Street to JFK Boulevard in Center City. This parade started way back in the 1800's and is still a great way to celebrate the new year.
• Price: Free (grandstand tickets are an additional cost)