Hackettstown to host second annual New Year’s Eve Blast with fun, entertainment, and M&M’S countdown to midnight
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – The Town of Hackettstown, the Hackettstown Police Department, the Hackettstown Business Improvement District, and local businesses will host the second annual Hackettstown New Year’s Eve Blast on December 31.
This year’s festivities will take place in Downtown Hackettstown from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., promising a night to remember.
The event will include an exciting night of activities, with participating businesses offering specials and entertainment throughout the evening. The event will also feature its signature sweet countdown to midnight with the M&M’S® “ball drop” back for a second year. This exciting countdown is sure to create lasting memories for the community and ring in the New Year in a unique and unforgettable way.
“Our iconic M&M’S have been part of the Hackettstown community since 1958 and millions of M&M’S are produced here every day,” said Michal Riha, Site Director, Mars Hackettstown. “We’re proud to call Hackettstown home and I’m honored to be part of this year’s celebration as we welcome 2025 with an M&M’S countdown.”
“We are thrilled to bring the community together for Hackettstown’s second annual New Year’s Eve Blast,” said Darren Tynan, Chairman of the Hackettstown New Year’s Eve Blast Committee. “With exciting entertainment, the M&M’S® ball drop at midnight, and plenty of family-friendly activities, this will be a night to remember. We can’t wait to ring in the New Year with our neighbors and visitors!”
“Hackettstown is thrilled to host the 2nd Annual NYE Blast,” said Mayor Jerry DiMaio. “We are fortunate to have Mars actively involved in our event, along with our other generous sponsors who have contributed. Additionally, I’m grateful for the hard work of the New Year’s Eve Blast Committee, as well as the support of our local, state, and county partners, including our county commissioners, who all help make this celebration a success.”
“The Hackettstown Business Improvement District could not be more excited to be co-hosting the second annual Hackettstown NYE event,” said Laurie Rapisardi, Executive Director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District. “With the amazing success of last year’s event, we are looking forward to a bigger event with more offerings. We also look forward to welcoming many new visitors from far and wide to Hackettstown, with hopes that they will support our local businesses that evening. We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone!”
“Warren County is excited that this annual tradition will continue in Hackettstown,” said the Warren County Board of County Commissioners. “Mars is a great business neighbor, and we are grateful for their partnership. We are looking forward to a fun night!”
The celebration kicks off at 8:00 p.m. with a performance of the National Anthem by 10-year-old Giana Pichardo of Hackettstown, followed by live music from Joe Ratz of Bombed Opera until 11:00 p.m. Throughout the evening, DJ SC3 Entertainment will keep the energy high, and HHS and TCA Cheerleaders will perform periodically. The M&M’S® ball drop from a J&R Tree Service truck at midnight will take center stage, with special appearances by M&M’S® characters. Honored guest Michal Riha, Site Director for the Mars Hackettstown facility, will kick off the countdown to ring in the new year.
Family-friendly fun includes a Kids Zone at Berk’s Furniture Outlet, located at 232 Main Street, featuring a Giant Snow Globe ($1 entry cash only) and a Cow Train Ride ($1 per ride cash only). Free giveaways will be available while supplies last, courtesy of Atlantic Health System/Hackettstown Medical Center, Centenary University, WRNJ Radio, and Hackettstown Stormwater Management.
Local businesses will also offer special treats throughout the night, including food trucks from Marley’s Wings & Things, Marley’s Cravin’ Cuban & Things, Humpty Junior’s, and Brewnicorn (coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks). The Hackettstown Moose Lodge will serve up delicious roast beef sandwiches at the Moore Street Firehouse.
If you’re unable to attend the New Year’s Eve Blast, it will be streamed live on Facebook from 8:00 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Be sure to follow ‘Town of Hackettstown‘ on Facebook to catch all the action
The committee expressed their gratitude to some sponsors for their generous support of the Hackettstown New Year’s Eve Blast, including Diamond Sponsor Mars Wrigley, Gold Sponsors John Johnson Auto Group, Gebhardt & Kiefer, PC, and Atlantic Health System/Hackettstown Medical Center. We also appreciate the contributions of our Silver Sponsors: Colliers Engineering & Design, Advanced Cardiology LLC, and Advanced Primary Care, as well as our Bronze Sponsors, including Hackettstown Rotary Club/Foundation, High Street Dispensary, Nisivoccia LLP, Warren County Medical Associates, Marley’s Gotham Grill, Feet ‘N Beyond of New Jersey, and STS Contractors, whose support helped make this celebration possible.
For more information, visit www.hackettstown.net or www.hackettstownbid.com.
