1. The Battle of Trenton - On January 2, 1777, General George Washington led his Continental Army to victory in the Battle of Trenton. This historic battle was a turning point in the American Revolution, as it boosted morale and demonstrated that the Continental Army could defeat the British.

2. Birth of Frank Hague - Frank Hague, one of New Jersey's most influential political figures, was born on January 2, 1876. Hague served as the mayor of Jersey City for over three decades (1917-1947) and was known for his strong-arm tactics and political machine.

3. Construction of The Holland Tunnel - The Holland Tunnel, an engineering marvel that connects Jersey City to Manhattan, officially opened on November 13, 1927. However, construction on the tunnel began on January 2, 1920.

4. New Year's Day Paddle - In recent years, a tradition has emerged in New Jersey where kayakers and canoeists gather on January 2 for a New Year's Day Paddle. This event offers participants a chance to explore New Jersey's waterways while enjoying the winter scenery.

5. Black Tuesday Blizzard - On January 2, 1948, a massive blizzard hit New Jersey and other parts of the Northeast. The storm, which came to be known as "Black Tuesday," dropped up to two feet of snow in some areas and caused widespread power outages and transportation disruptions.