A Guide to New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day in Greater Philadelphia

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December 9, 2024

As the clock winds down and the year comes to a close, excitement builds for the fresh start ahead. New Year is the time for celebrations, laughter, and creating unforgettable memories with those who matter the most. Greater Philadelphia is a perfect destination to celebrate the upcoming New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day with excitement and adventure. This city of Pennsylvania offers an exciting and diverse range of events, traditions, and activities to celebrate the new year. From fireworks over the Delaware River to the Mummers Parade, there are a number of ways to celebrate the new year in Philadelphia.

New Year’s Eve is filled with celebrations, from spectacular views of fireworks to themed parties and upscale dinners. New Year’s Day is also no less, with joyous celebrations of dance, music, fireworks, a parade, and vibrant costumes. Whether you’re looking for a glamorous night out, a relaxing start, or family fun, this city has it all. In this blog, we are going to share a guide to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Greater Philadelphia.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Greater Philadelphia

New year eve celebration with fireworks in Greater Philadelphia

Philly’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

The most popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Greater Philadelphia is by attending the two spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. This beautiful event takes place on the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing at 6 P.M and also at midnight. The fireworks light up the night sky over the Delaware River, offering a breathtaking view that is bliss to the eyes. You can watch this mesmerizing view along the waterfront, aboard a New Year’s Eve cruise, or from outdoor spots like the Spruce Street Harbor Park.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruises and Yacht

For a more intimate and romantic celebration, boarding one of the New Year’s Eve dinner cruises is one of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The cruises offer stunning views of the fireworks, along with gourmet dining, music, and dance. Some most popular dinner cruises are:
Signature Dinner Cruise: The Signature Dinner Cruise is the best choice for those seeking an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration in Philadelphia. It is one of the most popular dinner cruises available on Tuesday, December 31, from 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. The cruise features an open bar, DJ sets, buffet dining, and stunning views of the waterfront fireworks show.

Buffet Dinner Cruise: The Buffet Dinner Cruise offers an enchanting evening on the Delaware River departing from Penn’s landing. This 3-hour ride offers an exceptional experience to enjoy New Year’s Eve with loved ones. It features a live DJ, a top-shelf bar, a buffet dinner, and panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline as you sail along.

Ben Franklin Yacht: On New Year’s Eve, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., the yacht party is one of the best ways to celebrate the new year. This four-hour party is filled with music, dance, live performances, games, and 360-degree views of the stars. At 12:00 a.m., the waterfront fireworks show fills the sky with vibrant hues, welcoming the new year.

New Year’s Eve Events

Whether it’s a masquerade ball, Philli Ball Drop, or live events, there are many event options in Greater Philadelphia and its neighborhoods.

Philly Ball Drop: The iconic Philly ball drop is the biggest New Year ball drop event of Greater Philadelphia, hosted at midnight at the Betsy Ross House. As the clock strikes midnight, the “Keystone Drop” takes place, with the crowd cheering in unison. The crowd welcomes the new year with a vibrant light show and an explosion of confetti. This ball drop symbolizes new beginnings and is the best way for people who want to start the new year in a festive way.

The Masquerade Ball: The Masquerade Ball is a themed event for those seeking a touch of mystery and elegance in the New Year’s Eve celebration. A number of places in Greater Philadelphia host masquerade ball parties that you can attend with an alluring mask and unique attire. These parties feature entertainment, dancing, music, and a vibe of mystique to make New Year’s Eve memorable and thrilling.

Countdown at the Piazza: The Countdown at the Piazza is a lively event held at the Piazza at Schmidt to enjoy New Year’s Eve. The event features music, food, live entertainment, drinks, and a countdown to midnight. As soon as the clock ticks 12.00, a ball drop or fireworks display paints the sky with vibrant colors, marking the start of the new year.

New Year’s Eve Parties

For party-goers, Philadelphia has no shortage of trendy clubs, bars, restaurants, and themed party options. Some best options include:

SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club: On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., SOUTH Restaurant and Jazz Club is offering a soulful New Year’s Eve celebration party. The party will feature a three-course meal of southern cuisine and versatile musical stylings to enhance the party vibes. You can choose between an early dinner with one performance before the fireworks or dinner with two performances and a midnight celebration with the band.

Hilton Philadelphia: On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Hilton, a lavish waterfront hotel, is offering the ultimate New Year party with a fireworks bash. With a DJ, music, dancing, and live entertainment, the place will offer an unforgettable celebration. You can enjoy the screenings of the Times Square countdown and ball drop, along with a champagne toast and stunning views of fireworks at the waterfront.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest: On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will offer a frosty and unique New Year’s Eve celebration. Partying in this place is one of the most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations in Greater Philadelphia. It is a beautiful waterfront winter wonderland that offers music, ice skating, dance, food, games, and a unique festive atmosphere.

New Year’s Eve at Xfinity Live: Xfinity Live is an entertainment district hosting a high-energy party on 31st December 2024 from 7 p.m. The party will feature everything from food and drink packages and live party music to confetti cannons, DJ sets, and complimentary champagne. You can enjoy signature cocktails and special menus accompanied by the iconic New Year’s countdown with fireworks and other celebrations.

New Year’s Party with Family and Kids

For people with family and kids, Greater Philadelphia has a range of options to celebrate New Year’s Eve with fun and enjoyment.

Family-Friendly Fun at Franklin Square: Franklin Square is a beautiful historic park offering a fun and festive atmosphere for celebrating New Year’s Eve with family. The place offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including an electrical light show with thousands of twinkling lights. The day ends with the annual “square drop” at 6 p.m. from the top of the on-site.

Kids Countdown with PopUpPlay: On 31st December 5-8 pm, the New Year’s Eve kids’ countdown will take place at Cherry Street Pier. The event features amazing kid-friendly games and activities, make-and-take crafting stations, dance, and music. At 6 pm, everyone stops their activities to witness the Riverfront’s vivid fireworks from the front row.

Countdown at Please Touch Museum: The museum offers a kid-friendly countdown to the new year with a ball drop at the countdown 2-noon party. Before the ball drops, there is a DJ on the deck for kids to jump, dance, spin, and groove to. There are also a lot of fun and creative activities to make the day enjoyable for kids.

New Year’s Day in Greater Philadelphia

New Year's Day in Greater Philadelphia

Mummers Parade

The Mummers Parade is the most important and beloved New Year’s Day tradition in Greater Philadelphia. It takes place on January 1 at 9 am on Broad Street (Center City), featuring theatrical performances, vibrant costumes, and string bands. The parade traditionally starts at City Hall and proceeds down Broad Street. Around 10,000 participants march down the broad streets in beautiful costumes with feathers, sequins, face paint, and vibrant colors.

From energetic dances and satire to lively music and theatrical acts, the Mummers Parade offers a unique blend of music, dance, and satire. Each group develops a unique theme for their performance, offering something exciting and creative for the spectators. It is a colorful and cheerful event that captures the essence of the city’s culture.

Brunch at City’s Best Restaurants

What better way to kick off the New Year than with mouthwatering food and unforgettable flavors? You can start your new year with delicious brunch at some of the best restaurants in Greater Philadelphia city. Restaurants like The Love, Parc, Bistro Romano, Ristorante Pesto, The Wayward, and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., etc., are some of the best options.

These restaurants offer special menus and New Year’s Day brunches, including dishes like hoagies, mimosas, pretzels, cheesesteaks, etc., for New Year celebrations. From romantic candlelight dinners to lively gatherings, these restaurants cater to every mood, ensuring a memorable start to the year ahead.

Historic Sites & Museums

New Year’s Day is a great time to visit Philadelphia’s iconic historical sites. You can spend New Year’s Day reflecting on history and embracing the stories of the past. Greater Philadelphia has some iconic landmarks, local museums, and historic neighborhoods that offer a glimpse of rich heritage. Visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the best way to immerse yourself in the rich history of the city.
On New Year’s Day, museums and historical sites feature special events and exhibits, allowing you to start the year on a cultural note. You can even start the year by admiring the Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom and new beginnings.

Exploring Tourist Attractions

Greater Philadelphia has a diverse range of tourist attractions, offering a blend of history, culture, art, and nature. If you are an art lover, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a perfect attraction, offering a stunning collection and iconic “Rocky Steps.” You can also take a leisurely walk at Independence National Historical Park and witness the natural surroundings and Liberty Bell. Visit Reading Terminal market for tasting local produce, gourmet food, and specialties of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Zoo features a variety of animals, including endangered species and other animals in their natural habitat. For science lovers, Franklin Institute is one of the most popular attractions, featuring a leading science museum that offers amazing exhibits and hands-on displays.

Outdoor Fun in Fairmount Park

If you are looking to start the new year with outdoor adventure and nature rather than vibrant parties, Fairmount Park is the perfect place. This park offers everything from scenic walking, biking, and hiking trails to adventures like boating and canoeing. The park covers around 2,000 acres with plenty of green space, offering miles of trails great for hiking, walking, or biking. With numerous open fields, you can enjoy a picnic or simply lay back and enjoy nature.

For some extra adventure, you can try horseback riding, off-road cycling, or even join in on a Japanese tea ceremony or an outdoor concert. The Schuylkill River is popular for rowing and kayaking, with boat rentals available and stunning views of the city skyline and greenery. The park is also home to lovely gardens, like the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, which features traditional Japanese landscaping. With different types of habitats, it’s a great place for birdwatching. In short, it is a perfect place for nature lovers to start the new year with beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities.

Ice Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink

Ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink is the perfect way to kick off the year, not just on New Year’s Eve, but also on New Year’s Day. It is a fun and adventurous way to begin your year in winter beauty and vibrant atmosphere. The place offers a scenic outdoor ice-skating rink on the Delaware River Waterfront to glide while enjoying the winter air. It also offers stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River.

The rink is surrounded by a cozy lodge, heated lounges, a warm fire pit, and cozy cabins, making it a perfect winter wonderland. Moreover, the giant Christmas tree, festive decorations, delicious food and drinks, and seasonal music add to its cheerful vibe. You can enjoy hot cocoa with some snacks like pretzels while relaxing by the fire and listening to seasonal music.

Conclusion

Greater Philadelphia is a vibrant and beautiful destination for celebrating New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day. We have discussed some of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day in Greater Philadelphia. On New Year’s Eve, you can enjoy the fireworks, cruise, yacht dinners, events, and parties, filled with upscaled musical vibes and festive decorations. On New Year’s Day, there are many ways to kickstart your year in the way you prefer. From Mummers’ parade and brunch to historic sites, tourist attractions, ice skating, etc., there are a number of ways to spend New Year.

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