Epic Bashes, Fireworks, and More New Year’s Eve Events in Philadelphia

Staying in is so 2023. For 2024, ring it in with fellow excited locals looking to start the year on a high note. Arguably the biggest party night of the year, this NYE has no shortage of blowout bashes, both a mushroom and marshmallow drop, and ice skating. The fun doesn’t stop once the calendar turns either: Philly goes all out with the legendary Mummers Parade.

If you’re looking for a more low-key situation, don’t fret. Those with early bedtimes can usher in the new year with daytime activities in Franklin Square, Philly Dance Fitness—not to mention the Eagles game at the Linc.

Don’t let the last day of 2023 go to waste. Here’s how to live it up on New Year’s Eve in Philly.

December 31, 9 pm
Rittenhouse Square, $170-235
One of the fancier New Year’s Eve events offered in the city (the dress code is semi-formal) is the “Celebrity Style” bash at the Pyramid Club, located on the 52nd floor of the BNY Mellon Center. There’s something for everyone here: A more laid back vibe in the main dining room and cocktail lounge and a dance party in the “discotheque.” You won’t go hungry or thirsty either. There’s buffet stations, a five-hour open bar, desserts, and a champagne toast at midnight. Thanks to the 20-foot windows and sky-high locale, you’ll have unimpeded views of the fireworks.

December 31, 5 pm and 10 pm
Delaware River Waterfront, $47-57
Head to Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest for a wholesome night of ice skating and fireworks. There are two parties to choose from, one that starts at 5 pm and another beginning at 10 pm that lasts into the new year. Your ticket gets you admission to the rink ( there’s a non-skating option available, too), a Ferris wheel ride, food from Chickie’s & Pete’s, Skelly’s Pizza, and Black Iron BBQ by Craft Hall. There’ll also be a cash bar, boardwalk games, and firepits. Each party includes front-row views of the 6 pm and midnight fireworks shows held right on the waterfront.

December 30–31, 3 pm
Bethlehem, PA, $5-25
A midnight ball drop is so… uninspired. Bethlehem, home of PEEPS, takes the tradition one step further with a PEEPS Chick drop at 5:35 pm on both December 30 and 31. The descent of the 400-pound, nearly five-foot-tall confection proceeds a fireworks show. Other activities include ice skating, PEEPS sampling, and live music.

December 31, 5 pm
Chinatown, Free
For those who can’t make it to midnight, Franklin Square hosts an early celebration. Festivities begin at 5 pm with crafts and continue with the Square Drop (a light-adorned cube hoisted above SquareBurger is lowered) an hour later. Franklin Square also provides prime views of the 6 pm fireworks along the Delaware River waterfront. Plus, mini golf, the Electrical Spectacle Light Show, snacks, and fire pits to round out the evening. Don’t forget: The park closes at 8 pm on New Year’s Eve.

December 31, 7:30 pm
Kennett Square, PA, Free admission
The Mushroom Capital of the World is particularly on-brand for New Year’s Eve with their annual Mushroom Drop. Yes, a giant, illuminated mushroom glides to earth at the stroke of midnight. The good times get underway a few hours earlier with live performances, a laser light show, food vendors, and a photo booth.

December 31, 9 pm
Delaware River Waterfront, $150-250
Parties always seem a little fancier when they’re on a boat. The Moshulu’s annual New Year’s Eve party returns with a five-hour open bar, four dance floors, and plenty of good times. As for the entertainment, DJ Herbert Holler holds court over the main deck, playing throwback hits. DJs Chris and Oskar have the bow deck dance floor handled with contemporary hits. Groove to some jazz, thanks to Greg Farnese and his band in the ballroom. Finally, Jexxa and Ed will perform rock tunes in the main dining room.

December 31, 9 pm
Stadium Complex, $110-150
Xfinity Live! doesn’t care if you’ve been naughty or nice this year, you’re getting a whole lot of presents at NYE Live. Your ticket gets you access to all five bars under Xfinity’s roof—NBC Sports Arena, PBR Philly, 1100 Social, Broad Street Bullies Pub, and Victory Beer Hall—food from Lorenzo and Sons, Chickie’s & Pete’s and Geno’s Steaks, and bottled and draft beers, cocktails, wine, and a midnight toast. Entertainment includes a silent disco, karaoke, a 360 photo booth, bull riding, and live music.

December 31, 9 pm
Old City, $99-169
Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s rooftop bar, Stratus Rooftop Lounge, encourages you to act like an A-lister for New Year’s Eve. In addition to a five-hour open bar, enjoy music from Mr. Hollywood DJ, 11th floor Old City views, and the start of a new year under the stars.

December 31, 7 pm
Fishtown, $20-40
Because emo never goes out of style, belt to the songs that made you cry 20 years ago. The playlist includes faves from Panic! At The Disco, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, and so many more. While drinks are pay-as-you-go here, rest assured Kung Fu Necktie won’t charge you an arm and a leg like some other NYE parties.

December 31, noon
Fishtown, $45-55
Set your 2024 intentions at this all-levels yoga class at Amrita Yoga & Wellness. The two-hour session includes breath and movement work in addition to sound healing (expect native flutes, guitars, gongs, singing bowls, and percussion). Consider it a reset for your mind and body.

December 31, 1 pm
Stadium Complex, Starts at $244
The Birds host the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field for one final showdown of 2023. Luckily the game starts at 1 pm, giving you plenty of time to hit all the essentials: tailgate, game, NYE party.

December 31, 1 pm
Fishtown
If you can’t make it to the game, you can at least watch it while knocking down some pins at Brooklyn Bowl. Game day specials include $5 Twisted Tea, Miller Lite, and Truly (among other drink specials), $1 wings, and $6 pretzel bites.

December 31, 1:30 pm
Rittenhouse Square, $25
Relive the year in music during this two-hour dance fitness class—singing encouraged. Learn some choreography to chart-toppers from the likes of Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Miley Cyrus (plus some newer songs that haven’t climbed the charts yet). No prior dance experience required.

December 31, 3 pm and 7 pm
Camden, NJ, $20
If ice skating is much too cold for your liking, trade your blades for wheels and roller skate your way into 2024. Millennium Skate World, just over the bridge in Camden, turns the lights down low for a glow party. Deck yourself in glow sticks and take a few laps around the rink while dancing to a hip-hop and R&B soundtrack. Come for either the early session (starting at 3 pm) or the later one (starting at 7 pm).

January 1, 9 am
Center City, Free admission
Picture this: Thousands of elaborately costumed adults and kids (think feathers, sequins, neon colors) parading down Broad Street, dancing and playing music. That’s the Mummers Parade, the Philly New Year’s Day tradition that’s been going strong for over a century. The parade starts at City Hall and heads south on Broad Street, culminating at Washington Avenue. There are five divisions of Mummers—Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades—which basically means they have slightly different performances. There are multiple performance areas along the route: the west side of City Hall and Dilworth Plaza (you can buy tickets for bleacher seating here), 17th and Market Streets, and at Samson, Pine, and Carpenter Streets. The Fancy Brigade Final Show takes place indoors at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 11:30 am and 5 pm. You’ll need to buy tickets for those performances.

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