Your Guide to New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Philadelphia
From fireworks to kid-friendly countdowns to full-on glam, there are so many ways to ring in 2026.
New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Delaware River Waterfront. / Photograph by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
It’s getting to be time to bid farewell to 2025 and ring 2026 in with style, sparkle … and maybe some skating? Emo? Jazz? However you’re looking to celebrate, there’s a party for that. From fireworks and full-on fanciness to family-friendly countdowns to noon, here are the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Philly.
Fireworks
Waterfront
End 2025 with a bang! Fireworks light up the Delaware River waterfront at 6 p.m. and midnight, each synchronized to a unique soundtrack. (Tune into KYW Newsradio 1060 AM or 103.9 FM to hear that if you’re viewing from afar.) You can watch for free at various spots along the waterfront: Race Street Pier, Penn’s Landing, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Pier 68, and Washington Avenue Pier. There are also several ticketed parties that will give you prime viewing:
Parties on Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink
You can enjoy excellent views of the fireworks from Winterfest’s NYE shindig. Tickets include a Ferris wheel ride, assorted food, and one of the best (and most unique) spots to ring in the New Year. Get an ice-skating ticket or go for the “spectator” option if wearing little axes on your feet isn’t your thing. You’ll also have access to hot chocolate and snacks plus pay-as-you-go drinks (including cash bar) and food. There are two parties, each timed to the fireworks displays. The earlier one is family-friendly, and has entertainment and crafts. Advance tickets required; Winterfest will not be open to the public during these parties.
$47-$53 for spectators, $57-$63 for skaters; 5-8 p.m. & 10 p.m.-1 a.m., 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
Cherry Street Pier
Like Winterfest, there are both a 5 p.m. family-friendly Kids’ Countdown and a till-midnight 21-plus options at this waterfront destination. Both include dance parties, cash bars, and fireworks views. The adult party includes live music and a free champagne toast. But the family-friendly party has fun crafts with PopUpPlay. Advantage: kids.
$28-$37 for the adult party, $23-$27 for the kid party (free for ages two and under); 5-7 p.m. (kids) & 10 p.m.-1 a.m. (adults), 121 North Columbus Boulevard.
Fireworks Boat Bash on the Moshulu
This floating party on the Delaware sounds like a unique option for ringing in 2026. The party starts at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. for VIP tickets) and includes an open bar and four entertainment areas with music and dancing. (VIP guests also get a reserved table and food for an extra $100.) If you’re interested in seeing the earlier fireworks, book a $125 four-course prix-fixe meal from 3 to 6 p.m. aboard the boat instead.
$125 for dinner (3-6 p.m.), $150-$250 for evening party (9 p.m.-2 a.m.), 401 South Columbus Boulevard.
Parkway
That’s right, there’s even more fireworks this year! Mayor Cherelle Parker just announced that, to ring in the momentous year that is 2026, there will also be fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this year. The midnight fireworks will be preceded by a concert on the Art Museum steps (think Welcome America, but colder) with LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, and a band called Dorothy. The music starts at 8 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m.
Family-Friendly Parties
Countdown to 2026 / Photograph courtesy of the Please Touch Museum
In addition to the 6 p.m. waterfront-fireworks-adjacent parties above, here are some more kid-friendly NYE celebrations around town.
Countdown to 2026 at Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum goes all out with their signature NYE event, which features performances, crafts, dance parties and a ball drop (and confetti shower) in Memorial Hall. This year, there are two sessions: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
$30; 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square
New Year’s Eve craft-making starts at 5 p.m. Then, at 6 p.m. there’s a countdown to the “Square Drop” from atop SquareBurger, right before fireworks. (You can kind of see the waterfront fireworks if you stand at the corner … let’s just say they overstate this aspect of the party.) Afterwards, stick around until 8 p.m., when you can take in the final “Electrical Spectacle” light show of the year, play Chilly Philly Mini Golf, ride the carousel and more. Best of all, this party is free!
Free (attractions are pay-as-you-go); 5-8 p.m., Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.
Noon Year’s Eve at Smith Memorial Playground
This free party includes games, creative activities, outdoor play, snacks, music by DJ Darryl, and a “noon drop surprise” on the playground. Reserve your spot online.
Free, 10 a.m.-noon, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive.
Kith + Kin New Year’s Concert
Countdown to noon with a toddler-friendly concert by Alexis of Mister John’s Music and some playtime before nap time. Tickets include two hours of play, concert, and countdown.
$25 per child, $15 per adult; 10 a.m.-noon, Kith + Kin, 3060 West Jefferson Street.
New Year’s Eve (Day) Family Jam at Ardmore Music Hall
Kid-favorite band Alex & the Kaleidoscope host this NYE morning dance party, playing their signature “family funk.” The event also includes New Year’s-themed crafts, brunch (pay-as-you-go), and a festive balloon drop at noon.
$29.50; 11 a.m.-noon, Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore.
The Best of the Rest
Swanky cocktails at W Philadelphia / Photograph courtesy of W Philadelphia
W Philadelphia
The W Philadelphia is hosting a two-day New Year’s celebration this year. On New Year’s Eve, their Living Room lobby space will have live entertainment from Seraiah Nicole and DJ YNGFU, while DJ KINGSPY keeps the party going upstairs at the WET Bar. One ticket provides access to both parties — or you can reserve a VIP table. There will also be a champagne toast (specialty cocktails will be available for purchase), caviar bumps, and passed canapés. Then on New Year’s Day, recover and recharge at WET Bar with specialty wellness shooters, liquid IV and hydration stations, and an unlimited mimosa bar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets starting at $175 for NYE (9 p.m.-2 a.m.), $75 for NYD; W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street.
Riot Nerd’s Recession Pop NYE Dance Party
Riot Nerd’s NYE bash is taking it back to the late 2000s/early 2010s: “dancing, nostalgia, and absolute economic denial.” Think Britney, Gaga, LMFAO, Rihanna, and more spun by DJ DeathRocketGrimm. Plus, themed drink specials and visuals, and of course a midnight countdown.
$20-$25; 9 p.m., Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
Snacktime’s Third Annual New Year’s Eve
Philly’s favorite funky brass band will be performing at Brooklyn Bowl for the third NYE in a row. Expect drinks, bowling, and lots of Snacktime faves.
$47-$92; 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal Street.
Snacktime is celebrating New Year’s Eve at Brooklyn Bowl Philly. / Photograph by Avi Warren
Irwin’s Italo Disco
The night kicks off with a swanky cocktail party featuring a raw bar, caviar, antipasto, and bubbly delights. Then, dance at their Italo Disco and watch midnight fireworks from atop the Bok. Sounds pretty damn perfect. You can buy tickets for the whole shebang or just the dance party and fireworks at 9 p.m.
$30-80; 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Irwin’s Upstairs, 800 Mifflin Street.
NYEMO at Kung Fu Necktie
If you want to bid a dramatic, scream-singing farewell to 2025, get on your (waterproof) eyeliner and head to this emo-filled dance party at KFN. It’s giving angsty 2004 MySpace profile, in the best way.
$25; 7 p.m.-2 a.m., Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 North Front Street.
Riot Nerd Philly Presents: Goth New Year’s Eve
Riot Nerd will be taking over Khyber Pass Pub to ring in the New Year with DJs Cryptic Dollface and George Purkins spinning dark tunes from the ’80s to today. Plus, enjoy themed drink specials and a free champagne toast at midnight.
$20-$28; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Khyber Pass, 56 South 2nd Street.
Burlesque & Blues at the Twisted Tail
Starting at 9 p.m., Mikey Junior Band kicks off the Burlesque & Blues Party during which burlesque shows will keep you entertained all night. At midnight, enjoy a complimentary champagne toast. If you want to dine at the Twisted Tail to start the night, there’s an $95 NYE four-course dinner menu includes a ticket to the party. Or just come to the party for $35. There’s also a $235 VIP package that includes open bar and prime seating.
$35-$235; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Twisted Tail, 509 South 2nd Street.
Burlesque & Blues New Year’s Eve celebration / Photograph courtesy of the Twisted Tail
Four Seasons Philadelphia’s Midnight in Havana
If you want to go full-on-fancy this NYE (and see fireworks from atop the city), this is the place to be. Ride 60 floors up for “Midnight in Havana: A New Year’s Eve Celebration Above the Clouds.” The celebration includes an open bar, live Cuban jazz and entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight. You can also get the party started early with a four-course NYE dinner at Jean-Georges, which also gets you into the party afterward.
$280 for the party, $685 for dinner and party; 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Four Seasons Philadelphia, 1 North 19th Street.
Barn Burner at Mission Taqueria
Mission’s mixing it up with a little honky-tonk dance party, complete with line dancing, two-step instructions by Donkey Tonk of Baby’s First Rodeo, DJ Hank Hell spinning “a little country boogie,” and country burlesquers. Plus, passed hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets for GA; or go for VIP with a full taco tasting and a DIY margarita bar at your table.
Starting at $60; 8 p.m.-midnight, Mission Taqueria, 1516 Sansom Street.
NYE Dinner and Jazz at SOUTH
For its 10th year, the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble will be at SOUTH to take you into midnight in style. Your prepaid ticket reserves a table and three-course Southern-style dinner in the Jazz Club, plus the entertainment; beverages are extra. If you’re interested in dinner and a jazz set but not staying till midnight, earlier packages are also available (and slightly cheaper).
$150-$175; seatings around 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., SOUTH Restaurant and Jazz Club, 600 North Broad Street.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve the Trestle / Photograph by Ian Cross
NYE-A-Go Go at the Trestle Inn
Take it back to the days of disco with a dance party featuring DJ Lola Kinks on vinyl & Go Go by the Trestle Specials. Tickets include the show, midnight champagne toast, and cash bar. There’s also a VIP couple’s package that includes snacks, cocktails, and reserved seating.
$65-$275; 8 p.m.-2 a.m., The Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street.
Emerald City at Franky Bradley’s
Journey into Oz with music and captivating performances at Franky Bradley’s & B. West. Plus, Emerald-themed cocktails and a complimentary champagne toast. It’s positively Oz-mopolitan.
$23-$56; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor Street.
Morgan’s Pier Takes Over Craft Hall
Morgan’s Pier may be closed for the winter, but they’re bringing the summer vibes inside for one night only at Craft Hall. Your ticket includes an open bar, plenty of room to dance to DJ Adub’s set, and a midnight balloon drop and shot toast.
$87; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Craft Hall, 901 North Delaware Avenue.
Photograph courtesy of Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Hotel Monaco’s chic rooftop is hosting New Year’s Eve party with live DJ sets. Bid farewell to 2025 under the stars with hors d’oeuvres, dancing, cash bar and complimentary champagne toast. Or spring for VIP, which adds in an open bar.
$50-$115; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street.
NYE Perreo Bash at Fabrika
This Latin-inspired bash includes fire dancers, acrobatic dancers, two dance floors with two DJs, a fireworks show at midnight, and a complimentary champagne toast. (Two bars will be open for more.)
Starting at $55; 10 p.m.-2 a.m., Fabrika, 1108 Frankford Avenue.
NYE Midnight Ascension at Otherworld
For the first time, the trippy, immersive art space Otherworld is getting into the NYE game with an EDM celebration powered by local Philly artists including underground producer Redline District. “Expect massive drops, an electric energy, and an even more unforgettable countdown!” Also, a free midnight champagne toast and access to all the fever-dream installations you can explore.
$35-$100; 8:30 p.m., Otherworld, 2500 Grant Avenue.
NYE Live! at Stateside Live!
Guys, that’s a lot of exclamation points. If the artist formerly known as Xfinity Live! is your vibe on game days, join in the wall-to-wall celebration for New Year’s Eve. They’re offering a party with multiple DJs, food and drink at the venue’s restaurants, live music, bull riding, silent disco, a midnight toast (and ball drop), and more mayhem.
$167; 7 p.m.-midnight, Stateside Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue.
New Year’s Eve at Stateside Live! / Photograph courtesy of Stateside Live!
Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Celebration
Look, maybe you’re not making it to midnight, and that’s okay. Maybe you’d like to spend your evening at the Kimmel instead of angling at the bar for a prosecco. Or maybe you want to enjoy some classical music before angling at the bar for a prosecco. You do you. The Philadelphia Orchestra will be there, conducted by Anthony Parnther, with music from classic film scores. Plus, red carpet pics and a complimentary champagne toast.
$57-$187; 7 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
