The year 2026 is almost upon us, and, in case you haven’t heard, it’s going to be a lot! But before we get to the Philly Firsts, and World Cup matches, and baseball All-Star Games, and Fourth of July celebrations, we need to ring in the new year.
Even here, though, 2026 is coming in with something special — an inaugural concert on the Parkway, featuring LL Cool J, and the biggest fireworks show ever in Philly (see highlight below for details).
But it’s far from the only way to ring in the new year. From fireworks to family-friendly “ball drops,” Billy Penn has pulled together a list of your options. They all happen on Wednesday, Dec. 31, unless otherwise noted.
Highlights
Visit PA’s NYE Fireworks on the Waterfront
One of the biggest highlights of the New Year will be the extensive fireworks display on the Delaware Waterfront at 6 p.m. and midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 31. You can view the display for free from many spots along the river – including Penn’s Landing, The Independence Seaport Museum, and the Rivers Casino. Our events list will note whether you can view the fireworks display from certain celebrations as well.
City of Philadelphia NYE Concert and Fireworks Show
Enjoy lively music and a fireworks display at the city’s free NYE concert and fireworks display on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concert, which features headliner LL Cool J and special guests DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, Dorothy and Technician the DJ, will start at 8 p.m. The concert will be followed by a fireworks show at midnight.
Family fun
For those with little ones (or families hoping for an earlier night), some organizations around the city are accommodating.
Countdown to 2026 at The Please Touch Museum
Choose from two time slots – 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 3:30 p.m. – to ring in the New Year with your little ones. The event will feature a live DJ, arts and crafts, access to museum exhibits and more. A VIP ticket adds in priority entrance, special swag, a photo op and exclusive crafts. Plus, each time slot offers a countdown and ball drop. Get your tickets here.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square
Ring in the New Year with an earlier celebration at Franklin Square Park from 5 to 8 p.m. The event kicks off with crafts and festivities for the whole family, and a “square drop” will follow at 6 p.m. Attendees can play a round of Chilly Philly Mini Golf at the park, practice street curling or dine at Frosty’s Fireside Lounge in the park. The event is free, and the park will close for the night at 8 p.m.
PopUpPlay New Year’s Eve Countdown at Cherry Street Pier
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Delaware River waterfront with Cherry Street Pier’s ticketed event from 5 to 7 p.m. For $27 per person, enjoy crafts, music and activities, a view of the waterfront’s fireworks display at 6 p.m., and a cash bar for parents. Get your tickets here.
“Noon” Year’s Eve at Smith Memorial Playground
For an earlier celebration, head over to Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount for a free “countdown to noon” event. Snacks, music, crafts and giveaways are on the activity list ahead of the “noon drop surprise.” The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon.
Betsy’s 247th Birthday Bash at the Betsy Ross House
For more of a historical twist, celebrate the January 1st birth of Betsy Ross at the Betsy Ross House’s special event. An enactor will perform as Mary Crathorne, an 18th-century chocolate maker, and show her techniques and provide treats to attendees. Admission to the event is free with a house tour ticket. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Early NYE Celebration at Dave & Buster’s
Experience unlimited video game play, a $20 game card, and a curated chef’s banquet at Dave & Buster’s early NYE celebrations. Choose from an 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. time slot, or a 4 to 7 p.m. time slot (6 p.m. fireworks are included here). From ginger ale toasts to video ball drops, you can simulate NYE while being home well before midnight. Tickets start at $33.79 per person.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 & Thursday, Jan. 1: Ice Skating
Head over to the Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink outside of City Hall or The RiverRink at the Delaware River Waterfront on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for ice skating fun for the whole family.
The Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink will be open from 12 to 9 p.m. on both days, and you can reserve a 90-minute slot. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and is an extra $10 per skate rental. After skating, enjoy the holiday festivities around the rink and grab a bite to eat or a drink inside the Rothman Orthopedics Cabin.
The Blue Cross RiverRink will be offering skating specials for its “NYE Parties on Ice.” The event has time slots from 5 to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enjoy as a spectator or skater and experience a view of the Visit PA NYE Fireworks, get one complimentary ferris wheel ride, and have access to arcade games, soft drinks, a cash bar, and more. Tickets are $63 for skaters and $53 for spectators.
Entertainment
If you’re looking for a less-crowded spot than the city’s NYE concert or Visit PA’s fireworks display, you’ve got other options! From orchestras to golf games, here’s some more options.
NYE Celebration at SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club
Choose from an early dinner and jazz performance or a night ending in counting down to the ball drop at the Southern food and jazz bar SOUTH Restaurant on Broad Street. You can choose from an “early” reservation at 6 or 6:15 p.m. or go on the later side at 9:45 or 10 p.m. Tickets for the earlier side are $150 per person, while the later show is $175 per person. Admission includes a three-course meal and lively jazz performances to ring in the New Year.
Philadelphia Orchestra NYE Celebration at The Kimmel Center
Settle in for a musical send-off to 2025 with a 7 p.m. orchestra show at The Kimmel Center. The performance will feature music from classical film scores, while guest conductor Anthony Parnther will lead scores from popular movies like “Oppenheimer” and “Encanto”. Tickets range from $57.12 to $187.04.
Kindred the Family Soul Live at City Winery Philadelphia
Watch husband-and-wife neo soul music duo Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler for a NYE performance at City Winery at 7 or 10:30 p.m. For the fifth year in a row, the performers will be center stage for a night of food, wine and music. Each showtime and ticket requires a $25 food and beverage minimum per person. Tickets for the performance start at $78, and attendees can come for a pre-show dinner at 5 or 8 p.m., respectively, as well.
NYE Party with SNACKTIME at The Brooklyn Bowl
Head over to Fishtown for WXPN’s NYE celebration at The Brooklyn Bowl featuring SNACKTIME. The band mixes jazz, rap, punk and R&B to create lively tunes. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. for the 21+ show. Tickets start at $52.90.
NYE 2026 at Topgolf Philadelphia
If you’re looking for a sporty way to begin the New Year, Topgolf’s NYE celebration may be perfect for you! The bay reservation gives you and up to five other guests unlimited game play and drinks, appetizers, and desserts. The party runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is 21 and older.
NYE Burlesque & Blues
Experience a night of burlesque, blues and celebration at the Twisted Tail in Philly. Starting at 9 p.m., guests can watch various musical and burlesque performances. Tickets range from $39.19 for cover charge and a complimentary champagne toast to $252.61 for the VIP section, which includes a four-course dinner, three-hour open bar, private seating section and table service.
Parties
From open bars to live DJs to countdowns, there are many bars and clubs kicking off the New Year. Here are a few of note.
Joonbug NYE Events
Choose from all-access bar crawls, five-hour open bars, bar games and more with Joonbug’s 15+ NYE event options. Tickets for each event range in price and offer everything from club vibes to jazz and DJ performances. Participating bars include Wicked Wolf, NOTO Nightclub, Bru Craft & Wurst, Cellar Dog, Frame Philly, Ladder 15, Mr. Ivy, Old City Beer Garden, Revolution House, Sueño, Tapster, The Elephant, The Post, The Winston, Tradesman’s and U-Bahn. Check out your options here.
New Year’s Eve Latin Party/Perreo Bash at Fringe Bar
Head over to the self-proclaimed biggest Latin NYE party at 9 p.m. at The Fringe Bar in Philly. There are two live DJs, two floors to party on, four bars, a patio, and more. Tickets start at $39.19.
Y2K New Year’s Eve: ‘Party Like It’s 2006’ at Strangelove’s
Enjoy a Y2K-themed NYE event at Strangelove’s Bar in the Gayborhood starting at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Y2K attire and there will be a DJ all night, with pop-up drag performances in between. Tickets include a two-hour open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight, a complimentary champagne toast, and a food buffet. Tickets are $65.87.
NYE Celebration at Céline
Enjoy a five-hour premium open bar at this upscale cocktail bar starting at 9 p.m. The event will include “elevated bites” and curated favorites from a DJ until 2 a.m. Tickets are $135.23.
Festive Fusion Party at National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant
National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant is keeping the legacy of now-closed Lucha Cartel alive with a multi-vibe party beginning at 8 p.m. In the bar’s downstairs section, there will be a pub menu buffet, ball drops on all TVs and a live DJ playing EDM, hip-hop and party favorites.
Upstairs, the bar will keep the legacy of Lucha Cartel alive with a Mexican menu buffet, the ball drop on a large projector, and Latin music favorites.
Tickets include a complimentary champagne toast, a view of fireworks from the front steps and party favors for the NYE countdown.
Tickets are good for both floors and include a four-hour open bar and buffet from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. (although the party runs until 2 a.m.) Tickets start at $97.88.
NYE Celebration at Patchwork Philly
Dance the night away at Hyatt Centric Center City’s Patchwork NYE party. Your ticket includes a three-hour open bar and food, as well as access to a dance floor. Tickets start at $94.40.
DECADES NYE Throwback Party at Craft Hall
Ring in the New Year with a throwback party celebrating all the hits from the ‘90s and 2000s at Craft Hall in Northern Liberties. The indoor event will feature bars with food and drinks for purchase and a DJ to keep the music flowing. Period attire is encouraged but not required. Tickets start at $28.52.
Stratus Lounge NYE Bash
Bring more NYE good vibes on the rooftop of one of Philly’s most historic buildings in Old City. This event at Stratus Lounge has two tiers – a “gold” admission with access to the lounge and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and a “platinum” ticket with a select open bar, light bites and a champagne toast at midnight. The event lasts from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and features options for bottle service tables and more paid drink options
NYE LIVE! At Stateside Live!
Head over to the stadium complex staple in South Philly to enjoy live performances, photo opportunities, a silent disco and bull riding, and food and drinks starting at 7 p.m. A general admission ticket grants you access to parties at all venues – including Live! Arena, PBR Philly, 1100 Social and Miller Time Beer Hall.
The ticket also includes a premium bar and food package from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. featuring draft beers, premium cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a midnight toast. There are also VIP tickets available, and cash bar and food options will be available past midnight. Tickets start at $179.46.
NYE Philly 2026 at The Crystal Tea Room
Hop around to multiple party rooms, a laser-and-light show, extensive food buffets, and multiple open bars at one of Philly’s biggest NYE celebrations. VIP tickets allow for entry from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., while general admission tickets get you in from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. In addition to open bars and food buffets, there will be dessert and coffee stations, nonalcoholic drink options, a champagne toast, a double balloon drop at midnight and more. General admission tickets start at $125.
Reggaeton New Year’s Eve Party in Philadelphia
Party the night away with Reggaetone and Latin tunes, a one-hour open bar, and midnight champagne toast at Izakaya in Fishtown. The event will last from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. The open bar runs from 9 to 10 p.m., and non-stop Latin club hits, Reggaeton and party anthems will be playing all night. Tickets start at $33.76.
Philadelphia Under the Fireworks Yacht Party at Ben Franklin Yacht
Cruise (literally) into 2026 aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on NYE. Your ticket includes a premium open bar for the entire cruise, multiple DJs, a view of the midnight fireworks show on the Delaware River, three decks, live dancing and more. Tickets start at $164.49.
The Annual “Celebrity Style” New Years Eve Fireworks Gala
Experience NYE “penthouse style” at The Pyramid Club – 500 feet above Center City. Enjoy several experiences in the same building, including a cocktail lounge, a main dining room, and a dance floor with DJs. Pick your own adventure for the night. Tickets include a five-hour open bar, buffet stations, desserts, appetizers, a champagne toast at midnight, professional photography, and more. Tickets start at $193.92.
Moshulu’s NYE Boat Bash
All aboard Philly’s Moshulu Boat for a premier annual event, with everything from an open bar to views of the Delaware waterfront fireworks. A $150 general admission ticket gets you admission from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and includes a premium top-shelf open bar, jazz, and acoustic performances, DJs, and more. Get your tickets here.
Eats
If you’re looking to enjoy any of Philly’s restaurants ahead of 2026, you’re in luck. Here are some deals we found.
NYE Dinner at River Twice
Check off a restaurant from the 2025 Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant list with a trip to River Twice in East Passayunk! Choose from a $150 per person, seven-course tasting menu, or for just $25 more, get up close and personal in a seat at the chef’s counter. Reserve a visit to experience the restaurant’s unique collection of dishes.
NYE Dinner at Almyra
If you’re looking for plates to share, Almyra will be offering a family-style option for New Year’s Eve. You can arrive early for happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. The last table seating is at 10:30 p.m. The menu includes everything from charred octopus and filet mignon to crispy rice and potato fries. It is $95 per person.
NYE at Aquimero
If you’re looking to eat and party a bit afterwards, Aquimeor inside of the Ritz Carlton in Center City has got you. A $295 ticket gets you a four-course dinner and optional beverage pairing, and entrance into a NYE celebration with an open bar and live music. The dinner portion of the event lasts from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can also opt for just a celebration ticket – which includes the open bar, live music, a champagne toast and party favors. This ticket is $175 per guest and the event lasts from 8 p.m. to midnight.
NYE Tasting Menu at Little Walter’s Philly
Enjoy either the à la carte menu or a five-course tasting menu at the Polish restaurant in East Kensington to kick off your holiday right. For $75 per person, you can enjoy everything from beef shank to wood-grilled black cod. You can make reservations here.
NYE Dinner at Forsythia Philly
Enjoy a mouth-watering, four-course dinner menu at the contemporary French restaurant to ring in your New Year. Choose from options like baked scallop and crudo or short rib and potato gnocchi. The dinner is $150 per person. The meal wraps up at 10 p.m., and reservations are required.
Dinner at Rope & Anchor Philly
Head over to the hotel inside the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing for two different dinner options – one perfect for family-friendly vibes, and another for more of a late-night feel. The 4 to 6 p.m. option includes a “festive buffet” and sweet treats, while the 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. option features a dinner buffet, open bar, DJ, dancing and a champagne toast. You can make reservations here.
NYE Dinner at Panorama Restaurant & Wine Bar
Enjoy views of the evening’s fireworks and multiple seating options and courses at the Penn View Hotel’s signature restaurant at either of two time slots – 5 to 6 p.m. or 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The first seating includes a three-course menu for $85 per person, while the later seating is a three-course menu for $115 per person. The later seating includes a toast at midnight, party favors, and access to an afterparty with dancing and a DJ. You can reserve your table here.
New Year’s Eve at Luk Fu! at Live! Casino and Hotel
Enjoy party favors, a champagne toast, crafted cocktails and dishes for New Year’s Eve at the Live! Casino and Hotel’s Asian fusion restaurant, Luk Fu! You can look up availability and book your table here.
NYE at The Four Seasons
Head over to Jean-Georges Philadelphia for a four-course tasting menu, festive cocktails, and live Cuban jazz 59 stories above Center City on New Year’s Eve. There are seatings available at various times depending on the size of the party. The celebration is $685 per guest.
