15 Ways to Ring in the New Year in Philadelphia
Photo by M. Stanley for DRWC, via Visit Philadelphia.
Whether you want to party all night, spend a quiet evening enjoying the arts, or have some kiddies in tow, there’s something to do in Philly on New Year’s Eve. Why stay in to watch the ball drop when you can celebrate with the rest of the town?
Kids New Year’s Eve Countdown
Let the kids roam free at an indoor dance party, a craft station, a stellar fireworks display, and a light show with the SquareBurger SquareDrop. Wednesday, December 31st, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., free admission, Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street.
Bach Christmas Oratorio
Choral Arts Philadelphia and the Bach Festival of Philadelphia present “Christmas Oratorio” in six parts for a Bachin’ new year. Wednesday, December 31st, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., general admission: $45, students: $15, seniors: $30, Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut Street.
Photo via Independence Seaport Museum.
Family’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Festive hats, a cider “toast”, and fireworks along Penn’s Landing for the kids to enjoy. The Seaport Museum stays open late especially for the festivities. Wednesday, December 31st, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., free with admission (Adults: $13.50, Kids: $10), Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street.
Crawl ‘Til the Ball Falls Bar Crawl
Get a wristband and fly from bar to bar all New Year’s Eve long with a complimentary cup and map in tow. Your ticket includes admission to seven bars (a.k.a., no covers!).
Wednesday, December 31st, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., $10, various locations.
Just Breathe: Yoga White Party
Take a break to reflect on 2014 with relaxing yoga, henna tattoos and crafts, and healthy menu options. Wednesday, December 31st, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., free with museum admission ($3.50-23.50), Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
SugarHouse Casino’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Join the revelers all over Penn’s Landing for two fireworks shows – one for the all-night partiers and one for the early-to-bed crowd. Wednesday, December 31st, 6 p.m. and midnight, free admission, Penn’s Landing, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
Philadelphia Orchestra New Year’s Eve
Yannick Nézet-Séguin returns to the podium to celebrate a new year with the Fabulous Philadelphians and get you home before midnight. Wednesday, December 31st, 7:30 p.m., $70-160, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Crystal Tea Room Grand Ballroom Gala
A five-hour open bar, live DJs, and hot food at a black-tie gala. Honestly, what could be better (or chicer)? Wednesday, December 31st, 8 p.m., $109-209, Crystal Team Room, 100 Penn Square East.
Alonzo Bodden appears at Helium on NYE. | Photo via Alonzo Bodden’s Facebook.
New Year’s Eve 2015 at XFINITY Live!
With seven different bars all in one indoor super-venue, it’s like XFINITY Live! was made for a rowdy NYE throw-down. Add in a beverage package and you’ll go all night. Wednesday, December 31st, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., general admission: $69, VIP packages: $79-350, XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, 110 Pattinson Avenue.
New Year’s Eve with Alonzo Bodden
Former Lockheed Martin mechanic turned “Last Comic Standing” winner Alonzo Bodden performs two hilarious NYE shows.
Wednesday, December 31st, 8:15 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., $35-49 with special couples and premium bar packages available, Helium, 2031 Sansom Street.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise
Glide along the Delaware on a dinner cruise until midnight when you can see the fireworks up close and personal. Wednesday, December 31st, 8:30 p.m., $169.90-239.90, Spirit of Philadelphia, 401 South Columbus Boulevard.
Midwinter Night’s Dream
Ring in the new year on the roof of The Hotel Monaco at STRATUS Rooftop Lounge with DJ A-Run, an open bar, and food from Chef Jorge Chicas. Use code “PHILLYMAG50” to get $50 off the ticket price, but hurry, the offer ends December 19th. Wednesday, December 31st, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $150-250, The Hotel Monaco, 433 Chestnut Street.
A Sunny Day in Glasgow play Boot & Saddle on New Year’s Eve.
Making Time NYE 2K15
Making Time returns to Union Transfer for its NYE celebrations, complete with an open champagne bar and all kinds of DJ talent. It’ll be the best place to dance 2014 away. Wednesday, December 31st, 9 p.m., $55, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.
Sunny Day in Glasgow at Boot & Saddle
The local band—now scattered across multiple continents—are coming together for a special hometown show in support of their latest album Sea When Absent. Ticket price includes open bar. Wednesday, December 31st, 10 p.m., $45, Boot & Saddle, 1131 South Broad Street.
Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade and Fancy Brigade Finale
Start the year off right with 10,000 men and women dressed in their flashiest garb dance down Broad Street. Thursday, January 1st, 9:30 a.m., free, starts at City Hall and moves down Broad Street.
Are there Philly New Year’s Eve events you’d like to see featured here? Email jmiddleton@phillymag.com with any details.
