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 2024.
Rivers Casino’s 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 2023 and ring 2024 in with style, sparkle … and maybe some skating? Magic? 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
End 2023 with a bang! Fireworks light up the Delaware River waterfront at 6 p.m. and midnight, each synchronized to a unique soundtrack. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the 6 p.m. show live on NBC 10 and Telemundo 62. You can watch for free at various spots along the waterfront: Race Street Pier, Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Pier 68 and Washington Avenue Pier. There are also several 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, magic and balloon art. Advance tickets required; Winterfest will not be open to the public during these parties.
$53 for spectators, $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 5 p.m. family-friendly and till-midnight 21-plus options at this waterfront destination. Both include dance parties, cash bars, and fireworks views. Your first drink — hot chocolate at the 5 p.m., cocktail at the 10 p.m. — is free at both. But the family-friendly party also has fun activities like crafts with PopUpPlay, gymnastics courses, puppet-making, scooter races, a balloon drop and more. Advantage: kids.
$37 for the adult party, $27 for the kid party (free for ages two and under); 5-7 p.m. & 10 p.m.-1 a.m., 121 North Columbus Boulevard.
Fireworks Boat Bash on the Moshulu
This floating party on the Delaware sounds like a top-shelf option for ringing in 2024. 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 three-course prix-fixe meal from 2-6 p.m. aboard the boat instead.
$150-$250; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 401 South Columbus Boulevard.
’24 Karat New Year’s Eve at Rivers Casino
This party includes an open bar, food, and live music by Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band Let’s Groove Tonight. End the night with a champagne toast on the balcony with a view of the fireworks. Note that this party is 21-and-up only.
$100; 10 p.m.-1 a.m., Rivers Casino, 1001 North Delaware Avenue.
Family-Friendly Parties
Countdown2Noon / 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.
Coundown2Noon at Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum goes all out with their signature Countdown2Noon 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.
$25; 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.
Kith + Kin New Year’s Concert
Countdown to noon with a toddler-friendly concert by Music with Gina and some playtime before nap time. Tickets include two hours of play, concert and countdown, themed goodies, and a 2024 photo backdrop.
$25 per child, $15 per adult; 10 a.m.-noon, Kith + Kin, 3060 West Jefferson Street.
Rutabaga’s NYE Bash
Head to this East Falls toy library for an “eco-celebration” to ring in 2024. Enjoy refreshments and open play time before you “countdown to dusk” at 4 p.m.
$10-$12; 3-6 p.m., Rutabaga Toy Library, 3452 Conrad Street.
PlayArt’s Countdown to Noon
Bring in the new year with live entertainment, snacks, a countdown clock, and fun for the whole family at this Fishtown playspace.
$15-$35; 10 a.m.-noon, PlayArts, 1241 North Front 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, and a festive balloon drop at noon.
$22-$25; 10 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 enclosed WET Bar will host a ticketed poolside event with open bar to ring in the New Year. Entertainment will be provided by performance artist The Moon Baby and DJ Doll Redacted. Tickets are $150 and include a two-hour open bar (from 9-11 p.m.; cash bar after 11 p.m.) with passed hors d’oeuvres, and champagne toast to ring in the New Year poolside.
Additionally, the W Philadelphia’s Living Room lobby space will host a NYE celebration with music by Funkatorium, DJ music, a cash bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast. Reserve your table online.
$150-$200; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street.
NYE at Underground Arts
Underground Arts is hosting a party we can only imagine will be eclectic and spectacular. Featuring rapper Schoolly D, “avant village folk brass band” West Philadelphia Orchestra, and the funktastic stylings of Johnny Showcase, there’s no reason to get off your feet during this extravaganza. VIP upgrade includes complimentary champagne, food, and party favors.
$35-$99; 9 p.m., Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
Spring Break on NYE with Snacktime
Bowling, beach balls and Philly-favorite Snacktime — what more could you want? Snacktime will be performing at Brooklyn Bowl along with some special guests including Olivia K & The Parkers. The theme is inspired by MTV Spring Break — think beachy decor and hula-hoop contests.
$35-$69.50; 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal Street.
Snacktime is celebrating New Year’s Eve at Brooklyn Bowl Philly with a “Spring Break” theme. / Photograph by Avi Warren
Four Seasons Philadelphia
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 to the Four Seasons’ Jean-Georges, which will have food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, entertainment and live musical performances. More on the food: It includes an ice sculpture that doubles as a raw bar. Daaaamn. There will also be live entertainment and dancing. This is definitely the most extra party in town.
$750; 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Four Seasons Philadelphia, 1 North 19th Street.
“New Year’s Emo” at Kung Fu Necktie
This one promises “New Years, New Tears.” So, if you want to bid a dramatic, scream-singing farewell to 2023, 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.
$20-$25; 7 p.m.-2 a.m., Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 North Front Street.
Irwin’s Italo Disco
The night kicks off with a swanky cocktail party featuring caviar, oysters, and bubbly delights. Then, dance at their Italo Disco and watch midnight fireworks from atop the Bok. Sounds pretty damn perfect.
$80; 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Irwin’s Upstairs, 800 Mifflin Street.
NYE-A-Go Go at the Trestle Inn
Take it back to the days of disco with a dance party featuring DJ Particle Ray 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.
$60-$275; 8 p.m.-2 a.m., The Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street.
Welcome New Year’s Eve the Trestle / Photograph by Ian Cross
Chill AF NYE at Fat Lady Brewing
Doors open at 8 p.m. on both floors of the bar — each ticket comes with two drink tickets and a barbecue meal; and additional drinks can be bought at the bar. Downstairs, play games and watch the NYE specials on TV. Meanwhile, the show starts upstairs at 9 p.m. and will feature Americana, folk pop, and chill music from the Rob Tait Band, Taylor Bradshaw, and “a surprise act.” One hundred tickets are available online; additional tickets will be available at the door.
$75-$90; 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Fat Lady Brewing, 4323 Main 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 DJ Riot Meg and Cryptic Dollface spinning goth from the ’80s to today. Plus, enjoy themed drink specials and a free champagne toast at midnight.
$15-$20; 10 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 $85 NYE four-course dinner menu includes a ticket to the party. There’s also a $150 VIP package that also includes open bar and prime seating.
$30-$150; 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
NYE Dinner and Jazz at SOUTH
Enjoy a four-course Southern-style meal and two jazz sets featuring V Shayne Frederick and his quartet to take you into midnight with a countdown. Your prepaid ticket reserves a table and dinner in the Jazz Club; 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).
$175; seatings at 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., SOUTH Restaurant and Jazz Club, 600 North Broad Street.
Low Cut Connie at Ardmore Music Hall
The Philly-based rock band plays Ardmore Music Hall for two nights, the second being on New Year’s Eve itself. They’ll be joined by Slomo Sapiens and DJ Kava for what is sure to be a unique way to welcome 2024. Open bar and dinner packages are available, as well as a two-night pass for both shows.
$49; 9 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore.
1920’s New Year’s Eve with Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society
World Cafe Live is taking it back … way back 100 years ago, to be exact. Come dressed in your best 1920s attire as Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society play some ’20s-style hot jazz. Start working on your Charleston now.
$20; 10 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.), World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
Assembly Rooftop Lounge
For the holiday season, Assembly transformed into Alpine Heights, a ski lodge-themed experience with fire pits, special cocktails, and themed decor. And they’re keeping it going for NYE, with DJ A1R spinning tunes all night. Reservations will be available on Tock until 9:30 p.m. After that, the rooftop will be first come, first served. All cocktails and food are pay-as-you-go.
$10 to enter, pay-as-you-go for food and drinks; 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Assembly Rooftop Lounge, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Photograph courtesy of Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Hotel Monaco’s chic rooftop is bringing back its New Year’s Eve party hosted by DJ Hollywood. Bid farewell to 2023 under the stars with entertainment, celebratory cocktails, premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert station and more.
$99-$159; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street.
Xfinity Live!
If 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, live performance by Go Go Gadjet, food and drink at the venue’s five restaurants, a midnight toast (and ball drop), confetti cannons and more mayhem.
$125-$150; 9 p.m., Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue.
New Year’s Eve at Xfinity Live! / Photograph courtesy of Xfinity Live!
El Techo New Year’s Eve Fiesta
Eleven floors above the city, El Techo is planning a festive night of dancing under the stars with DJ LATINVIBESGROUP. Your $125 ticket will also include open bar, a guac-and- salsa station, bottomless flautas, a prize wheel, and a balloon drop sparkling toast at midnight.
$125; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., El Techo, 1830 Ludlow Street.
Jet Wine Bar’s NYE Bash
This one just sounds low-key and delicious. Celebrate NYE with an open bar including 24 different wines, plus caviar, local cheeses and more snacks. And, of course, you’ll get even more wine in the form of a champagne toast at midnight.
$135; 8:30 p.m.-12:40 a.m., Jet Wine Bar, 1525 South Street.
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 listening to sparkly Broadway classics instead of angling at the bar for a prosecco. Or maybe you want to enjoy some old-school Broadway classics before angling at the bar for a prosecco. You do you. The Philadelphia Orchestra will be there alongside Tony Award–winning vocalist Paulo Szot for an evening of music — and they’ll even throw in a complimentary glass of bubbly for good measure.
