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 2025.
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 2024 and ring 2025 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.
See Also: All the Best Places to Dine Out in Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve
Fireworks
End 2024 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, and has entertainment and crafts. 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, a glow-in-the-dark blacklight room, 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 2025. 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 2-6 p.m. aboard the boat instead.
$125-$250; 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 401 South Columbus Boulevard.
’90 New Year’s Eve at Rivers Casino
This party includes views of the fireworks and DJ Nine Deez Nite playing the hits — everything from Pearl Jam to ‘N Sync. Plus, party favors, prizes, and a champagne toast.
Free to attend; 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.
Noon Year’s Eve at Smith Memorial Playground
This free party includes games, creative activities, outdoor play, snacks, music by DJ Darryl, a performance by Positive Movement Drumline, and a noon drop surprise. 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 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.
Rutabaga’s NYE Bash
Head to this East Falls toy library for an “eco-celebration” to ring in 2025. Enjoy refreshments and open play time before you countdown to noon, or to dusk at 4 p.m.
$8-$15; 10-12:30 p.m. and 4-6:30 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.
$25-$30; 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 W Philadelphia is hosting a double party this year. Their Living Room lobby space will have live music from Olivia K. and The Parkers, while WET Bar hosts Krispy Presents: Club Advisory. One $100 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), a roving oyster shucker, and passed canapés.
$100-$5,000; 9 p.m.-1:45 a.m., W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street.
Riot Nerd’s Charli XCX & Chappell Roan Dance Party: NYE Edition
Keep pop-girl summer going with Riot Nerd’s NYE bash. DJ 21Sparksfly will be playing Charli, Chappell, and similar artists for a very 2024 dance party. Plus, themed drink specials and a selfie station.
$15-$20; 9 p.m., Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
2025: A Spaceluv Odyssey with Snacktime
Snacktime will be performing at Brooklyn Bowl along with some special guests including Catbite and Sibby Liv. The theme is inspired by Snacktime’s song, Spaceluv, and includes thematic decor and cocktails, surprise merch drops (including a vinyl release), and more fun.
$43-$92; 8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal Street.
Snacktime is celebrating New Year’s Eve at Brooklyn Bowl Philly with an out-of-this-world 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 includes a five-course prix-fixe dinner with wine pairings, select open bar, a champagne toast, and live entertainment. There will also be live entertainment and dancing. This is definitely the most extra party in town.
$795; 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 2024, 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 hors d’oeuvres 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 10 p.m.
$35-90; 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
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 Riot Meg, Jawn Cena, and Cryptic Dollface spinning dark tunes. 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.
Riot Nerd Presents: Now That’s What I Call New Years Eve – A Y2K NYE Dance Party
World Cafe Live is gonna party like it’s 1999 with pop and club hits from the ’90s and 2000s, plus themed cocktails.
$15; 9 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut 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 $89 NYE four-course dinner menu includes a ticket to the party. Or just come to the party for $30. There’s also a $179 VIP package that also includes open bar and prime seating.
$30-$179; 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 by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble 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.
Jet Wine Bar’s NYE Bash
This one just sounds low-key and delicious. Celebrate NYE with an open bar including premium wines by the glass, plus craft beer and spirits. And, of course, you’ll get even more wine in the form of a sparkling wine toast at midnight. Also: meats and cheeses!
$125; 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Jet Wine Bar, 1525 South Street.
Photograph courtesy of Assembly Rooftop Lounge
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Hotel Monaco’s chic rooftop is hosting New Year’s Eve party hosted by DJ Capps. Bid farewell to 2024 under the stars with entertainment, celebratory cocktails, premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a sushi station and more.
$99-$199; 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 restaurants, a midnight toast (and ball drop), and more mayhem. (Switches to cash bar and food kiosks at midnight.)
$125; 7 p.m.-midnight, Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue.
New Year’s Eve at Xfinity Live! / Photograph courtesy of Xfinity Live!
NYE at the 700
Riot Nerd is really all over town this New Year’s Eve. Here’s their fourth offering: an ’80s/’90s/’00s dance party with DJs Josh Baker and George Purkins.
$10-$15; 10 p.m.-2 a.m., The 700, 700 North 2nd 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 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 with “music that celebrates the joy of dance,” joined by the dancers of Caleb Teicher and Company.
$50-$156; 7 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
