The countdown is on to an awesome New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia.
Philly sends 2022 packing with two huge waterfront fireworks displays, cutesy kid-friendly celebrations, wild parties and stirring live performances throughout the city.
Philly’s New Year’s Eve festivities are anchored by the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, with two stunning fireworks displays lighting up the skies at 6 p.m. and midnight. (Note that both shows are rain or shine.)
Families and kiddos can ring in the New Year a little early with events like the Countdown2Noon at the Please Touch Museum or an early evening fireworks display at Sesame Place.
Looking to party hearty? Welcome 2023 with arms spread wide on the starboard bow aboard the Moshulu during the Fireworks Boat Bash, or hit the dance floor back on land at Cherry Street Pier’s 21-plus New Year’s Eve Party.
The celebrations continue on New Year’s Day with the Mummers Parade — a can’t-miss Philly tradition that draws thousands of costumed marchers to Broad Street each year.
Looking for New Year’s plans? Check out our guide to New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Philadelphia below — and stay tuned as more events and things to do are added as we get closer to New Year’s Eve.
It’s all lining up perfectly: New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday, which means this one wild weekend officially spans across two years. How cool is that? Make your first decision of 2023 a great one: Stay overnight and book the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which includes free hotel parking (valued at up to $100), a comfy bed you don’t have to make and pick-your-own perks (choose from history, food, and arts and culture) to level up your stay in Philadelphia.
Friday, December 31, 2022 | 6 p.m. and midnight
This is it: 2022 goes out with a bang during two free fireworks displays on the Delaware River. Can’t make it to midnight? No sweat. The first display of the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront sparks off at 6 p.m. before a second show officially rings in the new year at midnight.
Where: Various locations including Penn's Landing, Walnut Street and South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Friday, December 31, 2022 | 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better view of the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront than at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest’s Party on Ice. During two ticketed time slots — 5 to 8 p.m. (perfect for the kids!) and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. — partygoers get access to the skating rink (with free skate rental), a complimentary Ferris wheel ride, food and soft drinks inside the lodge, and a pay-as-you go bar. Not much of a skater? Spectator tickets are also available.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
It’s a New Year’s Eve party on the pier! This 21-plus event features live music, a sprawling dance floor, a giant Lite Brite and sweeping views of the waterfront fireworks at midnight. Tickets are required, and come with free hot chocolate and fun giveaways (while supplies last). Additional drinks are pay as you go.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Friday, December 31, 2022 | 3 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Climb aboard the historic tall ship at Penn’s Landing to enjoy a special three-course, pre-fixe menu from 3 to 6 p.m. Make your last meal of 2022 a memorable one with upscale menu items like lobster bisque, prime beef short rib Wellington or a Peking half duck. After dessert (chocolate tort or tropical tart), it’s time to break out the oohs and aahs for the 6 p.m. fireworks show on the Delaware River. Late-night revelers can join the party at 9 p.m. for the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Boat Bash. Tickets include a five-hour open bar, bumpin’ DJ sets and spectacular views of the midnight fireworks.
Where: Moshulu, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Friday, December 31, 2022 | 4 p.m. & 10 p.m.
The decks of the Battleship New Jersey open on the Camden side of the Delaware River two hours before each of two fireworks shows (at 6 p.m. and midnight) on New Year’s Eve. The New Jersey perspective offers stunning views of the fireworks with the Philly skyline serving as a picture-perfect backdrop. A $10 donation gets you access to self-guided tours of the battleship, with food and adult beverages available on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Where: Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ
Party like a celebrity high above the streets of Philadelphia at the Pyramid Club. The annual gala — held inside the penthouse of the BNY Mellon building — features a five-hour open bar, buffet stations from 9 to 11 p.m., a champagne toast at midnight and sweeping views of the waterfront fireworks through 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows.
Where: Pyramid Club, 1735 Market Street
Before ringing in 2023, press rewind and take it back to the 1980s during this throwback party at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Tickets include an open bar, 1980s-inspired performances and a champagne toast at midnight. VIP tickets are also available, offering a few upgrades like balcony access for a better view of the midnight fireworks.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | 6 p.m. & 10 p.m.
Located atop the Independence Seaport Museum, Liberty Point’s elevated outdoor rotunda offers stunning views of the midnight fireworks. Tickets are required for the 21-plus event and include one free beer, cocktail or glass of wine. Additional food and drink is pay-as-you-go. The space also hosts a family-friendly First Countdown event for the 6 p.m. fireworks.
Where: Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
The Philadelphia Orchestra plays a program of audience favorites to close out 2022. Vocalist Nikki Renée Daniels joins conductor Nikki Renée Daniels for an evening of memorable songs like I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady, Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, Summertime from Porgy and Bess and more.
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | 7 p.m., 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.
Looking for a low-key celebration? Center City’s Chris’ Jazz Cafe is the perfect place for a dark, romantic evening. Enjoy a three-course chef’s tasting menu while listening to the smooth jazz sounds of Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Nine, performing three sets throughout the night.
Where: Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street
Turn that upside down frown back around during this emo celebration at Fishtown’s Kung Fu Necktie. Sing (read: scream) along to your favorite 2000s hits from artists like Panic! At The Disco, Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance, Paramore and more. The party goes from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are required.
Where: Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front Street
Yacht rock: fun to say, even more fun to listen to. Ring in the new year with a boatload of soft rock sounds from tribute band Boat House Row at Ardmore Music Hall. Tickets are required, with upgrade options for a four-and-a-half hour open bar and food service from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Ardmore Music Hall, 23 E. Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
Emily King — one of R&B’s most-celebrated recording artists — closes out 2022 with a showstopping performance at World Cafe Live. Expect hits from King’s The Seven EP, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, in addition to more recent Grammy-nominated songs like Look at Me Now and See Me. Make a night of it with pre-show dinner and drinks inside The Lounge, the venue’s on-site restaurant. Reservations are encouraged.
Where: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street
It’s not quite the final countdown, but this kid-friendly celebration gets you home in time for a nice nap. Enjoy music, dancing, a visit from the museum’s enigmatic mascot Squiggles, and, of course, a traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop at noon. The celebration is included in regular museum admission.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | 10 a.m., 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.
New Year’s Eve marks the final three performances of the annual Disney on Ice run at the Wells Fargo Center. During 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. performances, audiences are first transported to Arendelle to join Anna on her journey to find Elsa before joining the Madrigal family in their home in Colombia. Mickey and Minnie Mouse host the magical shows, and audiences are invited to sing along to their favorite Disney tunes. Tickets are required.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street
Adults and kiddos alike can get their fill at this buffet dinner with a great view of the 6 p.m. fireworks show. The adult buffet menu features grown-up gourmet dishes like roasted pumpkin bisque and dry rub sirloin steaks while the kids’ buffet features finger food faves like chicken tenders and tater tots. Tickets are required and include face painting, balloon artists and a souvenir New Year’s Eve photo.
Where: Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, 201 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Wrangle up the kiddos and head to Franklin Square for an hour of free crafting activities before a ceremonial “square drop” from the top of the on-site SquareBurger at 6 p.m. Stick around to catch the 6 p.m. fireworks on the waterfront, which are visible from Franklin Square.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Enjoy an evening of dancing, collaborative mural making and hands-on activities from PopUpPlay during this family-friendly event. At 6 p.m., press pause on playtime to enjoy a front row view of the riverfront fireworks. Tickets are required and include free hot chocolate and New Year’s giveaways (while supplies last). Children under two are admitted for free.
Before Liberty Point shifts into party mode later in the night, catch the evening fireworks show in a family-friendly atmosphere from 5-7 p.m. Tickets are required and include a meal voucher and a drink ticket (non-alcoholic drinks for those under 21, of course). In addition to the fireworks, expect family-friendly tunes, crafting activities and a live ice sculpture demonstration.
New Year’s Eve is Count von Count’s time to shine. The Count is joined by fellow furry friends like Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby to celebrate the new year a few hours early. The park’s fireworks show kicks off at 7 p.m. and is included in regular admission. Note: Admission to the park is limited a few minutes before the show begins, so plan to arrive a little early.
Where: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
It’s all about glitz and glam at this posh party at Jean-Georges inside the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, the luxury hotel located atop the Comcast Technology Center in Center City. Decadent food stations take over levels 59 and 60 of the space while a 15-foot ice sculpture doubles as a raw bar featuring crab legs, caviar and freshly shucked oysters. Enjoy music from DJ Daniel Buckman, stunning views of the waterfront fireworks and a champagne toast at midnight. Hotel guests get first crack at tickets to this exclusive party, but a limited number are available for non-guests beginning December 16, 2022.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, 1 N. 19th Street
Bounce around five different parties under one roof as each venue inside XFINITY Live! rings in the new year in its own way. Dance with yourself during a silent disco at 1100 Social, jam out to live music from Split Decision in Victory Beer Hall, belt out karaoke inside Broad Street Bullies Pub and more. Enjoy an all-inclusive premium bar, a champagne toast at midnight, and complementary eats from Geno’s, Chickie’s & Pete’s, and Lorenzo and Sons. Tickets are required, and ticketing options range from single tickets to a private room for 20.
Where: XFINITY Live! Philadelphia, 1100 Pattison Avenue
It’s a New Year’s party without the pretense as the staff from Morgan’s Pier takes over nearby Craft Hall for an evening of casual drinks, dancing and good times. The number of tickets is capped to reduce wait times at the bar and to keep the dance floor navigable. Ticket prices rise as the event gets closer and include premium drinks, light snacks, a midnight champagne toast, Dj sets and live music from 80’s Revolution.
Where: Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Avenue
Close out 2022 with an evening under the stars at Stratus Rooftop Lounge. The chic space on the 11th floor of Old City’s Kimpton Hotel Monaco hosts a party with entertainment from DJ Hollywood and a premium open bar. Tickets are required, and VIP packages with bottle service and other upgrades are available for groups of 10.
Where: Stratus Rooftop Lounge, 433 Chestnut Street
Choose your own New Year’s Eve adventure at the W Philadelphia: Enjoy a ‘70s-inspired shindig inside the Living Room with bottle service, DJ sets, and live music from “electrosoul” musician Max Swan, or head to the on-site WET Bar for a ticketed poolside party featuring a two-hour open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. On New Year’s Day, recover during the Day-After Detox Brunch at WET Bar with coffee cocktails, breakfast sandwiches and acai bowls. Staying over? A special New Year’s Eve stay package includes welcoming champagne, two brunch tickets and late checkout on New Year’s Day.
Where: W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street
Choose your own New Year’s Eve adventure as you pick your party inside Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. The space hosts a number of holiday happenings, including a party with Bravo TV’s Dorinda Medley inside the Event Center, circus acts inside Sports & Social and New Year’s dining at The Prime Rib. Tickets and/or reservations are required for the individual parties. For more information, check out the official website.
Where: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Avenue
Mum’s the word! Start the year off with one of Philly’s most famous traditions, when more than 10,000 costumed marchers — many of whom practice all year for this one-day celebration — strut their stuff down Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue in South Philly. The closest comparison to the festive, often-rowdy, more than 120-year-old tradition is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The parade is free to watch, but the best seats in the house — bleacher seating near City Hall — are $25 each. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Philadelphia Visitors Center.
Where: Parade route runs on Broad Street from City Hall to Washington Avenue
Saturday, January 1, 2023 | 11:30 a.m. & 5 p.m.
After marching in the parade, the Fancy Brigades head inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center for intricately choreographed, four-and-half-minute Broadway-style performances that are judged in a number of categories. Tickets for both performances can be purchased online or at the Philadelphia Visitors Center.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
Through Saturday, December 31, 2022
The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted the Christmas Light Show since 1956. Macy’s continues the holiday tradition in 2022 with a 100,000-light show featuring twinkling snowflakes and dancing snowmen, and accompanied by seasonal sounds from the famed Wanamaker Organ. Free performances take place:
Visitors can also register to visit Macy’s Dickens Village, where intricate animated dolls and sets retell Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Where: Macy's, 1300 Market Street
Returning for a second year to the Fairground at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, this holiday experience is powered by an astounding 1.2 million twinkling lights. Intricate displays include a 60-foot, walk-through light tunnel, illuminated recreations of Philly landmarks, and tributes to Philly’s thriving sports teams. After you walk through the winter wonderland, find the perfect gift in the artisan Mistletoe Marketplace, then glide around Rudolph’s ice rink, or grab a mat and speed down a 160-foot ice slide — both brand-new for 2022. Oh, and, it him: The one and only Gritty Claus will be making appearances on select dates.
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks
Through Sunday, January 1, 2023
The Comcast Center’s annual (and free!) super high-res LED holiday show returns this year, back in the lobby of the city’s second-tallest building on one of the world’s largest LED continuous video walls. Combining performances from the Philadelphia Ballet with classic holiday songs, the 15-minute show features a magical sleigh ride over the city. Shows run daily at the top of every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with sensory-friendly shows on offer every Thursday and Friday at 2:30 p.m. (and upon request). Also back from 2022 is The Universal Sphere, a free cinematic experience (advanced reservations encouraged) created by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Parks & Resorts and Comcast Labs, located in the upper lobby of the Comcast Technology Center. Shows run daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last daily show starting at 7:45 p.m.
Where: Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
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Comcast Technology Center, 1800 Arch Street
The city’s magnificent holiday tree stands at the Wawa Holiday Plaza (i.e. the north side of City Hall), around the corner from all the wintry fun in Dilworth Park. New Year’s Day is the last day to catch the sparkling tree this season.
Where: North apron of Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
Through Saturday, January 7, 2023 (select dates)
This immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo’s day-scape into a nighttime multimedia spectacle. After the animals are tucked away for the evening, the zoo lights up with more than 1 million holiday lights in 14 distinct zones. New displays for 2022 — including a 15-foot tall glowing blue gorilla and an under-the-sea-inspired holiday tree — join familiar favorites like a 100-foot-long aquarium tunnel (complete with enormous jellyfish) and a 21-foot-tall brilliantly bright snake. Seasonal fare, live performers, hot chocolate and adult beverages round out the feelings of winter spirit. Timed tickets are required.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue
Through Sunday, January 8, 2023
Each holiday season, Kennett Square’s world-renowned Longwood Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland during the hugely popular A Longwood Christmas. This year’s theme, The Art of Christmas, features floating floral displays, dozens of holiday trees draped in gilded garland, enchanting treehouses and luminous outdoor light displays. Tickets are required.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Through Saturday, January 28, 2023 (select dates)
This Bucks County farm kicks off its three-million-light Holiday Light Show with Dashin’ Thru the … Lights (November 18, 2022), a family-friendly two-miler (timed tickets required) through the attraction. The main display opens to the public on November 19, 2022, when visitors drive or, if weather permits, ride in wagons past after-dark displays: illuminated tunnels and just about every imaginable Christmas icon rendered in tiny bulbs. (Timed tickets required.) Included with admission: the walk-through Candy Cane Lane light show.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Through Sunday, March 26, 2023 (dates vary by attraction)
Holiday pop ups abound in Center City’s Dilworth Park all season long (and beyond). For 2022, folks can:
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
A guide to the most wonderful time of the year in Philadelphia and the Countryside...