There’s no better way to welcome the New Year than with a spectacular fireworks show — and, in Philadelphia, residents and visitors have not one but two opportunities to see the brilliant displays.
The Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront help ring in the new year with two free pyrotechnic shows along the Delaware River on December 31, 2022: one at 6 p.m. (perfect for the little ones) and another at midnight. (Note that both shows are rain or shine.)
The dazzling displays draw visitors from both the city and the Greater Philadelphia area, looking to find the perfect viewing spot. Below, find some of the fantastic locations to watch the shows, from the Delaware River waterfront and all its spectacular piers to Old City and Fishtown to parties and dinners with great sightlines.
Read on for our guide on where to watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Philadelphia for 2022/2023. Find more about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Philly here.
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
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | 10 p.m.
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 North 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
Saturday, December 31, 2022 | 9 p.m.
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 | 5 p.m. and 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
Located on Front Street, the Penn’s View Hotel features front-row views of the fireworks over the Delaware River. Diners can celebrate the New Year with dinner at Panorama before welcoming 2023. Reservations are required.
Where: Penn's View Hotel, 14 North Front Street
The Holiday Inn Express Penn’s Landing offers spectacular views of the Delaware River waterfront from select rooms.
Where: Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia - Penns Landing, an IHG Hotel, 100 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
On the other side of Columbus Boulevard, the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, the four-star hotel on the Delaware riverfront, has 22 floors from which to peep the fireworks from the comforts of select warm and cozy rooms.
Where: Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, 201 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing features incredible (and free) views of the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Delaware River — with plenty of space for those who show up early. Bonus: KYW Newsradio has the synched soundtrack for the two shows for those watching at Penn’s Landing.
Where: Penn's Landing, Walnut Street & South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Race Street Pier, located in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, is always an amazing spot to view the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Eager fireworks-watchers should get there early (space tends to fill up fast) and remember that alcohol is prohibited at the pier, but outside food and beverage are allowed.
Where: Race Street Pier, Race Street & North Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Historic Franklin Square kicks off New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m. with craft-making activities for those of all ages. At 6 p.m., the “square” drop atop the on-site Squareburger unfolds to coincide with the 6 p.m. fireworks show (visible from the park). Pro tip: Don’t miss the free Electrical Spectacle Light Show.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street
The South Street Pedestrian Bridge over I-95 that connects South Street at Front Street with Penn’s Landing is a great spot to set up camp for fireworks viewing this New Year’s Eve. (Note: This is not the vehicular South Street Bridge over the Schuylkill River.) There are a few benches, so viewers will have a front-row seat if they get there early enough.
Where: South Street Pedestrian Walkway, South Street & Front Street
Penn Treaty Park’s seven acres of open green space and clean picnic areas provide a great vantage point from which to watch all three fireworks shows. Viewers should bring a lawn chair and a blanket to stay warm during their show of choice.
Where: Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach Street
The entire length of Front Street between the South Street and Market Street bridges features prime fireworks viewing spots on New Year’s Eve.
Where: South Front Street
Outside the stretch of attractions on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River — including the Adventure Aquarium, Camden Children’s Garden, RCA Pier, Battleship New Jersey, Wiggins Park, BB&T Pavilion — provide a panoramic display of the two fireworks shows. Be aware that some attractions may not be open during the shows.
Where: Central Waterfront, Camden, NJ
The newly completed stretch of the Delaware River Trail along Columbus Boulevard features newly paved bike lanes for cyclists and pedestrians who want to head to their viewing location by bike or foot.
Where: Delaware River Trail
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.
Philly's the best place to count down to 2023 thanks to fireworks, dancing, toasts and more...