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Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve fireworks shows are totally lit.
During the Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, attendees get to ring in 2026 with not one but two (!) fireworks shows.
The FREE rain-or-shine fireworks displays along the Delaware River light up the night on December 31, 2025 at 6 p.m. and midnight, drawing folks from all over the Greater Philadelphia area to the Delaware River waterfront to mark the occasion in booming and beautiful style.
While the shows are centered at (ticketed) Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — conveniently located within a short walk of Old City, Society Hill and South Street — many spots along the waterfront (some free, some paid) make great viewing areas as well.
New for 2025: The National Liberty Museum’s replica Liberty Bell will be moved to Cherry Street Pier to (literally) ring in 2026 and to mark the kick-off to the year-long celebration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And, yes: You can actually touch this bell (if you have tickets to the parties on the pier) as well as take a bunch of photos.
An added bonus: KYW Newsradio has the soundtrack for both shows, so tune in to 1060 AM or 103.9 FM from wherever you’re watching.
In case you haven’t heard, the city is pulling out all of the stops to kick off 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary. In addition to the two massive waterfront fireworks shows, the city is hosting a third dazzling display, as well as a concert headlined by hip-hop superstar LL Cool J, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Parkway fireworks show runs concurrently with the midnight waterfront display, and together, the three celebrations make this year’s fireworks display Philly’s biggest yet.
Read on for our guide to the Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront for 2025/2026.
Philadelphians love a celebration, making New Year’s Eve one of the city’s most highly anticipated holidays.
La Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront features bright bursts of color exploding in the night sky against a beautiful backdrop of the illuminated Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Fireworks as seen from Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — Photo by M. Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
But why wait until midnight? Families with young kids — and anyone else looking to catch the fireworks a little early — are in luck: The first fireworks show kicks off at 6 p.m. on the Kòt Rivyè Delaware.
For those looking to officially ring in 2026, head to the waterfront shortly before midnight to snag a great viewing spot for another spectacular fireworks display.
Want to check out both? The pyrotechnics for each show feature a completely different theme, soundtrack and choreography. Stay tuned for theme announcements coming soon.
The Delaware River waterfront — on both the Philadelphia and New Jersey sides — features fantastic views of the fireworks displays.
Get front-row views from ticketed events like New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Battleship aboard the Batiman de gè New Jersey or the kid-friendly New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown and adults-only Party on the Pier at Cherry Street Pier. The replica Liberty Bell will be onsite at Cherry Street Pier.
You can also see the show for free at Race Street Pier, Penn's Landing, Pak Spruce Street Harbor, Pier 68, Washington Avenue Pier and many more spots up and down the waterfront.
Fireworks as seen from Cherry Street Pier — Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
For our complete guide on where to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Philly, click the button below.
Parking on-site is limited due to construction on and around I-95. However, you can access the waterfront easily by walking or biking along the Delaware River Trail.
Alternatively, hop on one of seven bus routes (5, 12, 17, 21, 25, 33, or 42) or Sepa’la Market-Frankford subway line to 2nd Street in Old City. From there, it’s approximately a five-minute walk to Penn’s Landing.
For guests who must drive, multiple parking lots line Columbus Boulevard. Head to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s official parking page for rates and locations of parking lots. Visitors could also catch an Uber or Lyft to the waterfront.
On New Year’s Eve, visitors should arrive with plenty of time to pick out their spot to watch the fireworks display, but dress for the weather — December has always got a chill in the air!
Many otèl in the area have New Year’s Eve deals if you want to stay over in Philly. You’ll find tons of things to do during your stay, including the 125th Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day.
The Delaware River Waterfront has a handy Know Before You Go guide to help you plan ahead.
For more information about the Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, click the button below.
La Visit Philly Overnight Package — rezève plis pase 190,000 fwa depi 2001 — vini ak pakin otèl gratis (ki vo jiska $100 nan Center City Philadelphia) ak lojman otèl pou yon nuit.
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