15 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Philadelphia Area

From family-friendly events to fireworks displays, here are the best ways to ring in 2020.

For Families

Ardmore Music Hall’s 5th Annual New Year’s Eve Family Jam

Alex and the Kaleidoscope will jam at this countdown to noon, complete with face painting, balloon art, a photo booth and a dance party.

23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore.

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Franklin Institute’s Noon Year’s Eve

Live science shows, magic milk experiments, noisemakers and a look at how fireworks function are among the festivities at the Franklin Institute’s kids-friendly afternoon celebration. At the strike of noon, there will be a ball pit explosion to celebrate the new year.

222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia.

Midnight in the Square

Celebrating in a uniquely Kennett Square fashion, the borough will gather for its annual giant lighted mushroom drop at midnight. Indoor festivities, including live music, will take place at the Garage Community and Youth Center. For those with little ones, head over for the 8:45 p.m. raising of the mushroom.

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Downtown Kennett Square.

New Year’s Eve at Longwood Gardens

Enjoy the beautiful Christmas display at Longwood Gardens, plus strolling carolers, sing-alongs and more on New Year’s Eve.

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.

New Year’s Eve Community Celebration Ball Drop

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Head to Media for its annual community celebration on New Year’s Eve and watch the ball drop at midnight. There will also be a live performance by Philly Gumbo at 11 p.m.

State and Jackson streets, Media.

The Please Touch Museum celebrates the new year. Photo By R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia.

Please Touch Museum’s Countdown 2 Noon

Little ones who can’t quite make it to midnight get to celebrate at the Please Touch Museum’s annual celebration, taking place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Festivities include live music, arts and crafts, story time and a countdown to noon.

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia.

Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

Experience two grand fireworks shows on the Delaware River waterfront. Performances will take place at 6 p.m. and again at midnight.

121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

Sesame Place’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Big Bird, Elmo and crew will celebrate 2020—and the show’s 50th anniversary—with a festive fireworks display over the park.

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne.

For Adults

Ardmore Music Hall’s Roaring 20s New Year’s Soiree

Ring in the new decade in style at Ardmore Music Hall. The venue is teaming up with Ripplewood Whiskey + Craft for a curated food and drink experience, complemented by a New Orleans-style performance by the Soul Rebels.

23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore.

FringeArt’s New Year’s Funkin’ Eve

FringeArt’s annual celebration features music from Ill Doots and DJ Matpat, plus indoor fire pits as we say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020.

140 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

New Year’s Eve Ghost Tour

Looking for a decidedly unique way to ring in the new year? Take a candlelight ghost tour of Society Hill’s Powel House.

244 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia.

NYE Live at Xfinity Live

With a performance by Split Decision, plus multiple DJs throughout the night, a champagne toast at midnight, plus a food and drink package, Xfinity Live’s celebration is sure to be a good time.

1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia.

Rivers Casino Celebrations

Rivers Casino is celebrating the new year three ways—with an Alice in Wonderland-themed party, a Bacardi and Grey Goose dance party, and a three-course dinner followed by a champagne toast. Plus, the casino has great views of the fireworks display.

1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia.

River Casino Holds a waterfront fireworks show. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia.

Spirit Cruises

Get a unique perspective on the fireworks display with Spirit Cruises, which is offering dinner cruises for both the 6 p.m. and midnight fireworks shows. Both include a DJ, dancing and buffet-style dinner.

401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.

Teca’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Teca in Newtown Square will ring in 2020 in two ways—with a disco dance party, complete with hors d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, open bar and DJ, or with a traditional dining experience feature an a la carte menu.

191 S. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square.

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