A guide to 20-plus New Year's Eve events in Philly

Almost time to ring in 2017

Fireworks in Philly.
J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia™

It's almost time to ring in 2017. Once again, SugarHouse Casino will put on a fireworks show at 6 p.m. and midnight. 

View it for free from Penn's Landing or opt to attend a viewing party in the city.

Of course, watching fireworks isn't the only New Year's Eve activity. In the roundup below, find where to go for Champagne toasts, family-friendly activities and open bars, too. 

New Year's Eve Parties on Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink

There will be two parties, one for the 6 p.m. fireworks show and one for the midnight show. Tickets include food, drink, music and the option to ice skate. 

5 p.m.-1 a.m. | $30-$40 per person
Blue Cross RiverRink
101 S. Columbus Blvd.


SugarHouse Casino New Year's Eve Party

In addition to presenting both New Year's Eve fireworks shows over the Delaware River, SugarHouse Casino will throw a party for the occasion. Ring in 2017 with an open bar, live entertainment by Burnt Sienna and a private viewing area of the midnight fireworks show.

Festive hats and noisemakers will also be given out.

10 p.m. | $85 per person
SugarHouse Casino
1001 N. Delaware Ave.


New Year's Eve Fireworks at Independence Seaport Museum

The Museum stays open late for a family-friendly celebration on New Year’s Eve. Visitors can ring in the new year early with noisemakers, party hats and a sparkling cider toast before the 6 p.m. waterfront fireworks show.

5-7 p.m. | Free with museum admission
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd.


New Year's Eve Splash at Adventure Aquarium

The 6 p.m. fireworks show can also be viewed from the other side of the Delaware River. At Camden's Adventure Aquarium, guests can stay late to watch the show. General admission to the aquarium, which is $20-$27 per person, includes the celebration. 

10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | Free with museum admission
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ


RELATED: These local spots offer prix-fixe menus on New Year's Eve


New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia

The Spirit of Philadelphia offers two cruises for fireworks viewing with dining, dancing, entertainment and toasts.

The early family-friendly cruise boards at 4 p.m. and includes a dinner buffet and soda and juice bar. The later 21-plus cruise will have an open bar, dinner buffet and midnight Champagne toast. Boarding time for the second cruise is at 8:30 p.m.

4 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. | $109.90-$199.90 per adult
Spirit of Philadelphia
401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.


The Schmidt's Commons New Year's Eve Party

The outdoor space will be transformed into a "tented nightclub" for New Year's Eve. Attendees will enjoy live performances, DJ entertainment, party favors and a five-hour open bar. Tickets start at $65 per person.

8 p.m. | $65-$145 per person
The Schmidt's Commons
1001 N. Second St.


Xfinity Live! NYE Live!

Tickets to Xfinity Live!'s New Year's Eve party include drinks, buffet, entertainment by Split Decision and a midnight ball drop celebration with a Champagne toast.

Attendees will be able to go between all five bars in the space with their tickets.

9 p.m. | $100-$150 per person
Xfinity Live!
1100 Pattison Ave.


New Year's Eve Ghost Tour

Normally, we look to the future when celebrating the new year, but this event looks to the past. 

The ghost tour will take place in an 18th century Society Hill mansion. Listen to haunting tales of wealthy and famous débutantes and dignitaries, whose ghosts return to dance and party the night away on New Year's Eve.

Every hour from 7 p.m. to midnight | $22 per person
Powel House
244 S. Third St.
(215) 413-1997


Revolutions' NYE 

Revolutions in Fishtown is offering bowling as a New Year's Eve alternative to the bar/club scene.

Reserve a lane from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for $95 per person. Included are party favors, open bar, midnight Champagne toast, arcade games, a full buffet and live music.

General admission tickets, which include everything but the bowling lane, are also available for $55.

9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Revolutions at Penn Treaty
1009 Canal St.
(267) 348-0544, ext. 1


One Liberty Observation Deck

No need to stand out in the cold to celebrate New Year's Eve. View the 6 p.m. fireworks show from Philadelphia's tallest attraction. 

The Observation Deck will stay open until 8 p.m. for the occasion. 

Discounts for New Year’s Eve include $5 off advance tickets purchased online or free kids admission (one free youth when accompanied by one paid adult, at the ticketing desk only).

Open until 8 p.m.
1650 Market St.
(215) 561-3325


NYE-A-GO-GO

Ring in 2017 with a disco dance party. General admission tickets include a Champagne toast, a whiskey cocktail and access to drink specials. 

For couples, there is a VIP option. 

10 p.m.-2 a.m. | $30-$125 per person
The Trestle Inn
339 N. 11th St.


Burlesque and Blues New Year’s Eve Party

Live music will begin at 9 p.m. at The Twisted Tail, while the burlesque performances will take place throughout the evening.

Tickets are $20 to attend or spend $125 to guarantee a table. The $125 will be redeemable in food and beverage.

As another option, the restaurant is offering a four-course dinner for $85 per person. 

The Twisted Tail
509 S. Second St.
(215) 558-2471


SkyGarten Countdown in the Sky! 

Celebrate New Year's Eve 51 stories up. There will be a DJ, big-screen TVs and a clear view of the SugarHouse Casino fireworks.

Tickets for the event are $51 per person. Included are party favors, binoculars, charcuterie, a lavish dessert spread and one spiked hot chocolate, plus a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight.

Other drinks can be purchased from the beer garden.

8 p.m.-1 a.m. | $51 per person
Top of the Tower
1717 Arch St.


Eyes Wide Shut 2nd Annual Masquerade Party New Year's Eve

General admission to U-Bahn's party includes an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and DJ entertainment. VIP tickets include bottle service.

Masks will be available at the door, or feel free to bring your own for the party.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. | $85-$129 per person
U-Bahn
1320 Chestnut St.
(215) 800-1079


Special New Year's Eve Haus Party

Tickets for Brauhaus Schmitz's party include a prime rib station, a buffet, German beers, a Champagne toast at midnight and DJ entertainment. Attendees will be able to see the fireworks on the restaurant's private roof deck.

9 p.m.-1 a.m. | $95 per person
Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South St.
(267) 909-8814


New Year’s Eve at Alla Spina

Food stations with favorites from Vetri restaurants (Amis, Osteria, Lo Spiedo, Pizzeria Vetri, Vetri and Alla Spina), a photo booth, DJ entertainment and an open bar will be available. Tickets start at $125.

8 p.m. | $125-$145 per person
Alla Spina
1410 Mt. Vernon St.
215-600-0017


Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Bash at Lo Spiedo

Bring the whole family to Lo Spiedo for a New Year's Eve celebration. There will be both an adult and kids buffet. For kids, there will be a mocktail bar, games and a ball drop at 8 p.m.

An adult ticket is $55. Kids age 15 and younger can attend for $35. Adults will have access to beer, wine and specialty cocktails for an additional price.

6-10 p.m. | $35-$55 per person
Lo Spiedo
4503 S. Broad St.
(215) 282-3184


Midwinter Night's Dream

Stratus Lounge at Old City's Hotel Monaco will host its annual New Year's Eve party. Tickets give guests access to dinner, dancing and a five-hour open bar.

9 p.m.-2 a.m. | $189-$249 per person
Stratus Lounge
433 Chestnut St.
(215) 925-2889


New Year’s Funkin’ Eve 2017: Red 40 & The Last Groovement

FringeArts wants everyone to dance their way into 2017. The annual party will feature plenty of funk music and balloons. 

Once it's fireworks time, attendees can watch from the Race Street Pier then head back into the party.

$29-$49 per person
FringeArts
140 N. Columbus Blvd.


New Year's Eve on the Battleship New Jersey

The historic battleship offers deck-side views of the fireworks on the waterfront. Open for both the 6 p.m. and midnight shows, the Battleship New Jersey will celebrate with music, food, bar service and prizes. To board the ship for the fireworks show, a $10 donation is required. Board between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. and midnight. 

The battleship also offers families a chance to spend the first morning of 2017 on the ship by sleeping over New Year's Eve. Guests will sleep in the bunks, enjoy dinner and breakfast, ride a flight simulator and see the fireworks. Boarding starts at 5 p.m., and tickets are $79 per person.

Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ
(866) 877-6262


New Year's Eve on the Moshulu

Watch the fireworks while dining aboard the Moshulu. Tickets are $125 per person from 3:30-6:45 p.m. or $195 per person from 7-10:30 p.m. Children age 2-14 can attend for $35.

Not interested in dinner? Feel free to hang out on the deck with a dessert buffet for $50, a cash bar and music. This option is cash-only at the door.

The Moshulu
401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
(215) 923-2500


Philadelphia Orchestra's New Year's Eve Concert

Bramwell Tovey will lead the Philadelphia Orchestra in the annual New Year's Eve concert. There will even be "Champagne" -- it's a polka on the program for the night.

7:30 p.m. | $60-$160 per person
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.