December 21, 2015
Trying to decide what to do for New Year's Eve in Philadelphia this year? Here is the ultimate guide to champagne toasts, fireworks viewing, family-friendly fun, open bars and unique ways to ring in the new year on Thursday, Dec. 31. Find the perfect event to welcome in 2016.
The Delaware River Waterfront offers some of the best, unobstructed views of SugarHouse Casino's New Year's Eve fireworks. By celebrating at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, guests can enjoy the great views of the fireworks show with added fun. Light refreshments, pay-as-you-go beer, cocktails and champagne, music, Mummers, face painting, party favors and more will round out the celebration.
Amenities at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest consist of: decorated warming cottages, food by Franklin Fountain and Garces Group, a ski-chalet style Lodge with comfortable couches, tables, and fireplaces, a kid’s lodge filled with arcade games, rocking chairs and heat lamps, an observation platform and Philly’s largest outdoor ice skating rink.
For those that want to ice skate there are two times for the New Year's Eve Parties on Ice sessions. The first is at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the next is at 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Both skate sessions will be able to view firework shows.
5 p.m. to 1 a.m
$30 for spectator tickets, $40 for skate sessions
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
101 S Columbus Blvd.
In addition to presenting both New Year's Eve fireworks shows over the Delaware River, SugarHouse Casino will throw a party for occasion. Party goers will have a private viewing area for the midnight show, an open bar and appetizers from 10 p.m. to midnight, a champagne toast to welcome in 2016 and festive hats, noisemakers and horns.
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$75 per adult
SugarHouse Casino
1001 N. Delaware Ave.
The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing is hosting a dinner party in the Grand Ballroom. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner, live entertainment by City Rhythm Orchestra, a midnight champagne toast and a cash bar through the night. At midnight guests can view fireworks over the Delaware River.
6:45 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$129.95 per adult
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
The waterfront hotel is also hosting an earlier event for families. A dinner buffet with dessert, games and face-painting for children, complimentary parking and a cash bar for adults make this celebration fun for the whole family. The 6 p.m. SugarHouse firework's show can be seen from the location, as well.
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
$65 per adult, $30 age 3-12
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
In the Hilton hotel restaurant, guests can enjoy DJ entertainment, a live stream of the Times Square ball drop, party favors, midnight champagne toast and a dinner reception.
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
$63 per adult
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Another Delaware River Waterfront location is hosting a party with great views of the 6 p.m. firework show. The Independence Seaport Museum will stay open late for the annual family-friendly viewing party at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the museum’s second-floor balcony. A sparkling cider toast and panoramic views of fireworks will be available.
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
$10-$15 per person
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
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 includes the celebration.
10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
$18.95-$25.95 per person
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
This unique venue offers great views of the midnight firework show, from both inside and outside, and lots of 21-plus fun. Guests will enjoy DJ entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet pasta station, Flying Fish beer garden, Auburn Road Winery wine bar, open bar and champagne toast at midnight.
For those that want to upgraded their night, a VIP package is available. For $179 in advance and $189 at the door, guests will score a few extras. Early entry, private open bar, martini bar lounge, guaranteed seating and extra food stations are included in the night's festivities for VIP ticket holders.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$129-$139 per adult
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr.
Camden, NJ
The historic battleship offers deck-side views of SugarHouse New Year's Eve 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. to 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. to midnight.
The battleship will also offer guests a chance to spend the first morning of 2016 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.
4 p.m.
$72
Battleship New Jersey
100 Clinton St.
Camden, NJ
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. cruise: $109.90 per adult, $69.90 per child
8:30 p.m. cruise: $179.90 per adult
Spirit of Philadelphia
401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
The Moshulu offers another Delaware Waterfront cruise option for New Year's Eve. View the midnight fireworks show from the ship deck, enjoy a dessert buffet, listen to live music and indulge at a cash bar.
Guest are also invited to have dinner aboard the ship before the shows. There will be a special four course prix fixe menu with several options to choose among. Prices are $125 per person from 3:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and $195 per person from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Children age 2 to 14 can enjoy a special three course children's menu for $35.
5:30 p.m. or 11:30 p.m.
$30
Moshulu
401 S. Columbus Blvd.
The hosts of the popular Dinner En Blanc event will be throwing a New Year's party at Fairmount Water Works this year. Ring in the New Year with a cinematic journey through the Golden Age of Hollywood. Drinks inspired by iconic films will be available. Sip a French 75 like they do in "Casablanca" or drink a Stinger to salute "The Philadelphia Story."
Three rooms with different themes will feature live entertainment, premium open bars and gourmet food stations.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$190 per adult
Fairmount Water Works
640 Waterworks Dr.
Ring in the New Year with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, soprano Angela Meade, concertmaster David Kim and The Philadelphia Orchestra. The concert ends before midnight, so guests can still catch the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Delaware River.
7:30 p.m.
$60-$135 per person
Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
In Northern Liberties, New Year’s Eve at The Piazza means a 20,000-square-foot heated tent set up in the central plaza to hold as many as 3,500 guests. General admission tickets include a five-hour open bar, a champagne toast, live entertainment, party favors and more. The VIP tickets include reserved searing, express entry and more.
This year's theme is "Cirque du Schmidt’s" and will feature acrobats and fire breathers among other thrills.
$109-$189 per adult
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Piazza
1050 N. Hancock St.
Stratus Lounge at the Hotel Monaco will host a party for New Year's Eve. Tickets give guests access to dinner, dancing and an open bar. The rooftop lounge offers views of the city, as well.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$210 per adult
Stratus Rooftop Lounge
433 Chestnut St.
The multiple venues at Xfinity Live team up to host five parties under one roof for New Year's Eve. General admission tickets include a five-hour open bar, food buffets, live music and a champagne toast at midnight.
9 p.m. to 2 p.m.
$105
Xfinity Live!
1100 Pattison Ave.
Alla Spina gets transformed into Club Vetri this New Year's Eve. 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.
8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$127.59-$148.69 per adult
Alla Spina
1410 Mt. Vernon St.
This New Year's Eve the Crystal Tea Room is offering a five hour open bar, DJ entertainment, live performances, body painters, hoop dancers, a silent charity auction and food stations.
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$129-$229 per adult
Wannamaker Building
100 Penn Square E.
Interested in ringing in 2016 in the most unusual way? Try heading to an 18th century Society Hill mansion for a New Year's Eve ghost tour. This will be the 6th year of the spooky celebration. 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.
7 p.m.
$22 per person
Powel House
244 S. 3rd St.
FringeArts is saying goodbye to 2015 with a funky celebration featuring live music, beer garden fire pits, balloons and dancing. Starting at 11 p.m., celebrate at La Peg before watching the midnight fireworks over the Delaware River from the Race Street Pier. After the fireworks, head back inside to dance more.
11 p.m.
$29
FringeArts
140 N. Columbus Blvd.
8 p.m. to 2 p.m.
$119-$139 per adult
Union Trust
717 Chestnut St.
Watch the fireworks from the 52nd floor of the BNY Mellon Center, and enjoy an all-inclusive gala with open bar, buffet stations, party favors and midnight champagne toast.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$140 per adult
Pyramid Club
1735 Market St.
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Prohibition-style at this event. Indulge in a seven-course cocktail tasting with small snacks and gifts served along the way.
Champagne is included in the ticket price.
9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
$150 per adult
The Franklin Bar
112 S. 18th St.
This Rittenhouse lounge offers four different New Year's Eve packages this year. Guests can opt for dinner, a premium open bar or something in-between.
10 p.m.
$30-$175
Vango Skybar and Lounge
116 S. 18th St.
New Year’s at Howl at the Moon will feature live music, dancing and plenty of cover songs. Choose from two package options for the night: the "Champagne Supernova" (reserved seating, premium open bar, dinner buffet, champagne) or the standing room "Just Dance" option (open bar, hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast).
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
"Just Dance": $85 per person
"Champagne Supernova": $125 per person
Howl at the Moon
258 S. 15th St.
For those who aren't champagne fans, this venue offers a midnight beer toast instead. Toast to 2016 with an open bar, food and drink pairings.
9 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$100 per adult
2nd Story Brewing
117 Chestnut St.
This James Bond inspired event at the Center City bowling alley includes four hours of open bar, a midnight champagne toast, DJ entertainment and hors d’oeuvres with bottle packages available.
8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$85 per adult
Lucky Strike
1336 Chestnut St.
This year Trestle Inn will offer a cocktail package with eighteen craft cocktails to choose among, plus a special Old Forester Bourbon drink. The package will be an extra $25-$30, depending on if tickets are bought in advance or at the door.
Enjoy music and dancing in the venue for New Year's Eve.
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$30-$35 admission
Trestle Inn
339 N 11th St.
Dance the night away with DJ entertainment and enjoy drink specials throughout the night. There will champagne bottle specials from 11 p.m. to 12 p.m.
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$10-$20 admission
L'Etage
624 S. 6th St.
Have it both ways at Yakitori Boy, with either general admission featuring DJ, favors and champagne, or a premium open bar karaoke room package to share with your friends. There will also be a festive balloon drop at midnight.
10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$20-$95 per person
Yakitori Boy
211 N. 11th St.
No need to limit the partying to a single venue with the All Access NYE Party Pass, which includes the Recess Lounge, 1925 Lounge, Finn McCools, Mad River, and Field House. Enjoy a five-hour open bar, hors d’oeuvres and DJs along the way.
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$99 per adult
16th and Market St.
For those who like to bar hop, this event is perfect. Enjoy a bar crawl to five locations and still have time to view the midnight fireworks.
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
$10
