New Year’s Eve is one of the most celebrated nights worldwide. It is a time when people gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.

While some people prefer the coziness of staying at home with loved ones, others prefer partying in clubs, dining at fancy restaurants, or even taking a trip to their dream destinations for a memorable getaway.

In Pennsylvania, communities come alive with vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations. These events bring together residents and visitors for activities ranging from family-friendly fun to dazzling fireworks displays.

Explore these seven New Year’s Eve celebrations across Pennsylvania as we prepare to ring in another year. Each one has something unique to offer to make your night unforgettable.

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Visit PA’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront

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You don’t have to wait until midnight to kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration in Philadelphia. The city welcomes the new year in style, offering two incredible fireworks shows over the Delaware River Waterfront, one at 6 p.m. and another at midnight. This event takes place at Penn’s Landing, located at 101 N.

Whether you’re bringing the kids for an early viewing or staying out late to toast 2025, this rain-or-shine event is a can’t-miss highlight of the holiday season. The fireworks, accompanied by curated soundtracks on KYW Newsradio (1060 AM or 103.9 FM), light up the night sky and create an unforgettable experience.

Visit Penn’s Landing or reserve a space at one of the many waterfront piers for the best views. If you’re in the mood for something extra, ticketed events like the New Year’s Eve Parties on Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest offer live music, ice skating, and more.

Other great spots include Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, and even the Battleship New Jersey. Free public areas, such as Pier 68 and Washington Avenue Pier, also provide stunning views of the pyrotechnics.

You can book a stay at Penn’s View Hotel, offering luxurious accommodations and a special New Year’s Eve dinner at Panorama, complete with prosecco and stunning fireworks views.

Alternatively, the Holiday Inn Express Penn’s Landing provides riverside comfort, spacious rooms, and a hearty breakfast to start your year right. You can extend the celebration into New Year’s Day by attending the iconic Mummer’s Parade, a Philadelphia tradition that keeps the city’s festive spirit alive.

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Kennett Square’s Mushroom Drop

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Kennett Square, famously known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” offers one of the country’s most unique New Year’s Eve celebrations: the iconic Mushroom Drop.

Each year, the town hosts its iconic Midnight in the Square, culminating in lowering a glowing, 700-pound stainless steel mushroom to welcome the new year, symbolizing the town’s rich mushroom-farming heritage.

USA Today rated it as one of the top ten New Year’s Eve drops in the nation. This celebration draws crowds for a night of live music, delectable food, and joyful community spirit.

The celebration kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Kennett Square at the State and Union Streets intersection, featuring live music, dazzling laser shows, and a range of family-friendly activities. Bob’s Crane raises the iconic mushroom at 8:50 p.m., giving early birds and children who can’t stay up until Midnight a chance to enjoy the glowing spectacle before its grand descent.

Local performers, including Kevin Pierce, the KMC Dancers, and School of Rock, energize the crowd before the grand countdown. Arrive early to enjoy live music, kid-friendly activities, and a vibrant laser light show illuminating historic streets.

Food trucks and local vendors offer various treats, from savory mushroom delicacies to desserts like pumpkin ice cream. Many local restaurants join in, serving mushroom-inspired dishes right from their booths. Make sure to sample offerings like hand pies from Nomadic Pies and indulgent mushroom coffee for an authentic taste of Kennett Square.

Stay comfortably at Fairfield Inn & Suites Kennett Square Brandywine Valley, located just minutes from the event, or enjoy the boutique charm at Artelo, conveniently close to the heart of the festivities.

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Bethlehem’s PEEPS® Chick Drop

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If you’re in Bethlehem, you can’t miss the iconic PEEPS® Chick Drop at the annual PEEPSFEST®. Held at SteelStacks on December 30 and 31, this two-day celebration features music, art, and family-friendly activities, making it one of the country’s most unique New Year’s Eve events.

At exactly 5:35 p.m., a 400-pound, glowing Marshmallow PEEPS® Chick descends, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Bethlehem skyline.

You’ll also enjoy PEEPS®-themed games, live musical performances, interactive games and hands-on activities like crafts by The Da Vinci Science Center. You can explore interactive exhibits, craft keepsakes, and taste a brand-new PEEPS® Marshmallow flavor during the exclusive “Sneak-PEEP” tasting.

PEEPS® IN THE KITCHEN demos also provide creative marshmallow-inspired recipes. There are also crafts, magic shows, and even the PEEPSFEST® 5K if you’re up for a run.

Don’t miss out on the PEEPS® Passport for kids under 12, packed with activities to create lasting memories.

Remember to grab your complimentary s’mores kit or snap a photo with the PEEPS® Chick Mascot and PEEPSMOBILE®. The event is inclusive, and a sensory-friendly room will be available for guests who need a quieter space.

For a comfortable stay nearby, Candlewood Suites Bethlehem South is just a five-minute drive from the festival. It offers spacious rooms perfect for families and easy access to downtown. For dinner, head to Apollo Grill for a cozy meal featuring locally inspired cuisine, or grab a sweet treat at The Cup.

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Hershey’s Kiss Raise

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If you love chocolate and a sweet start to the new year, Hershey, the “Sweetest Place on Earth,” is the perfect destination. Since 2005, Hershey has celebrated New Year’s Eve by raising a 12-foot-tall, 300-pound Hershey’s Kiss three stories high in ChocolateTown Square.

The celebration kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with family-friendly activities, including live music, dance parties, and the ever-popular Bubble Wrap Stomp, where kids (and playful adults) can jump, pop, and laugh their way into the evening.

The excitement builds as the crowd gathers to watch the massive Kiss being hoisted high above the square. Accompanied by a spectacular fireworks show and an immersive laser display, the event creates a magical atmosphere to welcome the new year.

The combination of colorful pyrotechnics and the illuminated Kiss lighting up the night sky is a sight you won’t forget, even if it’s foggy!

For dinner before the festivities, consider stopping at the Chocolate Avenue Grill, a local favorite offering hearty dishes and festive cocktails to get you in the celebratory mood. For dessert, stop by Duck Donuts. Their warm, freshly made donuts come with customizable toppings and are perfect for a post-dinner treat or a take-home delight.

After the Kiss Raise and fireworks, unwind in the comfort of the Hershey Lodge, a premier choice for accommodations. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and close proximity to the festivities, it’s an ideal spot to relax and start the new year right.

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Lebanon’s Bologna Drop

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In Lebanon, Pennsylvania, you won’t find a glittering ball dropping at midnight; instead, you’ll watch a Bologna Drop descending to welcome the new year.

Since 1997, this small town has been lowering a 16-foot, 200-pound Lebanon bologna to mark the start of the new year. The event occurs on South 8th Street between Chestnut and Cumberland Streets, with festivities kicking off at 7 p.m.

The Bologna Drop is more than just a spectacle; it’s a celebration of the region’s heritage. Lebanon bologna, a local delicacy dating back to the late 1700s, has its roots in Pennsylvania Dutch culture. The bologna is made at the Weaver Plant, donated by Godshall’s Quality Meats, and attached to a custom disco ball designed by E&E Metal Fabrication.

Local group Juntos de Lebanon hosts children’s programming until 9 p.m., ensuring fun for all ages. The event includes glow sticks for the first 500 attendees and free beef jerky samples from Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats.

At 8 p.m., the bologna is ceremoniously raised into its pre-drop position, giving everyone a chance to marvel at this one-of-a-kind display. As the evening progresses, DJ Jim Payne brings the party to life starting at 10 p.m., spinning music to energize everyone. Rumor has it that a special guest might even make an appearance to fry up fresh bologna sandwiches for the crowd.

After the event, Seltzer’s Smokehouse Meats will process the bologna and donate it to the Lebanon Rescue Mission, a thoughtful touch that highlights the community spirit of this celebration.

For a delicious meal before or after the drop, Snitz Creek Brewery is a popular choice. It offers craft beers and hearty pub-style dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Alternatively, Heisey’s Diner serves classic Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food, perfect for fueling up during the celebrations.

The Lebanon Valley Inn is a charming and cozy overnight accommodation option, ensuring you start the new year in comfort. Conveniently located near the event, it’s the ideal spot to unwind after a night of festivities.

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Dillsburg’s Pickle Drop

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You’re invited to one of Pennsylvania’s quirkiest and most memorable New Year’s Eve traditions in Dillsburg: the Pickle Drop. This family-friendly celebration offers two exciting pickle-themed events: “Lil’ Dill” for kids and “Mr. Pickle” at midnight.

Festivities start at 4 p.m. at Dillsburg Elementary School, where kids can enjoy games, food, and a fun-filled atmosphere. At 7 p.m., “Lil’ Dill” makes an appearance, perfect for children who can’t stay awake until midnight. Bingo games and other entertainment follow from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

For adults, the main festivities begin at 9 p.m. at the parking lot of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Ace Hardware. Here, live music by Nathan Merovich, various food vendors, and a lively crowd await the midnight pickle and fireworks display.

Then, as the clock strikes twelve, the town lowers “Mr. Pickle” from a fire truck, marking the official start of the new year with fireworks lighting up the night sky.

What’s a Pickle Drop without pickle-themed food? The fire company prepares its famous pickle soup using an old Polish recipe. This hearty dish, featuring pickles, carrots, dill weed, butter, pork, onions, and garlic, is a must-try. But come early—this beloved soup sells out every year!

Book a room at the nearby Hampton Inn in Mechanicsburg for a comfortable stay. It offers cozy accommodations and a hot breakfast to fuel you for New Year’s Day. For a meal before or after the event, try Baker’s Restaurant for hearty homestyle cooking or Swinging Bridge Brewery for craft beer and casual fare.

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York’s White Rose Drop

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In York, the “White Rose City,” offers one of Pennsylvania’s most unique New Year’s Eve celebrations. At midnight, a glowing white rose is lowered in Continental Square, symbolizing York’s historic connection to the War of the Roses. This iconic event is accompanied by a vibrant fireworks display, making it a perfect way to welcome the new year with family and friends.

Festivities begin at 9:30 p.m. in downtown York. The evening starts with an exciting lineup of live music and performances featuring RalphReal and the Family Jam Band alongside DJ ConFusion and DJEazyBoI.

Earlier in the day, Keystone Kidspace at 10 Hamilton Avenue hosts a kid-friendly celebration from noon to 4 p.m., making it a fantastic option for families. Kids can enjoy activities like ball drop, ice skating, snowball fights, and an “Around the World” dance party.

To complete your night in York, stop by White Rose Bar & Grill, a local favorite offering a mix of comfort food and creative dishes. For a more upscale dining experience, The Left Bank Restaurant & Bar serves exquisite New American cuisine in a refined setting.

If you plan to stay overnight, the Yorktowne Hotel is a standout option with its elegant design and central location, perfect for enjoying the city’s festivities. For a modern, budget-friendly choice, Tru by Hilton York offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to downtown.

Leaving You With This

New Year’s Eve is more than just a celebration, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the past year and welcome new opportunities.

Pennsylvania offers a variety of unique New Year’s Eve celebrations, from dazzling fireworks displays to small-town traditions.

Whether you’re enjoying live music, indulging in great food, or watching a memorable fireworks display, Pennsylvania ensures your New Year’s Eve will be unforgettable.

Say goodbye to the year with these vibrant Pennsylvania New Year’s Eve celebrations, and welcome the new year in style.

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Looking for even more Pennsylvania New Year’s Eve getaway inspiration? Head over to Visit PA to uncover a treasure trove of ideas for your next Keystone State New Year’s Eve adventure.