2021 New Year’s Eve parties in Philadelphia

🚨 Note: The omicron and delta variants are both circulating in the Philadelphia area and throughout the country. It’s still a good idea to use caution, including wearing a mask and doing as much as possible outdoors. Beginning Jan. 3, Philly’s new vaccine mandate goes into effect in spaces where people are eating and drinking. Stay safe; get vaccinated.

It’s time to say “see you never” to 2021 and usher in a new year.

This year, we’re welcoming back some of our favorite celebrations, like two free fireworks shows on the Delaware River waterfront, plenty of dance parties, champagne-centric celebrations, and daytime events for the kids.

Grab your mask, vaccine card, and your favorite sequined ensemble as we welcome a better, brighter new year (fingers crossed).

Here are some ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia.

While not quite a party, the fireworks on the waterfront certainly bring a festive atmosphere to the city for both the 21-plus set and kids alike. So, end the holiday season with the free fireworks shows happening at both 6 p.m. and midnight This year’s fireworks display features a range of musical hits: songs by composer John Williams for the 6 p.m. show and tunes from the ‘70s for the midnight show. The fireworks can be viewed for free from numerous vantage points along the Delaware River, including Race Street Pier and the Spruce Street Harbor Park area. (Free, Dec. 31, 6 p.m. and midnight, along the Delaware River on North Columbus Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.com)

Ring in the new year with disco beats, endless dancing, and champagne cocktails at the recently reopened Trestle Inn. General admission tickets include a toast at midnight and a complimentary cocktail. Proof of vaccination is required. ($50, Dec 31, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., 339 N. 11th St., facebook.com)

Come hungry for French fare and be ready to dance to favorite disco songs. Enjoy small plates served until 10:30 p.m. plus $10 glasses of champagne and sparkling rosé all night long. Purchase a ticket now to secure your NYE goodie bag, champagne toast, and a spot under the disco ball. ($50, Dec. 31., 8 p.m.-2 a.m., 233 Chestnut St., forsythiaphilly.com)

Live blues music meets fiery burlesque performances at this end of year celebration. Grab a ticket in advance to enjoy a special menu, drink specials, and performances throughout the night. ($25–$150, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., 509 S. Second St., thetwistedtail.com)

Grab a friend and scream-sing your way into a happy (or sad) new year. Playing your favorite emo bands and songs all night long, this party is complete with a basement bar and doesn’t stop until 2 a.m. Tickets at the door are not guaranteed, so get yours ahead of time. ($25, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-2 a.m., 1248 N. Front St., eventbrite.com)

Count down to midnight with five dance floors, karaoke, arcade games, and a champagne toast when the clock strikes 12. Your ticket includes access to a five-hour open bar plus the toast and light bites. Move around the venue as five DJs spin sets all night. ($29-$79, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 111 S. 17th St., eventbrite.com)

Say goodbye to 2021 with live DJ sets, karaoke, and a champagne toast at Chinatown’s Yakitori Boy. You can also pose for photos in free photo booths to capture the final moments of the year and your first memories of 2022. General admission includes a cash bar and party favors. ($25, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., 211 N. 11th St., eventbrite.com)

Get a perfect view of waterfront fireworks while spending the evening in a winter wonderland at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Take to the ice and skate your way into the new year or skip the ice and bundle up in the lodge with drinks and festive bites. Both the skating ticket and spectator ticket include one Ferris wheel ride and a front-row seat to the fireworks. ($45-$55, Dec. 31, 5 and 10 p.m., 101 S. Columbus Blvd., delawareriverwaterfront.com)

Roll into 2022 at this kid-centric New Year’s Eve celebration in Cherry Hill. Your reservation cost includes bowling, pizza, chips, and drinks plus party hats and tiaras. To accommodate different sensory needs, there will be no noise makers or light shows. ($80, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1536 Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill, facebook.com)

End the year on a high note at Franklin Square with music, dancing, crafts, and the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6 p.m. If you can hang, head to the Winter View tent for a kids’ dance party until 9 p.m. (Free, Dec. 31, 4-9 p.m., 200 N. Sixth St., historicphiladelphia.org)

Celebrate with falling confetti and music as the clock strikes 12 — noon that is. Bring the entire family to explore the Please Touch Museum and celebrate the start of a new year in one of two sessions: either the morning or afternoon. Both sessions include a dance party, crafts, and early-bird NYE countdown. (Dec. 31, 9-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-3 p.m., 4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org)

Grab a paintbrush and celebrate New Year’s Eve with an artsy twist. Kiddos 5 and up are invited to explore their creativity and paint a masterpiece. Masks are required to enter the studio. ($28, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2337 Street Rd., Bensalem, paintingwithatwist.com)

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