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New Year's Eve Weekend in Philly with Kids: Count Down to 2026

Ring in 2026 by attending the annual Mummers Parade on January 1! Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Ring in 2026 by attending the annual Mummers Parade on January 1! Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
12/30/25 - By Nicole O'Donnell

Looking for the best things to do in Philly on New Year's Eve and New Year's Weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Skate into the New Year with a bang! Bid farewell to 2025 and join the fun at the New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration, complete with views of the fireworks presented by Rivers Casino. Enjoy early countdown celebrations, plus more fireworks displays at Peepsfest or Sesame Place.

New Year's Day brings the time-honored tradition of the Mummers Parade, a celebration that has delighted and entertained Philly for more than 120 years. After the New Year's ball has dropped, a lot of the holiday events come to a close, so check your list twice and make sure you don't miss a thing.

More Things To Do in Philly this Week with Kids:

 

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Things To Do New Year's Eve Weekend in Philly with Kids

Kids' New Year's Eve Countdown in Franklin Square

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
Count down to 2026 in Franklin Square. The event begins with crafts from 5-6pm and concludes with the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6pm. You can also watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront from Franklin Square, which will remain open until 8pm. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Cherry Street Pier

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
It's a kids' countdown to 2026. Crafts, photo-ops, New Year's swag, and a DJ dance party make for a festive family night out on the Pier. Guests can view the 6 pm Rivers Casino New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. READ MORE

Rutabaga New Year's Eve Bash

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
Storyteller Thembi Palmer shares her new book, plus enjoy festive playtime, snacks, drinks for grown-ups, and a walk to Ainslie street for a 6pm ball drop. READ MORE

Countdown2Noon

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
Ring in 2026 on the dance floor at the Please Touch Museum, where a kid-friendly New Year's Eve celebration includes performances, activities, and a countdown to a 12pm ball drop in Hamilton Hall. READ MORE

Betsy Ross' Birthday Bash

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
Happy Birthday to you, Betsy Ross! Every year, guests to the Betsy Ross House enjoy a birthday celebration on New Year's Eve which includes family-friendly activities like storytelling and crafts.  READ MORE

New Year's Eve Buffet & Fireworks Family Celebration

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Hilton Philadelphia Penn's Landing for a family fun celebration in the beautiful 3rd-floor Discovery Room! Feast on various buffet options your kiddos will enjoy. The party includes a DJ, party games, a face painter, a balloon artist, and an incredible fireworks display at 6 pm over the Delaware River. READ MORE

Sesame Place New Year's Eve Fireworks

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Langhorne
Celebrate the new year with fireworks set to Sesame Street music. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, The Count and the rest of the gang are ready to join in the fun. This impressive display occurs after the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. READ MORE

Jazzberry Jammin' New Years Event

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Easton
The Crayola Factory celebrates 2026 with its Jazzberry Jammin' New Year's Eve celebration. Families enjoy a silent disco, mid-day countdowns, character appearances, and colorful activities. READ MORE

PEEPSFEST

Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec 30-31, 2025
Bethlehem
Bid farewell to 2025 with all things PEEP® at Peeps Fest. This family-friendly event is now entirely outdoors and features live music, crafts, scavenger hunts, and even a Leaning Tower of PEEPS®. The PEEPS® Chick Drop will take place each day at 5:30pm. READ MORE

Zoo Year's Eve

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Wilmington
Celebrate the New Year a little early as the Brandywine Zoo counts down to noon! Games, crafts, and a sparkling cider toast await at this special celebration. Dress for the weather as the festivities are outdoors. READ MORE

Dazzling Dutch New Years

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Lancaster
Celebrate NOON Year's Eve with the help of your royal pals and the DutchWonderBand! Enjoy the festivities and the confetti in Market Square plus 20+ rides, magic shows, storytime, and more! READ MORE

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

Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025
Philadelphia
As the grand finale of Philadelphia’s holiday season, ring in 2026 with the biggest and brightest fireworks show in the area. Enjoy the vibrant show set to an exhilarating soundtrack to start the New Year unforgettably. READ MORE

Mummers Parade

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026
Philadelphia
This annual tradition is a great way to start off the new year, Philly-style. Beginning at Philadelphia's City Hall at approximately 9am, spectators can enjoy the Mummers as they march south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue. READ MORE

Carnival of Lights

Now through Thursday, Jan 1, 2026
Pottstown
Holiday lights, amusement rides, and games await families at the Carnival of Lights in Pottstown. This year's carnival will be held at the Norco Fire Department. Guests can expect more food, vendors, and visits with Santa. READ MORE
Noisemakers and party hats make the evening feel festive from the start! Photo by Ivan Samkov via Pexels
Noisemakers and party hats make the evening feel festive from the start! Photo by Ivan Samkov via Pexels

More Top Things To Do in Philly Right Now

16 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Philly Celebrations for Kids

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Discover the best things to do with Philly kids in winter! READ MORE

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About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
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