Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
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New Year's Eve Weekend 2023 in Philly: Fireworks, Parades, Countdowns to Noon, and More

Celebrate the new year with fireworks and Elmo, Abby Cadabby, The Count and the rest of the gang at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Celebrate the new year with fireworks and Elmo, Abby Cadabby, The Count and the rest of the gang at Sesame Place. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
12/27/23 - 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 2023 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 Sunday, Franklin Frost thaws and more holiday favorites begin to close up shop, so check our lists twice to make sure you've hit them all. 

More Things To Do in Philly this Week with Kids:

 

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Ring in 2024 by attending the annual Mummers Parade on January 1! Photo courtesy of the event
Ring in 2024 by attending the annual Mummers Parade on January 1! Photo courtesy of the event

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

Kids' New Year's Eve Countdown in Franklin Square

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
Philadelphia
Count down to 2025 in Franklin Square. The event begins with crafts from 5-6pm and concludes with the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6pm. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Cherry Street Pier

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
Philadelphia
It's a kids' countdown to 2024. 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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
Philadelphia
Ring in 2024 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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
Easton
The Crayola Factory celebrates 2024 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

Saturday & Sunday Dec 30-31, 2023
Bethlehem
Bid farewell to 2023 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

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
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

Duke's Diamond New Year at Dutch Wonderland

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
Lancaster
Duke the Dragon hosts a royal celebration to ring in 2024. Gather at 1pm at Market Square to get the wiggles out at a dance party, an exclusive gift for all kids (12 & under) in attendance, all culminating in counting down and watching the diamond drop at 2pm! READ MORE

New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Sunday, December 31, 2024
Philadelphia
As the grand finale of Philadelphia’s holiday season, ring in 2024 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

Macy's Center City Holiday Traditions

Now through Sunday, Dec 31, 2023
Philadelphia
A Philadelphia tradition, the Macy's Christmas Light Show is back. The department store's lineup of holiday events also includes Dickens Village–a 6,000 square-foot walk-thru experience, pictures with Santa, and its iconic holiday window displays.  READ MORE

Mummers Parade

Monday, Jan 1, 2024
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 Monday, Jan 1, 2024
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

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