When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, there’s no better place to be than Penn’s Landing Fireworks New Year’s Eve.
As the iconic Delaware River waterfront rings with music and cheer, eyes turn skyward for the biggest fireworks show of the year!
Here’s everything a reveler needs to know for the grand tradition of celebrating the start of a new year with sights and sounds to remember forever.
Transportation and Parking at Penn’s Landing Fireworks New Year’s Eve
With massive crowds expected, transportation and parking require advance planning. Driving in the congested downtown area can be daunting without prep.
Parking fills up quickly at nearby garages like Spring Garden Street, 2nd Street, and Old City garages.
Arrive early and prep for pricey $20-$40 event parking rates.
Consider grabbing dinner nearby then hoofing to the waterfront to save headaches.
For convenience, take SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line to 2nd Street station or catch the 17, 33, 48, or 61 buses that stop near Penn’s Landing.
The RiverLink Ferry from Camden, NJ also runs an evening NYE schedule. Grab an Uber/Lyft or plan meeting points with your crew if separating.
Arriving Early is Key for the Best Experience
To enjoy live music acts before the big Penn’s Landing Fireworks New Year’s Eve show, arriving 4-5 hours before midnight is recommended. The early window also gives more leeway if any transportation snags occur.
Pack snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and phone chargers to stay fueled during the long wait. Use port-a-potties liberally to avoid long lines as midnight approaches.
Scope out prime viewing spots along the wide riverfront promenade.
Dress warmly in layers, even more than you think necessary.
With the sun down and winds whipping off the river, the cold sets in! Hand warmers, blankets, and winter gear are essentials. visibility.
Penn’s Landing pulls out all the stops to throw an unforgettable NYE party with live entertainment, food, and family fun leading to a dazzling 10-minute fireworks finale at the stroke of midnight.
Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities and Early Fireworks
Penn’s Landing makes sure families with young kids get to celebrate too with early activities and fireworks shows.
From 6:30 to 8:30pm, enjoy street performers, music, magic shows and a dazzling early fireworks display over the river at 7pm for quick little ones. Do also check 4 Best New Years Eve Events in Portland
After the kids’ celebration concludes, groups with sleepy youngsters can head home before the late night crowds arrive.
For hearty partiers, an all-ages dance party lets adults and kids boogie the night away together leading up to midnight.
Riverside Views: Finding the Best Vantage Points
With its sprawling promenade, Penn’s Landing Fireworks New Year’s Eve offers decent views from most riverfront spots. But for the perfect vista, consider these prime viewing locations:
· Near the Festival Pier tent – Close to the show with a central location
· In front of the Hyatt – Elevated terraced area above the crowd
· South of Chestnut Street – Less congested with a clear sightline
· Near the Spruce Street Harbor Park – Downriver view with full reflections
Arrive early, scout your preferred spot, then take turns saving space as the crowds roll in. Being trapped behind clusters of tall heads is no fun! Group coordination ensures good positioning.
Eats and Treats: Food Options to Sustain Your Celebration
With partying crowds burning energy, Penn’s Landing brings in vendors for refreshment. Standard fair food like hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and funnel cake will be available. Trucks along Columbus Blvd serve more filling plates. Or enjoy dinner earlier at downtown restaurants within walking distance.
Pack your own non-alcoholic provisions to save money and minimize waiting. But don’t be afraid to grab a hot chocolate or coffee as midnight approaches – you’ll need it!
The Main Event: Spectacular Sights at Midnight Fireworks Show
After excited hours of music and merriment, the headliner show finally begins at midnight! Find your companions, jockey for that perfect viewpoint, and get your cameras ready.
The 10-minute display turns the sky into a sparkling palette of vibrant bursts. Turner the iconic illuminated “WELCOME” sign on its side for maximum reflection. Shells whizzing upward from the barges offshore synchronize with the live DJ set’s crescendo. Bangs resonate as if the whole city is cheering in the new year.
After the booming grand finale, don’t immediately join the mass exodus. Let the crowds clear first, then slowly make your way to transportation. Share hugs and kisses, snap selfies, and soak up the smoky remnants of gunpowder perfume.
Penn’s Landing pulls out all stops to kick off another year in electrifying style. Join the spectacle and start your new year off right with the one and only Philly riverside bash! Stay safe, have fun, and let the magic of fireworks fill you with hope and joy. Happy New Year, Philadelphia!
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Some Additional Tips for Making the Most of Penn’s Landing NYE:
· Bring hand sanitizer and wet wipes for clean hands before eating snacks. Port-a-potties run out of sanitizer quickly.
· Keep an eye on young kids – it’s easy to get separated in the enormous crowds before and after fireworks.
· Watch your belongings in crowded areas and on transit. Keep phones and wallets secure.
· Have a plan for meeting up with your group if you get split up or lose cell service.
· Keep an eye out for great photo compositions like reflections and silhouette group shots.
· Don’t wait until the last second for bathroom breaks – long lines will leave you stranded!
· Wave glowing stretchy circle toys to enhance celebration and get playful long-exposure pics.
· After fireworks end, give crowds time to disperse – no venue empties quickly with that many people!
Wrapping Up
With thorough planning and these tips for transportation, parking, activities, viewing spots, and more, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience ringing in the Penn’s Landing Fireworks New Year’s Eve.
Enjoy live music, food, spectacle and time with loved ones against the iconic Philadelphia backdrop.
Get ready to cheer, dance, shine with joy, and celebrate the opportunities ahead in the new year.
