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New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront
A New Year’s two-for: Ring in 2024 in Philadelphia — twice! — during the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront.
Every year, Philly’s main event on New Year’s Eve draws folks from all over to the Delaware River waterfront to mark the occasion in booming, beautiful style.
Two FREE rain-or-shine fireworks displays along the Delaware River light up the night on December 31, 2023 at 6 p.m. and midnight, offering two chances to catch these spectacular shows in the sky.
While the fireworks are visible up and down the waterfront, the show is centered at Penn’s Landing — conveniently located within a short walk of Old City, Society Hill and South Street.
KYW Newsradio has the soundtrack for both shows, so tune in to 1060 AM from wherever you’re watching, or listen to the music in person at Penn’s Landing.
First Fireworks Show: 6 p.m.
Why wait until midnight? Families with young kids — and anyone else looking to catch the fireworks a little early — are in luck: The first fireworks show kicks off at 6 p.m. on the Delaware River waterfront.
The 6 p.m. show is titled “Let the Games Begin!” and celebrates games and sports of all kinds and before teasing the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Note that the 6 p.m. fireworks show is rain or shine.
— Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Second Fireworks Show: Midnight
To officially ring in 2024, head to the Delaware River waterfront shortly before midnight to snag a great viewing spot for another spectacular fireworks display.
The midnight show is called “Have a Philly New Year” and features music from Philadelphia artists new and old. Take a journey through 70 years of songs about Philly while watching bright bursts of color exploding in the night sky.
Note that the midnight fireworks show is also rain or shine.
The Delaware River waterfront — on both the Philadelphia and New Jersey sides — features fantastic views of the fireworks displays.
Get a front-row view from ticketed Parties on Ice at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, or post up at Penn’s Landing, the Battleship New Jersey, Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier and more spots up and down the waterfront.
Note that some of these locations have festivities that require tickets, so be sure to plan ahead.
For our complete guide on where to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Philly for 2023/2024, click the button below.
Visitors not already in the neighborhood can catch a cab, an Uber or a Lyft to the waterfront.
Another option: Hop on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford subway line to 2nd Street in Old City. From there, it’s approximately a five-minute walk to Penn’s Landing.
For guests who must drive, there are multiple parking lots along Columbus Boulevard. Head to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s official parking page for hourly rates and locations of parking lots.
Visitors should arrive with time to pick out their spot to watch the fireworks display, but dress for the weather — December is usually chilly!
Fireworks as seen from Race Street Pier — Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
The fireworks shows have a beautiful backdrop with the illuminated Benjamin Franklin Bridge and, if viewed from Camden, the Philadelphia skyline.
For more information about the Rivers Casino New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, click the button below.
The fireworks shows are just one way Philly rings in 2024. For more New Year’s Eve festivities happening in the City of Brotherly Love — including live performances, adults-only parties and kid-friendly celebrations — click the button below.
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The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.