New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia is a time when going out on the town with friends is almost non-negotiable. In Philadelphia, there are a number of different venues that aim to make the best out of the occasion, but the sooner you plan the better. Philadelphia locations hosting the New Year’s Eve events often drive up prices as the time inches closer to main event.
Here is our roundup of things to do on New Year’s Eve in Philly
NYEmo 2018
Kung Fu Necktie
$10 (before midnight)
With the angsty sounds of AFI, My Chemical Romance, And Fallout Boy to keep you company, Fishtown’s Kung Fu Necktie rings in the new year with one of the least expensive entry fees around.
Totally 90s NYE Party
The repurposed sailing vessel restaurant is getting in on the action, with an open bar from 9 pm to 12 am followed by a cash bar. If the Macarena, Britney Spears and the Spice Girls tickle your fancy, this might be the place for you. You will also be guaranteed a scenic view of the Penn’s Landing Fireworks.
Free New Year’s Eve Compassion Practice & Encouragement for 2018
Kadampa Meditation Center
Free
If you and your friends are looking for something a little more low-key, the Kadampa Center will be holding a teaching event on how to have a meaningful new year from 7 to 8 pm followed by a Buddhist New Year’s Eve party with sparkling cider and dessert.
End of Days: New Year’s Eve
Mad Rex
This is a recently-opened restaurant touted as the world’s first post-apocalyptic virtual reality experience restaurant. The spot features open bar options as well as a five-course dinner, and complimentary transportation and entry to the Gardendale Social Club from 2 to 3:30 am.
New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl
Irish Pol, Sto’s Bar, Silence Dogood’s, Misconduct Tavern, Raven Lounge, Pulse, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Fox & Hound Sports Tavern
$10 to $28
If you’re indecisive about spending the whole night in one place when there’s so much to see, this might be an ideal choice. Buying a wristband at one of the registration points gives you freedom to smear your personal brand of drunken debauchery all over the city.
New Year’s Eve Beer Dinners
Monk’s Cafe
$75
Monk’s Cafe is offering an early and later seating to indulge in holiday brews strategically paired with multiple courses. There will be a beer for every course to ensure a proper New Year’s Eve buzz.
NYE At Bru Craft & Wurst
$19 to $119
This is a center city “bierhall” centered right around several other highly popular bars. It will feature a 5-hour open bar as well as an in-house DJ.
NYE @ Field House
$89 to $129
Field House is a sports bar located right across from the Reading Terminal. General admission amenities include a five hour open bar, midnight champagne, live DJ and light fare.
Yakitori Boy Presents: the Ultimate Countdown PARTY 2018
The famous karaoke bar in Chinatown is throwing down for New Year’s eve, with a premium open bar and large private party karaoke rooms available. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne toasts are also part of the event.
NYE @ Rumor
Rumor
$89 to $3,000
Rumor guarantees a high-octane nightclub vibe on NYE for those who seek it. There will be a premium open bar, as well as a mini buffet for those in the VIP vault.
Frankford Hall X New Year’s Eve with Vacationer
Frankford Hall
$5
Philly’s very own Vacationer will be providing live music to those interested in a Frankford Hall New Year’s. This is a space with an outdoor section, but they are well-prepared with plenty of heaters.
NYE @ Union Trust
Union Trust
$109 to $189
Union Trust is a bi-level event space rife with regal grandeur. It will offer its innate historic architectural flair with all the amenities you’d come to expect.
Fireworks Over Market St
The Gaslight
With a 4-hour open bar, party favors and a DJ, the Gaslight provides a clear view of the fireworks from the front steps and then welcomes you inside for all the debauchery you could dream of. The full dinner menu is also available until 10 pm.
NYE @ Finn McCool’s Ale House
Finn McCool’s
$19 to $89
For the classic Irish pub atmosphere, Finn McCool’s is second to none. It will be featuring a 5-hour open bar with a DJ booth, and bottle service available to VIP members.
NYE Live!
Xfinity Live! Philadelphia
Tickets to the NYE celebration at Xfinity gets you access to five bars under one roof. Included are food, beverages, and live music from Split Decision and other artists.
NYE @ The Crystal Tea Room
Crystal Tea Room
$29 to $209
This location boasts an aesthetic of opulence, and promises body painters, hoop dancers, and plenty of easy access bars.
Midnight From The Top
One Liberty Observation Deck
This is a rare opportunity to ring in the new year from 57 floors up. It’s a black tie event that features a partnership with Craft Concepts Group (BRU, U-Bahn, Uptown Beer Garden) as well as live DJing from Jason Weiss.
NYE 2018 at Manayunk’s Spicy Belly
Spicy Belly
Manayunk’s premier location for Jamaican-Korean fusion is having a 4-hour open bar along with a complimentary appetizer buffet to ring in the new year.
NYE @ Recess Lounge
Recess Lounge
$15 to $129
Beneath the bustling surface of Old City resides the Recess Lounge. This upscale, luxurious bar will be hosting an NYE bash of it’s own, and will spoil you harder than Paris Hilton’s dog.
NYE @ McFadden’s Ballpark
McFadden’s at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark
$59 to $79
This sports fan favorite will be welcoming the public to join them in NYE festivities, complete with a DJ and open bar.
Dark Star Orchestra
The Electric Factory
If you’re looking for a chill concert experience for New Year’s Eve, the Electric Factory is hosting Dark Star Orchestra, a well-traveled and world-renowned Grateful Dead tribute band.
A Chandelier Status Event: Sommore
Punchline Philly
Featuring comedians from the NY Kings of Comedy Tour, Apollo Live! and HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, Philadelphia’s own TuRae hosts two shows the night of December 31st, ensuring the new year is started with a laugh.
Low Key NYE
Free
Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro is looking to host those in search of something more relaxed. Serving a la carte dinner until 11 pm, midnight champagne toasts are complementary.
The Greenwood Gala: A Black Wall Street Affair
The Pegasus Room
This is an event that commemorates the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa Oklahoma, which was deemed “Black Wall Street” in the 1920s. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, as well as other perks for the VIP members.
NYE @ Mad River Bar & Grille
Mad River
$10 to $109
If Manayunk is the move for you and the crew, Mad River welcomes you with open arms. There are many different sections to Mad River to accommodate your every mood, most notably a massive dance floor.
NYE @ Ladder 15
$109 to $159
Ladder is a former fire station turned nightlife staple. Ring in the new year in it’s sumptuous interior if you’re into big city liveliness.
NOTO Philadelphia New year’s Eve Party
NOTO Philadelphia
If high-end glamorous nightlife characterizes your ideal NYE, check out NOTO. It’s a swanky club that sports a modern aesthetic and it’s going hard to ring in 2018 – 5-hour open bar, LED walls, and DJs.
Roc Philly & Adults At Play Present 2018 NYE Celebration
551 E Cambria St
Featuring 3 floors of sound and 30+ DJs over the course of 12 hours, this party is for those interested in something slightly less conventional. It’s a Dark Tower theme, with costumes encouraged.
NYE @ Hyatt Bellevue Hotel
Hyatt Bellevue Hotel
$99+
Multiple dance floors and a huge stage are among some of what you’ll find here, as well as buffets, top-shelf vodka, and sushi courtesy of Hai Street Kitchen.
New Year’s Eve Bash w/ PhillyBloco
World Cafe Live
Phillybloco’s 20 members whip up a raucous blend of Samba, funk and Reggae with opening act Open Hand.
NYE @ Monarch Philadelphia
Monarch
$19 to $119
Famed for it’s upscale poolside parties in warmer months, Monarch throws down for New Year’s Eve in it’s indoor lounge. There will be a 5-hour open bar with a live DJ playing the finest in hip-hop and house.
Watch The Fireworks
Anywhere
Free
The typical move is to go to a bar on NYE, but maybe you’d rather opt to skip all that. There are no rules for how you celebrate the new year, as long as you aren’t alone. Best of all, the fireworks are visible from most elevated places. Grab some champagne, hit up that guy with the roof deck that you pretend to be friends with, and make your own party.