Watching the Times Square Ball Drop on TV is a tradition for many families and a fun way to ring in the new year. But you don’t have to travel all the way to New York City to see the ball drop, either. There are plenty of unique ball drops and parties taking place in the Delaware Valley this year, from kid-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” events to date nights for parents.
All of these events begin Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Family-Friendly
Countdown to 2026 at Please Touch Museum Philadelphia, PA
9:30-11 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m., Live entertainment, interactive play and a confetti ball drop
Roaring into the New Year – Wilmington, DE
9:30 a.m.-noon, Features a science-related ball drop at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Zoo Year’s Eve at the Brandywine Zoo Wilmington, DE
10 a.m.-2 p.m., There are two separate ball drops at this popular event.
PEEPSFEST at SteelStacks – Bethlehem, PA
3-6 p.m., Don’t miss a giant PEEPS Chick Drop just under two hours north of Philly.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Sesame Place Langhorne, PA
6 p.m., Celebrate the new year with your Sesame Street neighbors!
Date Night
Philadelphia Under the Fireworks Yacht Party – Philadelphia, PA
9 p.m.-1 a.m., Set sail on Ben Franklin Yacht from Penn’s Landing for fun on this VIP cruise!
Philly NYE Bar Crawl 2026 – Philadelphia, PA
9 p.m.-2 a.m., Meet at 1903 Chestnut St. to explore Philly’s bar scene for New Year’s Eve!
The Annual “Celebrity Style” New Year’s Eve Fireworks Gala – Philadelphia, PA
9 p.m.-2 a.m., Delicious food, a luxurious atmosphere and a fireworks show at Pyramid Club
