![The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Eve In Philadelphia [2020]](https://www.hhgsocial.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/NYE-Party-1080x630.png)
Need some advice on where to go and when to buy?
This comprehensive guide will give you all the info you need to plan the best New Year’s Eve for you and your friends.
Where to Celebrate NYE 2020 in Philadelphia
1. New Year’s Open Bar
Open Bars are a staple of holiday celebrations in cities all over the world and for good reason. You pre-pay for your ticket and don’t have to worry about the bill at the end, bars and clubs tend to book better talent/DJs, people get dressed up and are generally in a more festive mood. Philadelphia has no lack of open bar options. From fancy options like Crystal Tea Room to your local neighborhood bar.
| Venue | Open Bar | Food | GA | Coat Check | Toast | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec & Royal | 5 or 6 hrs | Yes | $69+ | Yes, Free | Yes | Rittenhouse |
| Crystal Tea Room | 6 hrs | Yes | $72+ | No | Yes | Center City |
| Xfinity Live! | 5 hrs | Yes | $115+ | Yes, $5 | No | South Philly |
| NOTO | 5 or 6 hrs | No | $80+ | No | Yes | Center City |
| Glitter City Gala | 5 hrs | Yes | $99+ | No | Yes | Center City |
| Howl at the Moon | 4 hrs | Yes | $100+ | No | Yes | Center City |
Rec & Royal’s Dripping in Gold
Rec & Royal provides two unique experiences in an artfully crafted venue. One side is fun and games with arcades and karaoke rooms. The other is a cutting edge boutique nightclub where you can party the night away.
Dripping In Gold is one of Philly’s best New Year’s Eve Parties with multiple options for everyone.
- 5 hour Premium Open Bar + Midnight Toast (9pm-2am)
- Members of Royalist Rewards get 1 extra hour (8pm-2am)
- Multiple DJs playing Open Format
- Multiple Screens to watch the Countdown
- Hors d’oeuvres for all Guest
- NYE Décor and Party Favors
- Complimentary Coat Check
- VIP Table Options
- Karaoke Rooms
- Arcade Games (SkeeBall, Air Hockey, Arcades & more)
- Group Discounts Available
Where: 111 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Cost: GA: $69-$119 – VIP: $179+
Get Tickets: Click here
The Crystal Tea Room NYE Party
At the Crystal Tea Room, celebrate the new year at a lavish party with an open bar, complimentary favors, carving stations and entertainment that includes body painting and hoop dancing.
- Midnight DJ-Led Countdown To The New Year
- Music Performed By DJ, Including Top 40, Electronic And Dance, Hip Hop, And More
- Courtesy Toast At Midnight
Where: Crystal Tea Room, 100 E. Penn Square
Cost: GA: $72 – $120 • VIP: $140 – $199
Get Tickets: Click here
NYE Live! at Xfinity Live!
Enjoy 5 venues and 5 party-filled hours at Xfinity Live!’s New Year’s Eve event. Tickets include food, drink and a Champagne toast at midnight.
Split Decision and other bands will perform. You’ll have access to each of the venues including NBC Sports Arena, PBR: A Coors Banquet Bar, 1100 Social, Broad Street Bullies Pub, and Victory Beer Hall.
Where: Xfinity Live! 1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Cost: GA: $115+ • VIP $150+
Get Tickets: Click here
NOTO New Year’s Eve with Chris Devine
Come indulge in the five-hour premium open bar and quench your thirst with NOTO’s delicious cocktails. Fuel up in the early evening with complimentary lite fare before you bust a move on the dance floor, where DJ Mr. Hollywood will be spinning the best Top 40, dance and hip hop beats all night long.
- 5 hr Open Bar
- Premier Entertainment
*Sorry no food is served.
Where: 1209 Vine Street Philadelphia PA US 19107
Cost: GA: $80+ • VIP $99+
Get Tickets: Click here
The Glitter City Gala
With up to 1500+ people the Glitter City Gala is one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations. With tons of bars and bartenders, complimentary soft drinks, and a “to go” table with Philly soft pretzels & water, the hottest crowd, Philly’s best DJs (DJ Sojo and DJ Joe Broscoe), professional photographers and videographers. Also, enjoy:
- Giant ball drop screens
- Champagne
- Multiple floors
- Separate DJ room
- Grand staircases
- Great food & carving stations
- Premium & top-shelf name-brand drinks
Where: 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost: GA: $99+ • VIP $129+
Get Tickets: Click here
Howl at the Moon
Howl at the Moon is the total entertainment experience. Our high-energy live music show is centered around dance hits and party anthems that will get you dancing in no time.
Tickets to New Year’s Eve at Howl at the Moon includes:
- Guaranteed entry
- Standing room only
- 4 hour premium open bar
- Heavy hor d’oeuvres from 9PM-10PM
- Champagne toast at midnight and party favors
- Must arrive between 9PM-10PM
- Gratuity Included
Where: 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Cost: GA: $100+ • VIP $500 [Table]
Get Tickets: Click here
2. Fireworks
The free fireworks show along the Delaware River take place at 6 p.m. and midnight, with attractions like Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Penn’s Landing, the Battleship New Jersey and more offering visitors prime views of the spectacular displays.
3. Restaurant Dinner
Moshulu
Enjoy a Four Course Menu with several options to choose from including Moshulu favorites and seasonally inspired dishes from 3:30 – 10 PM. Music provided by a pianist and Jazz Trio.
Tickets are $150 per person plus tax and gratuity when purchasing in advance. Beverages are not included. $35 for Children 2-14 for a three-course Children’s menu. Enjoy the view on the Deck for Fireworks on the Delaware River at 6 PM and midnight.
Where: 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Phone: 215-732-7560
Cuba Libre
For $110 Enjoy a five-course fixed-price dinner and more. Including:
- Elaborate five-course menu featuring: a canapé, appetizer, salad, entree and dessert (vegetarian option available)
- Late-night admission
- DJ & dancing
- Champagne toast
- Party favors
- All non-alcoholic beverages
- You can keep your table all night!
- Optional drink package add-ons available
They sell out every year – so make your reservation soon
Where: 10 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: 215-563-8800
Get Reservations: Click here
Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Chris’ Jazz Cafe produces over 500 live shows a year. They are a full-service venue open to all ages for most shows.
Chelsea Reed returns to Chris’ with her big band on December 31st to close out the year with a night of swing. They perform 3 showtimes:
- 7pm
- 9pm
- 11pm
Tickets are $30
Where: 1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215.568.3131
Get Tickets: Click here
R2L
Take in the Philadelphia skyline as you enjoy your meal.
R2L offers three seating with various options. Prices range from $75 – $125 based on time and location.
Window seating is very limited, so make sure you reserve soon.
Where: 50 S. 16th Street, 37th Floor, Philadelphia, PA
Phone: 215.564.5337
Get Reservations: Click here
Aqimero
Welcome in the new year in luxury at Aqimero at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. The party includes:
- Champagne fountain
- Midnight balloon drop
- Top-tier entertainment
- Guests can enjoy champagne
- Food stations
- hors d’oeuvres
- 3-hour premium open bar
- Party favors
Prices start at $250/person, with VIP options for $475 and $700.
Where: 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 215-546-2100
Get Reservations: Click here
4. Hosting a Party
Hosting a house party means you’re totally in control, and although this comes with some form of responsibility, it means you can do things your way.
5. Stay Home
5 Reasons to Buy Your NYE Ticket Now
1. Money!
Let’s get straight to it, the number one reason you should be buying that ticket to your New Years Eve party is simply that it saves your money.
2. Ease of Mind
Ever had that feeling of comfort and warm fuzziness inside when you finish a big project or complete a to-do list. You know what I’m talking about the “I’m free to do whatever I want” feeling. New Year’s is basically a project and finishing this task will give you that same feeling.
3. Time to Research
One of the best reasons to look into buying your ticket early is because it gives you time to research. You can find out which party is going to be the talk of the town or which is going to give you the best bang for your buck. After you’ve done your research, selected the best party for you and your friends and had the best night of your life you will be known as the all-powerful party leader amongst your tribe. ALL HAIL you most benevolent sovereign of fun.
4. Great Events Sell Out
If you did your research and found the best party around town it’s no surprise that other people will figure out that this is the place to be. Word WILL get out, people will start talking about where they are going, you’ll see it posted online, maybe even hear about it on the radio. The masses will start buying tickets and before you know it the event will be sold out. Now, you are left to find a sub-par party. PSA: Friends don’t let friends go to sub-par New Year’s Eve parties.
5. The Unknown
This last one looks mysterious but it’s really not. Life happens, things come up as they always do. Especially during the holiday season. Shopping, holiday parties, travel, etc., all these things give you an excuse to put buying your tickets until later. Get ahead of the unknown and purchase those tickets before prices go up or worse the event sells out!
The History of New Year’s Eve
The earliest recorded New Year’s celebration is thought to be in Mesopotamia around 4000 years ago. While the celebrations actually occurred in March during the vernal equinox as this was considered the start of the new year by the calendar at the time. an eleven-day festival was held that would probably put our current parties to shame.
Today we celebrate in the New Year in January due in part to the emperor Julius Caesar The Ancient Roman calendar used to follow the lunar cycle and had the new year beginning in March but over the centuries, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar decided to solve the problem by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians of his time.
Sosigenes, an astronomer convinced Julius Caesar to follow the solar year, instead. He introduced the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that most countries around the world use today.
Starting the new year in January was partially done to honor the god Janus, for whom the month was named. Since Janus had two faces, he was able to look back into the past and forward into the future simultaneously, making him a great spokesperson for the holiday we celebrate today.
Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.
In medieval Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days carrying more religious significance, such as December 25 (the anniversary of Jesus’ birth) and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation); Pope Gregory XIII re-established January 1 as New Year’s Day in 1582.
