You don’t have to travel far to find one of the best U.S. cities for celebrating the New Year’s holiday.
WalletHub recently released a study on the “Best Cities for New Year’s Eve Celebrations” in the country, and Philadelphia was ranked No. 20 on the list.
To determine its rankings, the WalletHub team considered several factors when assessing U.S. cities: entertainment and food, costs, and safety and accessibility. WalletHub then evaluated these dimensions using 26 relevant metrics, ranging from the legality of fireworks to forecasted precipitation for Dec. 31. Each metric was assigned a grade on a 100-point scale. A score of 100 reflects the most favorable atmosphere for New Year’s Eve revelers.
“Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the right city can turn the holiday into a truly magical experience,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “The best cities for New Year’s celebrations have clear skies and some of the best fireworks displays around. The top cities also offer an abundance of highly-rated, affordable dining options, along with a vibrant nightlife and plenty of activities to make your transition into the new year a memorable one.”
It’s no surprise that Philadelphia earned its spot on the list, given the plethora of celebrations that abound. Philadelphia magazine shares a few suggestions for celebrating in the City of Brotherly Love:
Fireworks will illuminate the sky above the Delaware River waterfront at 6 p.m. and midnight, each synchronized to a distinctive soundtrack. Mayor Cherelle Parker also announced that, to ring in 2026, there will also be fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this year.For families with young kids, the Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, will host its signature Countdown2Noon event, which features performances, crafts, dance parties, a ball drop, and confetti in Memorial Hall. This year, there are two sessions: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.Ride 60 floors up in the Four Seasons Philadelphia’s “Midnight in Havana: A New Year’s Eve Celebration Above the Clouds.” The celebration, at 1 N. 19th St., features an open bar, live Cuban jazz and entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight. You can also enjoy a four-course dinner at Jean-Georges before the partying begins.