#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Still quiet, merry and bright
(Photo by @thetinybun)
As the country inches toward its 250th anniversary, one iconic Philadelphia symbol is ringing loud and clear over all the celebrations. Not only is one of the city’s semiquincentennial programs called “Ring It On!”, but the Liberty Bell is playing a large role in kicking off 2026.
To celebrate New Year’s, the National Liberty Museum is transporting its fully functional, historic 2,000-pound “younger sibling” of the Liberty Bell to Cherry Street Pier. Continue reading …
The National Liberty Museum’s Liberty Bell “sibling”(Courtesy of National Liberty Museum)
Philadelphians were squeezed by multiple utility rate hikes in 2025. With water, electric and gas bills combined, the typical household is paying a little over $30 more per month. Another increase is around the corner in 2026 for PECO customers. Here’s what to know …
The typical water bill could reach reach $97 a month in two years. (Billy Penn file photo)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Gov. Shapiro signed a bill helping domestic violence victims collect unemployment. [Capital-Star]
• Construction of the South Street Pedestrian Bridge will start in 2026, and should be completed in 2027. [WHYY]
• The Monday morning warmup will lead to a Monday afternoon cooldown — with high winds to boot. [6ABC]
• Philly nonprofit Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say. [Chalkbeat]
• More than 40 Philadelphia area spots with heated outdoor dining areas where you can cozy up. [Inq$$]
• Another typical Eagles game: the joy of victory (13-12, at Buffalo) and the misery of dissecting why it should have been easier. [PhillyVoice]
• ‘Stranger Things’ and Philly’s Arden Theatre share an affinity for ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🎆 38 ways to ring in 2026
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Tuesday, Dec. 30: Digitize Your Archives
Bring your treasured photographs and documents to open hours for digital-scanning services. Learn best (and good enough) practices for sharing and preserving your family and personal archives. Register in advance or stop in. At Coleman NW Regional Library. (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Betsy’s Birthday Bash
Celebrate the famous flag maker’s January 1, 1752 birth with Betsy Ross and Mary Crathorne, the 18th-century chocolate maker, who[se reenactor] will talk about her business and demonstrate how she made her goods. Festivities are free with house tour admission. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square Park
Crafts, festivities, mini golf, street curling, snacks, and a 6 p.m. “Square Drop.” Free. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Super Hero Spectacular: A New Year’s Family Party
Plan ahead for rain or shine at Cherry Street Pier, grab a $27 ticket (free for kids 2 and under) for views of the 6 p.m. fireworks on the waterfront, activities, crafts and music, giveaways, and a cash bar. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with the Philadelphia Orchestra
“Hollywood’s go-to conductor” (Billboard) leads spectacular music from classic film scores from such iconic films as Sunset Boulevard, Psycho, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and more. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and grab a selfie on the red carpet. $57 to $187 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: POP! An Art-Fueled New Year’s Eve Party
Art from local Philly artists, a dance party full of your favorite pop music, drink specials, DIY light show, and more. Free at Love City Brewing. (9 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1: Wissahickon Walk with the Philly Goats
Join the 2026 goat takeover of the Wissahickon! Meet some new people and goats for a fun and healthy start to the New Year. They will start at the Northwestern Avenue entrance and walk to Bells Mills Road and back. (1 to 2 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1: Break My Game Playtesting
Come playtest board games designed by local independent game designers. Give feedback on how the games could be better during the design process! Free to play! Donations welcome! At the Board and Brew in University City. (6 to 9 p.m.)