SCRANTON, Pa. — 2026 is just hours away, and folks in Scranton are already celebrating.
“A lot of people are coming here for the first time, preparing a lot of special food, the wine pairings for each dish, getting those ready. Everybody that’s doing the service tonight aware of what dish we’re serving,” said Francis Ghilard, Warney’s Cellar and Tap owner.
Warney’s Cellar and Tap just opened in June, which means, “this is our first New Year’s Eve here,” said Ghilard.
It’s a place that’s attracting folks who want to celebrate the new year in a more relaxed atmosphere.
“Something different, small, nothing big, last year we went to like bands and stuff, one of the bands that plays at the bar plays somewhere else, and last year we went there and we decided to keep it quiet and simple this year,” said Sheila Sankar of Scranton.
It’s the first New Year’s Eve for Sergei’s Live too, but with the lights and music ready to go, they’re preparing for a more traditional New Year’s Eve celebration.
“Doors are open right now, we’re expecting over five or 600 people, VIPs are pretty much sold out, general admission is available at the door, we have DJ Chris James, and it’s going to be fun, a whole night for the whole building, 519 Linden Street,” said Gabe Wilkins, the general manager of Sergei’s Live.
The folks over at Bartari already have the bubbly flowing.
“We do a free champagne toast every year at midnight, and it brings in a good crowd. I serve probably anywhere from 80 to 100 glasses of champagne in 45 minutes, so it should be a nice crowd here tonight,” said John Heim, the owner of Bartari.
As these partygoers are ready ring in 2026.
“I’m feeling good about it, I’m feeling pretty positive in general, but I’m feeling pretty good about it, I think it’s going to be what we make it,” said Bill Sheakoski from Olyphant.