Penn’s Landing is hosting two spectacular fireworks shows this New Year’s Eve, one at 6 p.m. and one at midnight.
The displays, along the Delaware River, are about 15 minutes each, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline. But where exactly is the best vantage point?
Here are our top picks for fireworks-viewing spots hosting official New Year’s Eve parties:
• Blue Cross RiverRink: The rink hosts the 17th annual New Year’s Eve Parties On Ice from 5 to 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The convenient location on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street offers an up-front view of the fireworks. Enjoy great food, live entertainment in the heated indoor facility, and — of course — ice-skating. Tickets to the Parties on Ice are $30 for skaters and $20 for spectators, available for purchase at the Kimmel Center Box Office through Tuesday, December 28th.
• Battleship New Jersey: View the fireworks from the decks of the battleship, across the Delaware River. Prizes, music, food and bar service will be available. The ship opens at 4 p.m. for the 6 p.m show, and 10 p.m. for the midnight show. Tickets are $8, available online. You can also spend the first night of 2011 aboard the Battleship. After dinner in the crew’s mess, a ride in the flight simulator, a tour of the ship and a non-alcoholic toast during the midnight fireworks, guests can head down to the bunks for a Navy-style sleepover. Tickets are $60.95.
• The Philadelphia Belle: Choose from a sunset or midnight New Year’s Eve cruise — both end in the closest-possible viewing of the fireworks shows, directly on the water. The sunset cruise boards at 3:30 p.m. and sails from 4 to 6:30 p.m.; enjoy a four course sit-down dinner, cash bar, live entertainment, party favors and viewing of the 6 p.m. fireworks. ($99.95 per adult, $75 per child 4-12). The midnight cruise boards at 9 p.m. and sails from 9:30 to 12:30 a.m.; a four course sit-down dinner is also served, along with a premium open bar, champagne toast at midnight, live entertainment and party favors ($180 per person). Reservations can be made online.
• Independence Seaport Museum: The museum will stay open late on New Year’s Eve so guests can enjoy the 6 p.m. fireworks from the second floor balcony overlooking the river. There will be music and a sparkling cider toast at 6 p.m. This event is free for Seaport Museum members, and included with regular admission ($12 for adults, $10 for Seniors, $7 for children/college students/military, free for children under 3).
More picks below.
• Adventure Aquarium: Sea creature lovers can party with the fishes at the aquarium’s Deep Sea Splash. After enjoying the colorful and majestic underwater animals, guests can dine on hors d’oeuvres, food stations and open bar, and catch a great view of the fireworks while toasting with champagne. Music and entertainment round out the New Year’s adventure.
• Spirit of Philadelphia: Set sail on the Spirit of Philadelphia for either of its New Year’s dinner cruises, beginning with the family cruise 4 to 6:30 p.m. The event includes a soda and juice bar, a grand buffet, a DJ, holiday décor and party favors, plus an up-close view of the illuminating fireworks display at 6 p.m. Tickets are $99.90 per adult, $59.90 per child ages 3-12. The midnight fireworks cruise sails from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (the party continues dockside until 1 a.m.) Along with sweeping views of the fireworks and the city skyline, the night includes a dinner buffet, hors d’oeuvres, premium open bar, DJ music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast. Tickets are $186.90 (ages 21+ only). Spirit of Philadelphia reservations can be made online.
• Hyatt Regency Philadelphia: The Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing is kicking off the New Year with not one, but two celebrations. Families can join in on the fun with a special celebration starting at 4 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, dinner and a dessert carnival before watching the 6 p.m. fireworks show. Tickets cost $55 for adults, $25 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and under. Alternatively, for the midnight fireworks, grown-ups can enjoy a four-course dinner in the Keating’s River Grill at the hotel with a great view of the fireworks, then continue the party with live music and dancing. Tickets cost $95 per person.
Details: 201 South Columbus Boulevard
• SugarHouse Casino: The riverfront walkway at the casino will become a festive spot to watch both fireworks displays, with concession stands and speakers playing the synchronized soundtrack for each of the shows. From 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., there will be 11 winners of $500 free slot play each hour, and 11 winners of $1,000 cash at 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.
• Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing: Head to the plaza for a front-row view of the fireworks while listening to the synchronized soundtrack for the show. Free and open to the public.
• Wiggin’s Park in Camden: Across the river in Camden, you can get an equally spectacular view of the fireworks from Wiggin’s Park, located near Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. Free and open to the public.
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