What Are You Up to for New Year’s Eve?

December 26, 2025 Avy Ferguson

Looking for a reason to leave the house on New Year’s Eve? Fun can be had right on the parkway for free. Music, fireworks, vibes — all planned by the city for months to make sure the concert goes off without chaos. We know our city, but let’s be optimistic, okay?

So, the party starts at 6pm, but it doesn’t really start until 8pm. It’s all going down near the Art Museum steps on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (technically, Eakins Oval). The annoying part is that there will only be one entrance, at 22nd and the Parkway, like other mega-events held in the past. All the party people will go through security, get scanned for anything sketchy, and have their bags checked. So leave the stabby stabbies at home. That walk is a beast to do all over again. Wading through thousands of people is no fun either, but you’re likely okay with that part if you’re even considering the event.

And while we’re on the topic of logistics, don’t even bother driving. Seriously. Just don’t do it. Traffic will be blocked off first thing Wednesday morning with loads of no-parking zones. Don’t let PPA catch you slippin’. Here’s a list of road closures in the area:

Eakins Oval (duh)
Benjamin Franklin Parkway (double duh)
Kelly Drive (triple duh)
MLK Drive (¿por qué?)
Spring Garden St. (just the tiniest bit of it)

Expect music from LL Cool J, Adam Blackstone, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Technician the DJ… and DOROTHY (yeah, I’m hella biased). The fireworks start booming at midnight, but be for real. This is Philly. We’ll be dealing with the booms for at least a week. Hug your veterans.

Looking for something awesome that doesn’t involve being smushed in a crowd of like 25,000 people? Here are a few other options. They cost a lot more than free fiddy, some bordering on bougie, but you do you.