Guide To Spending New Year's Eve 2015 In Philadelphia

Looking for a place to celebrate New Year's Eve? Look no further than the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is getting ready to welcome 2016 with parades, parties, attractions and spectacular waterfront fireworks, giving locals and visitors plenty of opportunities to ring in the New Year. Best of all, many of these events are family-friendly – and free! Read on for some ways to navigate New Year's Eve in Philadelphia this year, and get the scoop on some must-see events.

Getting Around the City

Getting around the city and surrounding suburbs can sometimes be difficult over the holidays, but the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) traditionally offers modified transportation schedules for bus, train and trolley services over the New Year's holiday. SEPTA also provides special late night service on New Year's Eve. You can find more information about the 2015 New Year's Eve transportation schedule on the website. In addition, some Philadelphia-area hotels offer free concierge service for New Year's Eve.

Macy's Holiday Light Show
1300 Market St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 241-9000
http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/

The holiday light show at Macy's in Center City has been a Philadelphia tradition since 1956, and New Year's Eve will be the final time to see it in 2015. Over 100,000 LED lights twinkle to the sounds of the famed Wanamaker Organ throughout the 11-minute show, which is held in the store's iconic Grand Court. Show times are at the top of the hour, every two hours, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Celebration NYE 2016 At XFinity Live
1100 Pattison Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 443-6416
www.xfinitylive.com

New Year's Eve parties are a plenty in Philadelphia, but if you only hit one venue, make it the city's biggest bash. The popular XFinity Live entertainment complex offers an impressive seven parties under one roof, with food, drink, live music and a huge video screen so patrons can watch the Times Square ball drop in style.

SugarHouse Casino's New Year's Eve Fireworks
1001 N Delaware Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(267) 232-2000
www.sugarhousecasino.com

There's no better place to see the city's New Year's Eve fireworks than on the Delaware River Waterfront. Sugar House Casino offers a double shot of spectacular free fireworks shows, one at 6 p.m. and one at midnight. The festivities take place on the Waterfront at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street. And with two show times, even little ones can enjoy the New Year's Eve festivities. Take note: The prime viewing locations for the annual fireworks display include the casino's deck and Penn's Landing Park.

Related: Top Hotels With A View Near Philadelphia

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-7465
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com

You'll need some cash for this one, but New Year's Eve is a great time to head to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Not only does this popular holiday pop-up offer great views of Penn's Landing New Year's Eve fireworks, but it's a family-friendly activity that includes spectacular shows and plenty of skating. The RiverRink is located on Penn's Landing. If you decide to go, time it to overlap with the fireworks.

Related: Top Holiday Attractions In And Around Philadelphia

Mummers Parade
www.phillymummers.com

It's a 116-year-old tradition – and counting. No New Year's trip to Philly would be complete without a stop at the Mummer's Parade. The annual event, which features more than 40 organized Mummers' clubs dressed in colorful costumes, is held on January 1, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall. While premier viewing of the nation's oldest folk parade requires a ticket, there are multiple spots along the parade route where onlookers can experience the carnival-like atmosphere and see the action for free.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.