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Top New Year's Eve Parties In Philadelphia


There's a lot to celebrate this New Year's Eve. We've survived Hurricane Sandy and another election has gone by, so it's time to ring in the new year the right way and be thankful with friends and family. If a simple night in is not enough for you this season, these top five New Year's Eve parties will have you out and about, celebrating the new year all night long.

SugarHouse Casino

1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(877) 477-3715
www.sugarhousecasino.com

Price: $65 advance/$75 door

Even if you are not an avid gambler and just play the penny slots, the location is posh and the views are interesting at SugarHouse Casino. There will be two fireworks displays rightly named "Twice the Fireworks, Twice the Fun" nearby at the Delaware Waterfront at 6 p.m. and midnight. The casino will also offer an open bar and hors d'oeuvres from 10 p.m. to midnight, with music by The Dane Anthony Band. And don't miss the champagne toast at midnight, or the special fireworks viewing area for ticket holders.

Spirit of Philadelphia
401 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(866) 455-3866
www.spiritofphiladelphia.com

Price: early dinner cruise from $109.90 adult/$69.90 children ages 3 to 12/later cruise from $164.90 adults

If you're sick of being stuck in one place for New Year's Eve, try this floating buffet and dance party that comes with fantastic views of the city. With two options, there are cruises for early birds and night owls alike. The earlier dinner cruise offers a buffet, music, party favors and a unique view of the fireworks from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It's also child friendly. Sign up for the later voyage, which comes with more extras such as premium open bar, a DJ, party favors and that precious champagne toast (for adults only).

Related: Top Area Bars and Nightclubs with Retro Nights

The Piazza at Schmidt's
1050 N. Hancock St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 467-4603
www.atthepiazza.com

Price: $100 adults only

Since becoming the hot spot for hipsters of all ages, the Piazza at Schmidt's has partnered up with most of its restaurant and bar hot spots to offer a NYE bounce-around that goes all night long. PYT, Gunner's Run, Kings Oak and Raw will offer delicious food and open bars. Don't worry about getting cold or wet; the event planners have got you covered with a 20,000-square-foot, heated tent. Also featuring live music and the ball dropping in NYC on a 20-foot outdoor TV, this is a great event to keep you partying the night away with some elbow room.


Lucky's Last Chance
4421 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 509-6005
www.luckyslastchance.com

Price: $25 advance before Dec. 18/$35 adults

Not everyone can or wants to drop $100 on a New Year's Eve event, but other options are just as festive. Sponsored by Out of Print Mag, Lucky's Last Chance is offering a two-hour, deluxe open bar, hot hors d'oeuvres, a midnight champagne toast, DJs Mike Alba and K Spin and, best of all, a continental breakfast at 1:30 a.m. to help soak up all that fun. With two floors, party favors and TVs showing the ball drop, you won't miss a beat.

Blue Cross River Rink
201 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-7465
www.riverrink.com

Price: $30 skaters/$20 spectators

If you want to go out into the city and have fun but don't want all of the boozing and drunken debauchery that usually comes along with New Year's festivities, a family-friendly and fun-filled night awaits at the Blue Cross River Rink. Boasting 18 years of skating on New Year's Eve, this is a romantic spot to watch the fireworks display over the Delaware River. It's also an event that won't break the bank, proving that you don't need that champagne toast to properly ring in the new year.

Related: Top Bartending Classes in Philadelphia

New Year's Eve Splash
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr
Camden, NJ
www.adventureaquarium.com

Price: $35 for adults, $25 for kids 2-12

Spend New Year's Eve with the fam at the Adventure Aquarium. In addition to hanging out with all of the place's creepy-cool creatures, you'll also be treated to a "Countdown Dance Party" and a view of the first set of fireworks. Plus, enjoy family-friendly music, animal encounters, a meet-and-greet with Gil (the Aquarium's mascot) and party hats, noisemakers and confetti cannons.

10 Arts Dinner & Lounge Party
10 Arts at The Ritz-Carlton
10 Avenue of the Arts
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.10arts.com

8 p.m. dinner; $175 per person (+tax and gratuity) for dinner, $75 per person in advance for lounge party

Ring in the New Year at swanky 10 Arts. You'll feast on a six-course tasting menu, dance to live music, partake in a champagne toast and watch as balloons drop at midnight.

Flamenco Dancing & Tasting
Amada at Revel
500 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
www.revelresorts.com

6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10:30 p.m.; $80, $100 or $125 per person (depending on menu)

See live Flamenco at AC's massive Revel, the newest casino of the bunch. While noshing on a variety of small plates and sipping corresponding wine pairings, you'll be treated to live dances from talented Flamenco dancers. There are three seatings (6, 8 and 10:30 p.m.) with two menu options for the earlier times ($80 and $100) and three for the latest ($80, $100, $125). It's a great excuse to party in Atlantic City on New Year's Eve…without waiting in line.

Family New Year's Eve Party
Independence Seaport Museum
Penn's Landing
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.phillyseaport.org

4 – 7 p.m.; $12 for adults, $10 for seniors/children/college students/military

Toast with sparkling cider at this family-friendly NYE celebration. There will also be popcorn, soft pretzels, soda and more, plus a prime balcony view of the dusk fireworks.

New Year's Blast!
Battleship NJ
62 Battleship Place
Camden, NJ
www.battleshipnewjersey.org

Guests of all ages can enjoy New Year's Eve aboard the Battleship NJ. A buffet meal, an open bar and dancing will be offered, along with perfect views of the 6 p.m. and midnight fireworks.

Philadelphia Orchestra's New Year's Eve Concert
The Kimmel Center
260 S Broad St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.philorch.org

Price: $69+, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the start of 2013 at this festive concert put on by the Philadelphia Orchestra. And FYI, the show will be over in time for a later dinner and drinks.

New Year's Eve 'Toast with a Ghost'
Powel House
244 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.ghosttour.net/hauntedphiladelphia.html

8 – 11 p.m. (tours start on the hour)

Ring in the New Year with a different kind of spirit during this creepy event at historic Powel House. You'll hear stories of the parties of days past, and the people who attended…a maybe still do?! Candlelight tours start every hour on the hour, last 70 minutes and include a champagne toast. A portion of proceeds benefits the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.

New Year's Day Events

113th Annual Mummers Parade & MummersFest
Parade runs along Broad Street, beginning at Oregon Avenue and ending at City Hall; MummersFest is at the Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.mummers.com

8:50 a.m. – approx. 6 p.m., FREE ($20-25 for Fancy Brigade shows)

Philadelphia's famous New Year's tradition returns for its 113th (!!!) year. Catch all the revelry during the event's almost 12-hour run. Watch as the Fancy Brigades perform (noon and 5 p.m.) at the Convention Center, then finish up the first day of 2013 with the "Two Street" storm and announcement of the winners.

Commitment Day
Starts on MLK Drive just north of the PMA
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.commitmentday.com/content/philadelphia

11 a.m.; register online

Start the New Year off by actually sticking to your resolution (at least for the first day!). Join thousands of people across the country for this 5K race, happening at cities all over the U.S. at 11 a.m. sharp.

Drop the Ball 2013
The Skybox at 2424 Studios
2424 E York St
Philadelphia, Pa.
www.droptheball2013.com

$60+

Check out the city's only live ball drop, happening at the gorgeous 2424 Studios on York Street. Enjoy cocktails from a 5-hour open bar, a food buffet, an extensive lineup of DJs, onstage dancers, a laser light show, and of course, a 6-foot ball drop at midnight.

Cassie Hepler is a freelance writer covering all things Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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