New Year's Eve Celebration

On Sunday, December 31st, celebrate the New Year in Downtown Harrisburg with a strawberry drop, fireworks, kids activities and more!

The event kicks off at 9pm with a Kid's Glow Party, balloon drop, face painting, crafts, and more. There will also be free snacks for the kids to enjoy. Taking place inside of City Hall (10 N 2nd St), come wearing your brightest neon and white to glow all night!

In front of City Hall, there will be a DJ and free hot cocoa starting at 9pm. Leading up to midnight, we will do the annual strawberry drop at the Hilton followed by fireworks (from 2nd Street between Blackberry & Market Street) to welcome the New Year.

Be sure to make dinner reservations and enjoy performances, parties and more at businesses throughout the City. A list of events and dining specials is below. If you are a City of Harrisburg restaurant, please submit your dining special here.

PARKING: Street parking is free after 5 p.m. in the Downtown area.

For more information visit http://harrisburgpa.gov/nye


Other New Year's Eve Events

Last Laughs of 2023 (9pm-11pm)

Last Laughs

December 31 - Laugh up to midnight!

Join us at Gamut Theatre on New Year’s Eve for a series of short performances to keep you laughing till midnight! TMI, Gamut’s beloved improv company, will entertain you on the Select Medical Mainstage, while Peggy’s Pub provides refreshments in the Capital Blue Cross Lobby. Finishes just in time to see the Harrisburg fireworks.

Doors open at 8:30 PM, with shows on the hour at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 PM.

Purchase Tickets: $10 general admission per show; $30 VIP all-night admission

Popcorn Hat Players 31st Annual New Year’s Eve Party for Children (11am)

Countdown to Noon

Join the Popcorn Hat Players for their 31st annual New Year’s Eve Party for children where they countdown to NOON instead of midnight! 

This year, our party is back at the Sunoco Performance Theater at the Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg. Tickets include admission to the show, noisemakers, party hats, a Hawaiian lei, and don’t forget the balloon drop! 

Featuring this year’s show, The Princess and The Pea! 

Purchas Tickets: $12

Emo Night at HMAC (8pm)

Emo Night HMAC

Join HMAC to celebrate New TEARS Eve featuring all your favorite emo, pop punk, and screamo tunes along with a ball drop at midnight. Discount hotel rooms are available at the Crowne Plaza Harrisburg, just ask for the HMAC special rate when booking.

Located in the heart of Harrisburg’s historic Old Midtown district, The Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (H·MAC) is a 34,000 sq. ft. multi–venue arts and entertainment complex, with Nonna Ilva Italian restaurant open to the public. The venue features a full bar service, drink specials, event dining packages with indoor and outdoor seating.

Tickets can be purchased at online.

NYE with Yam Yam at XL Live (8:30pm)

NYE XL Live

YAM YAM is inspired by 1970s soul music, New Orleans roots of jazz music, and modern/vintage funk and jam music. The band features raw instruments and captures a high-energetic sound. YAM YAM is Mike Dempsey on keys, Jason Mescia on saxophone, Xander Moppin on bass, Tom Fuller on guitar, and Tyler Fuller on drums.

General Admission: $25 Early entry: $45

To see full calendar of events, visit xlhbg.com

NYE Cabaret at Open Stage (9pm)

Open Stage is ringing in the New Year the best way they know how: with song! This free event is hosted in The Court Street Cabaret bar where the bartender will whip up special New Year’s Eve cocktails. While you enjoy a delicious drink and complimentary snacks, you can take in the songs of Broadway (and beyond) sung by Open Stage artists and YOU! That's right! This cabaret is open mic and you can sign up to sign! (No pressure!)

Come and go as you please throughout the evening but be sure to return at midnight for a complimentary champagne toast.

Doors open at 9pm. Open Stage is located at 25 N. Court St., on the street level of the Walnut Street Parking Garage in Downtown Harrisburg.

Bourbon St Saloon NYE Party

Party your way into 2024 at Bourbon Street Saloon! The fireworks are on 2nd Street this year and our New Year's Eve party is the best place to celebrate on Sunday, December 31st as we ring in the new year!

NYE Karaoke at JB Lovedraft's MicroPub (9pm - 1am)

JB Love Drafts

Ring in the New Year singing your favorite songs at our FREE Karaoke! There will also be themed cocktails and food specials (see in dining section).

Arooga’s  NYE Party

New Year's Eve party at Arooga's starts at 9 pm with DJ Caraby and champagne toast at midnight

(events will be updated as details are received so check back frequently)


Dining Specials:

(the list below will be updated as details are received so check back frequently) If you are a City of Harrisburg restaurant, please submit your dining special here.

Stock's on Second

Join Stock's for their special New Year menu items which include Steamed Mussels in white wine, fennel, stewed tomatoes and crispy pancetta. Want something unique? Check out their Duo of Duck entree which is spiced and seared, served over roasted new potatoes, haricot verts, pomegranate molasses glaze. View full menu here.

Nocturnal New Years Eve Drink Special

NYE Drink Special

“Pop-it and Lock-it” Spiritworks Vodka, Watermelon Pucker, Sours & Sprite topped with pop rocks. $12

NYE Drink Specials JB Lovedraft's MicroPub (9pm - 1am)

Rock'n Into the New Year” Tequila, Triple sec, Sours, Sprite, and a Rock Candy garnish. Must be 21+ with valid ID Rock'n Into the New Year - $9 

Rubicon

Dine at Rubicon on NYE and check out their specials like oysters, seared foie gras, Seared Norwegian Halibut, or Grilled Dry-Aged Prime Rib. See their full menu here.

Harrisburg Beach Club

Harrisburg Beach Club

Come to our NYE Pre-Party Celebration before you head downtown! Enjoy a delicious burger and fries. Have a spiked cider or hot chocolate while trying your hand at Curling! Sit by the fire or rent a heated Igloo while sipping on a glass of champagne. Complete booking information on our website. Open from noon- 10pm


New Year Day 

Penguin Plunge (Jan. 1)

Penguin Plunge

Join the Humane Society of Harrisburg and take the plunge to help the homeless animals of Central PA! On New Year's Day, join the "pack" and jump into the icy cold Susquehanna River on City Island from 10 am - 12 pm

At the animals' request, participants must raise a minimum of $40.00. Any participant that raises a minimum of $75.00 will receive an exclusive event towel (which you will definitely need after jumping into the cold water)!

Enjoy music, some food, and warm up with a drink or two (enjoy it non-alcoholic or "spiked"). In addition, there will be raffles, a costume contest, and more! Whether you plan to take the plunge or are here to be a spectator, you don't want to miss these two hours of jam-packed fun!

More information, visit humanesocietyhbg.org/outreach/annual-events/penguin-plunge 

New Year 5K/10K at City Island

Ready…set…go! US Road Running is hosting a 5k and 10k on New Year’s Day with finisher medals for everyone, water, snacks, and a new year themed after party!

Get all race information and sign up to participate online.