#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Trim-painting at the Church of the Holy Trinity
(Photo by @billlent)
It was a year full of transit headaches and 2026 preparations, endings and beginnings. Through it all, Billy Penn was there for you. We look back on the year’s most impactful and popular stories — and ask our reporting team what their personal favorites were. See you in 2026! Continue reading …
Billy Penn Wrapped: A look at the most read, most memorable, most hilarious stories of 2023.
The new year is coming in with something special — an inaugural concert on the Parkway, featuring LL Cool J, and the biggest fireworks show ever in Philly.
But it’s far from the only way to ring in the new year. From fireworks to family-friendly “ball drops,” Billy Penn has pulled together a list of your options. Continue reading …
A slide advertising LL Cool J’s New Year’s Eve concert in Philadelphia was shown at a City Hall press conference. Dec.22, 2025. (Quinton Davis/City of Philadelphia)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• From a hat drop to a giant sparkling blueberry, see what Pennsylvania communities are raising or dropping to ring in the new year. [Capital-Star/BP2022]
• Pa.’s largest cyber school is spending $700 million on a network of buildings. [PennLive]
• Some snow showers are possible in Philadelphia region for New Year’s Eve. [CBS3]
• Pa. SPCA rescued — and will put up for adoption — six puppies that had been abandoned in a cold parking garage. [PhillyVoice]
• These are the significant restaurant closings of the past year. [Inq$$]
• LL Cool will take the stage tonight for Philly’s inaugural New Year’s Eve Parkway concert. [WHYY]
• “Fresh Air” exec producer Danny Miller is retiring after 47 years. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor will attend the public fireworks and LL Cool J concert on the Parkway, starting at 6 p.m.
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 17: Shooting victims recorded from Dec. 21 to 27, including 2 fatalities, according to city data. During the previous week, 6 shooting victims were recorded, including 2 fatalities. [Source: nickhand.dev]
- 220: Year-to-date homicides, down 17% vs. last year’s pace; down 56% vs. five years ago. [Philly Police]
ON THE CALENDAR
🎆 38 ways to ring in 2026
🛍️ Philly-themed gifts: Where to shop
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square Park
Crafts, festivities, mini golf, street curling, snacks, and a 6 p.m. “Square Drop.” Free. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: Super Hero Spectacular: A New Year’s Family Party
Rain or shine at Cherry Street Pier, grab a $27 ticket (free for kids 2 and under) for views of the 6 p.m. fireworks on the waterfront, activities, crafts and music, giveaways, and a cash bar. (5 to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve with the Philadelphia Orchestra
“Hollywood’s go-to conductor” (Billboard) leads music from such iconic films as Sunset Boulevard, Psycho, Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and more. Enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and grab a selfie on the red carpet. $57 to $187 tickets. (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Dec. 31: POP! An Art-Fueled New Year’s Eve Party
Art from local Philly artists, a dance party full of your favorite pop music, drink specials, DIY light show, and more. Free at Love City Brewing. (9 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1: Wissahickon Walk with the Philly Goats
Join the 2026 goat takeover of the Wissahickon! Meet some new people and goats for a fun and healthy start to the New Year. They will start at the Northwestern Avenue entrance and walk to Bells Mills Road and back. (1 to 2 p.m.)
Thursday, Jan. 1: Break My Game Playtesting
Come play and test board games designed by local independent game designers. Give feedback on how the games could be better during the design process. Free to play. Donations welcome. At the Board and Brew in University City. (6 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 3: Saturday Firstival: The First Balloon Voyage in America
The Athenæum is on the site of the launch of the first successful, manned balloon flight in the U.S., which took place on January 9, 1793 by a French inventor and aeronaut. Celebrate the anniversary with stories, a pop-up exhibit, giveaways and more. Part of the citywide 52 Weeks of Philly Firsts celebration throughout 2026. Free. (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 3: 1st annual Philadelphia Paper Planners Commission meetup
New year, new bullet journals or any other paper planner you prefer! The Philly Pen Circle gathers at Fergie’s Pub for this social, BYO paper-based planner to ink in goals big and small for 2026. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 4: Philly Arts and Vendor Market
One of the first markets of the new year. At the Rotunda. (1 to 5 p.m.)
Through Jan. 9: Nice Things Handmade – 15th annual Ornament Show
Shop local and festive at this annual show/shop featuring crafts by artists in and around East Passyunk.